What are solar roofing tiles?

Solar tiles, also known as PV tiles or solar shingles, are designed to look like traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or slate, while generating electricity. Solar shingles (or photovoltaic tiles) are a way to seamlessly integrate solar technology into your home without compromising the natural design of your home. Unlike traditional solar panels mounted on roof tiles, solar shingles can completely replace your roof tiles. Although solar shingles look different from traditional solar panels, they work on the same principle. This clever alternative means you can use solar power to generate electricity in style. Solar shingles are a solar solution called Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).

solar roof tile

Solar tiles and solar panels

Solar tiles are similar to asphalt shingles or slate and are installed flush with the roof surface, meaning they can be embedded into the roof itself. By replacing and resembling the surrounding roof slate, the design can be integrated into the aesthetics of the roof. Traditional PV panels are mounted on mounting brackets that sit on top of the shingles or slate. There is usually a gap between the panel and the roof, which is a significant aesthetic loss as well as a safety hazard.

Solar roof tiles are more suitable for new construction or whole house roof renovation projects; PV panels are installed without special requirements, but the process of mounting brackets can damage the original roof structure.

Currently, photovoltaic tiles can achieve 150W per square meter, with a conversion efficiency of 18.9%. Photovoltaic panel power per square meter 225w, conversion efficiency can be achieved 20%.

The service life of PV tiles is >30 years, and the service life of PV panels is about 20 years. Therefore, in the whole life cycle, the difference in power generation between the two is not large.

Advantages of Solar Tile

Solar roof tile has architectural grade standard, class A fireproof, super pressure resistance can be stepped on, hail resistance grade Φ25mm/23m/s, can achieve the same life as the building. Triple waterproof design, passed GB/T 36584-2018 5.1 waterproof test

Its unique component design can achieve ventilation and heat dissipation and quick maintenance. Solar roof shingles are more than three times stronger than ordinary roof shingles and are designed for all-weather protection. Solar roofs last longer than regular roofs and are designed to protect your home for decades.

How long does a solar roof last? 

PV tiles last at least 25 years (the life of the building) and come with two warranties - a product warranty and a performance warranty. If there is a problem within 5 years of your purchase, Gain Solar promises to replace or repair the product free of charge or refund the market price.

Why are there single and double pane roofing shingles?

It has to do with the weight of the roof. Single and double glazing depend on the weight of the components, light is single glass, heavy is double glass.

Roof Tile Installation

Photovoltaic tile is a kind of roofing material that integrates photovoltaic and building, it is suitable for single-slope or multi-slope roofs with slope more than 15 degrees and less than 60 degrees. As a roofing material, it not only matches the style of the building itself, but also replaces the traditional tile material, and at the same time endows it with the power generation function, thus making the building itself truly zero carbon. The installation of photovoltaic tiles is not much different from the installation of ordinary roofing materials, and Jia Sheng is equipped with professional installation instructions. A normal roof can be installed within 2 days.