In addition to being environmentally friendly and energy efficient, these tiles can also give your roof a very stylish look.

What are Solar Tiles?

There are a lot of advantages when it comes to powering your home with solar panels. It is especially true when it comes to saving the environment and also saving money. However, since these things are becoming much more affordable, there are also a few disadvantages to them. One of the complaints that is repeatedly made against solar panels is that it changes the look of the home quite significantly. This simple thing becomes quite the big issue because there may be limitations to the aesthetics that homeowners can play with. These are legal limitations. If that is the situation that you find yourself in or you simply want a more natural looking look, you should really make sure to check out solar tiles rather than the traditional solar panels. 

These are tiles that are basically small modules which can be attached to the existing shingles that you have or you can even substitute them. This look, the finished look, is a look that is very natural and much more so than that of traditional solar panels. This is because tiles have the potential to blend with the roof quite seamlessly. These are tiles that can be made from thin PB film or also classic monocrystalline cells of solar. 

While they used to be very expensive, solar tiles are slowly becoming more and more affordable, competitive in price and also growing in popularity. In fact, they are moving on from being just a premium product to a product that is a much more common alternative to the traditional “bolt-on” solar panels. 

Advantages

These are tiles that happen to be almost invisible. This is probably the biggest advantage that this technology has. This completely eliminates the problem of having to cover your roof with solar panels that are huge. By far, this is the more pleasing option. 

The tiles work just like panels do and provide the homeowner with energy that is both clean and free. This means that these tiles are also applicable for the literal same incentives. Not only will you be saving money on the electricity bills but, depending on where you live, you may actually be entitled to make money because of using these tiles. Also, remember that these tiles will greatly enhance the value of your home as the demand for energy that is green is so high at the moment. 

These tiles are also much more durable than the traditional panels. While it is true that solar panels can last for about 40 years, they are prone to damage from extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The solar tiles are as durable as the roof itself and no hurricane will be able to get them off of the roof. 

These tiles are perfect for buildings that are new. One other advantage of solar tiles is that they can help come up with solutions to the problem of reducing wasted space on the roof and to also maximize the solar efficiency. The process of installing these tiles are also pretty straightforward and can be done by any roofer. They are also available in a wide variety of styles as well. 

Disadvantages

One big disadvantage of these tiles is that they cannot be installed on a roofing that already exists. The thing is if you were to even renovate with these tiles, then you would have to completely get rid of the roofing tiles you had before. This is a major reason why they are considered to be suitable for only new buildings or those that are planning on replacing all the tiles. There is a very good reason behind this. That reason is that solar and the shingles that are traditional have to be installed at the exact same time. On the other hand, solar panels can be installed even after you have completely finished a roof. This complicated tile installation process drives a lot owners away. 

Then there is also the fact that not all roofs have the real estate required in order to accommodate these tiles. These tiles need to be pitched and angled in the most perfect way in order to be eligible for the solar tiles. With this in mind, it is important to note that solar panels are much easier to position even on roofs that are difficult. 

It should be plainly obvious that the initial cost of purchasing these tiles is much higher than the regular tiles. In the current market, they are much more expensive than the regular solar panels.