What Are Solar Panel Tiles?

Solar panel tiles are among the newest and most advanced additions to the list of roofing materials available today. Tesla, the famed automobile manufacturer, pioneered these tiles, which make a style statement for a modern home. They combine functionality with style to create a near-perfect combination for houses today and in the future.

Solar panel tiles are still in the early stages of development and are subject to continual research and refinement. As a result, many people wonder if they are worth the money or effort to install. They are on the market, but businesses are attempting to improve various aspects of them. They come in the shape of shingles and tiles with photovoltaic elements embedded in them that link to form a solar power grid that can power your home.

Available Options

Besides Tesla, other manufacturers offer innovative solar panel tiles or shingles for a modern home roof. These include PowerHouse Dow Solar, CertainTeed, SunTegra, and Luma, amongst numerous others. These materials have their respective characteristics in advantages and disadvantages. They also differ in prices and experiences that users associate with them. It is crucial to dive into greater detail before picking out an effective solar roofing tile option for your home.

The Benefits of Solar Roofing

If you can afford it, solar panel tiles are the most effective roofing material because they are unique and multi-functional. They are one-of-a-kind and tastefully decorated to bring a sense of luxury to your house. Solar shingles can create up to 110 watts per square meter, whereas solar tiles can only produce 70 watts per square meter. Durability is also not an issue, as they can last up to 30 years with adequate care and upkeep.

Solar tiles and shingles have a Class A fire rating, in addition to the obvious benefits of giving clean, sustainable energy to your home. They can also withstand hail damage, as they are designated Class 4 for hail damage. These tiles can withstand wind rates of up to 130 miles per hour. There is anticipation that prices for solar tiles will fall considerably as time passes and technology evolves.

Solar Panel Tiles

Potential Drawbacks

The most significant disadvantage of solar tiles is that they are still in their early stages of development. Despite their many advantages, tiles are nevertheless unreliable. Furthermore, they are highly costly, particularly if a homeowner opts to use Tesla tiles or shingles. Solar tiles are also challenging to install, with only a few experts having sufficient knowledge.

Are Solar Panel Tiles Worth the Money?

Solar panel tiles have been around for a couple of years, but they are still undergoing improvements. Tesla and its founder Elon Musk have said that they have made “significant mistakes” in the manufacture of these innovative products. However, the company still made approximately $494 million in sales revenue from the tiles during the first three months of 2021.  These are significant numbers, but users continue to report problems with their systems worldwide.

Solar tiles are a unique roofing material, and the additional benefit of power generation through a renewable source that comes with them is hard to pass on. However, with the state of the current market, solar tiles are a risky investment. Unless you have the money for costly repairs or replacement, it is not advisable to opt for solar panel tiles currently. In a few years, when the technology is stable, there will be no better material than solar panel tiles, but presently, it is best to wait.

If you are looking for professional consultation or roof installation in the area, get in touch with Quality Roofing Specialist today. You can call us at (213) 474-7092.