A roof-integrated solar system replaces the external building envelope, which in most cases consists of tiles or other roofing materials. To maintain the benefits of a tiled roof, it is optimal to use frameless solar modules. This reduces the risk of dirt accumulation on the solar system and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building. Solar tiles are usually glass-glass solar modules, representing a modern version of traditional solar panels. This construction offers exceptional robustness, ensuring greater durability.
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Here is a detailed overview of the structure and components of a solar tile:
The front protective glass is made of tempered, textured solar glass that shields the underlying solar cells from environmental influences such as rain, snow, and hail. The glass is highly transparent and minimizes reflections to allow a maximum amount of sunlight to reach the solar cells. Many modern solar modules use a special anti-reflective coating to further increase efficiency. At the same time, the reflected sun rays are directed in multiple directions to reduce potential glare for neighbors.
Between the two layers of glass are coated solar cells, which form the heart of the solar module. These are typically made of high-purity silicon, which converts sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The cells are embedded in a transparent plastic layer that protects them and improves heat dissipation, as overly hot solar cells produce less electricity than cooler ones. The design of the cells can vary to meet different performance requirements. SunStyle modules use PERC cells to achieve high efficiency and longevity. PERC stands for “passivated emitter and rear cell,” which means a cell with a passivated emitter and rear side. PERC solar cells achieve an efficiency rate of over 20%.
The back glass is just as robust as the front glass and contributes to the overall stability of the solar module. It serves as an additional protective layer for the solar cells, shielding them from physical and chemical influences. With the absence of a conventional frame, the entire module is stabilized by the glass itself, which reduces potential weak points and increases resistance to extreme weather conditions. The frameless design also enhances the aesthetic appearance of the solar module by providing a seamless and modern look.
The encapsulation and sealing of the solar cells are crucial for the longevity and performance of the solar module. Between the two layers of glass and the cells is a layer of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). This plastic layer protects the cells from moisture, dust, and mechanical stress. EVA provides long-term sealing and improves the module’s durability.
The junction box is located at the bottom of the solar tile and contains the electronic connections, as well as important protection devices like bypass diodes that guard against overvoltage. The individual solar modules are connected in series via connection cables and plugs. The junction box design varies depending on the manufacturer and model but is always designed to ensure a reliable and safe connection.
Roof integrated solar replaces the tiles or slates on the roof so the panels sit lower down in the roofline to look more like an intended part of the house and less like a bolt-on afterthought than above-roof rack-mounted systems.
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The aesthetic benefits of roof integration are clear, but there are other benefits from going in-roof.
Solar panels should last thirty years or more. In this time it is highly likely that the roof covering will need either maintenance or replacement. An on-roof system will have tiles or slates behind the panels, so the solar system would need to be decommissioned and removed before a single tile can be replaced. A simple job that can be carried out from a roof ladder by a roofing contractor has become a significant task that requires scaffolding and the involvement of an electrician or solar installer. With roof integrated solar, there are no tiles behind the panels, so all roofing repairs can be carried out while leaving the solar system in place.
For new roofs or extensions to existing buildings, new regulations require that all tiles are fixed with nails or clips. This makes the task of fitting an above-roof solar system afterwards very difficult. Tiles may need to be broken to access the roof structure below and attach fixing brackets. Replacing removed tiles in accordance with the roof fixing specification is likely to require an adhesive bond between the replaced tile and the surrounding ones.
By contrast, roof integrated solar panels can be installed easily in a new roof. Solar specialists can fix the panels and flashings before the roofing contractors fix the roof covering around them.
When installing to an existing roof, integrated solar is often seen as more work than above-roof systems. However, the task of weathering around numerous fixing hooks can be time consuming. Removing a patch of tiles or slates does not take much longer, and provides spare roof tiles that are a perfect match for any future roof repairs.
Solar panels fixed above the roof offer a safe, sheltered area behind for birds to roost or nest. While this may at first sound like a good thing to do, householders with solar installations that have been colonised in this way have reported a number of drawbacks including noise and fouling of the panels, walls and paths below the nests. A small industry has sprung up to bird-proof above roof solar installations with spikes and mesh around the outside, further reducing their aesthetic appeal.
Clearly nests below the panels will reduce the free passage of cooling air behind solar PV panels increasing operating temperature and reducing energy yield (see next point).
Contact us to discuss your requirements of solar roof tiles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.