Experiences with solar roof tiles/solar tiles

We have already heard of roof tiles with solar cells/solar tiles. Does anyone know these? These are apparently relatively new. Has anyone had experience with them? I would be happy.

Hello sasch 1,

since I am familiar with this technology but have not yet planned it myself, I am quoting a statement from Schottsolar, a manufacturer of photovoltaic modules for solar roof tiles:

"They are currently less common than conventional photovoltaic systems because the price-performance ratio per square meter is still less favorable than with the mounting of solar modules on the roof. Since solar cells react to heating with a drop in performance, solar roof tiles should be well ventilated behind. Solar roof tiles make sense for special architectural or aesthetic applications when cost considerations are not the priority, e.g. in representative buildings or buildings or ensembles that are under monument protection."

For me as an engineer, a solar roof made of many small modules would be problematic because of the multitude of plug connections; manufacturers have certainly thought this through well, but the more connections there are, the greater the risk of a technical defect. Two conventional modules have one connection; if something doesn't work there, it can be quickly checked - unlike when you have 10-15 connections.

"Essentially" hardly more uncomplicated; it is technically the case that solar roof tiles are installed on the roof in smaller modules than conventional photovoltaic modules. There are different variants and all solar roof tiles require more surface area to deliver the same output as a large-scale photovoltaic module of comparable area.

So not only do the solar roof tiles involve higher installation effort (and a greater number of wiring connections), but you also need comparatively more of them.

One of the first Swiss producers of "Slates"; Atlantis-Energie no longer exists. At exhibitions I have seen photovoltaic tiles again, but I don't know anyone who has used them. Quite the opposite of, for example, 3S and Easy-Roof, which offer proven in-roof systems.

The company autarq- Solardachsteine (DE) will start the series production of individual solar roof tiles (customer-specific roofs) this year. autarq has been collecting insights, experiences, and measurement data since 2012 on various roofs (regions), with different types of tiles/roof shingles and has achieved very good results in efficiency and yields so far. Autarq delivers complete systems with controllers, storage, and energy managers at very attractive prices. On 01.01.2016, a TV spot was published on "Radio-Berlin-Brandenburg" (RBB) (DE). The contribution can still be viewed in the MEDIATHEK of the RBB until 06.01.2016. It aired in the show BRANDENBURG-AKTUELL (19:30-20:00) on 01.01.2016. I wish you much fun watching and a sunny and healthy year 2016 Yours MS

So personally, I have no experience with these solar roof tiles. However, the brickworks Louis Gasser AG produces such roof tiles. Years ago, I also saw this once at a trade fair. But it has not really caught on yet.