Solar Roofing Tiles: A Stylish Solution for Sustainable Living

Move over, traditional solar panels. A better-looking, more efficient solar product is coming to a roof near you!

SRS Energy [2]has designed an attractive roofing product that blends right in with roofing tiles many of us are familiar with. Sole Power Tiles, touted as being the first ever “building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing product designed for curved roofing systems”, made its grand debut at the American Institute of Architects 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition [3] earlier this year.

SRS Energy has teamed up with the largest American manufacturer of 100 percent recyclable, all-natural clay roofing tiles, US Tile [4]. Using cutting edge technology, the two companies have created several unique styles of products that seamlessly integrate with curved roofing tiles. The tiles provide a cost-effective alternative for homeowners by using renewable power to generate electricity without the bulky look of traditional solar panels.

Sole Power Tiles [5] are electricity-generating tiles installed with traditional clay tile products. Using a flexible solar cell by UNI-SOLAR [6], the Sole Power Tiles are used on about 20 to 25 percent of the roof and produce 500 watts per 100 square feet. Each tile measures about 33 by 18 inches and is lighter than traditional ceramic tiles. The thin Sole Power Tile generates more energy than other comparable products, is non-toxic and comes with a full warranty. The companies have designed the product in such a way that if one of the solar tiles fails, the rest of the tiles will continue to function. Although blue is the only color that is currently available, other colors are expected.

Lumenta [7] also has a line of tiles that can be used on either flat or sloped roofs. Solar S Tiles are created for profiled tile roof systems and are available in the “most popular clay and concrete tile colors.” Solar Flat Tiles are used with conventional clay and concrete products for flat roofs and are also available in several colors. The electrical wires on the 28-watt tiles are hidden in grooves on the bottom of the tiles, protecting them from weather while keeping them out of view.

Solar roofing tiles provide another cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative for homeowners.

Image courtesy of US Tile [8]