Recently, I always receive the message, “I want to install solar products on the roof, choose solar roof tiles or solar panels?” “Solar roof tiles look good, but is it possible to generate electricity?” “Solar panels are cheap, will it affect the value of the roof?”
In fact, solar roof tiles and solar panels are not “absolutely good or bad”, only “suitable or not”. Today from the 5 core dimensions of the two differences, and then combined with your needs to give advice, read no longer need to worry!
What is the difference between solar tiles and solar panels?
1. Appearance: “stealth building materials” vs “roofing equipment”
Solar roof tiles: the essence of the “roof tiles + solar modules” two-in-one, looks like traditional tiles, common colors such as black, red, etc., laid on the roof can be integrated with the house, almost impossible to see the solar energy equipment, suitable for families focusing on the aesthetics of the house (such as villas, residential).
Solar panels: is a common rectangular panel (mostly blue or black), need to be racked on the roof through the bracket, will be higher than the roof 10-30 cm, visually more like the “addition of equipment”, the appearance of a relatively plain, but wins in the simple and sharp.
2. Installation: “New Construction” vs “Flexible Remodeling”.
Solar roof tiles: slightly higher installation threshold, more suitable for new homes or roof renovation - because it has to replace the traditional tiles, the need to synchronize the construction with the roof structure, the old roof, if there is already a tile, you have to remove and then install, time-consuming and laborious.
Solar panels: “high tolerance” for the roof, old roofs, flat roofs, sloping roofs can be installed, without removing the original tiles, directly on the stent fixed on the line, the installation cycle is short, suitable for families who want to add photovoltaic to the old house.
3. Efficiency: “Adequate” vs “Better”
Solar roof tiles: Because of the need to take into account the load bearing and waterproofing of the “tiles”, the area and angle of the solar module will be limited, and the conversion efficiency is usually 18%-20% (mainstream brands).
Solar panels: Focus on power generation, large chip area, conversion efficiency is generally 20%-23%, the same roof area, solar panels can generate 5% more electricity per year.
4. Cost: “One-step” vs "Cost-effective choice "
Solar roof tile: unit price is high, but can save the money to buy traditional tiles, suitable for families willing to pay for the value and integration, 100 square meters of the total budget of the roof about 100,000RMB.
Photovoltaic panels: unit price is low, but need to calculate the additional bracket and installation costs, 100 square meters of roof total budget of about 50,000 -80,000RMB, the budget is limited to choose it more cost-effective.
How to choose solar roof tiles?
Scenario 1: New residential / villa, want to balance the value and function.
→ Choosing solar roof tiles!
Not only do not need to buy extra tiles, but also can make the roof look neat and beautiful, power generation can also meet the daily use of electricity in the family (for example, 100 square meters of roof, the annual power generation is about 1.2-1.5 million kwh, enough for ordinary families to use for half a year), the equivalent of “a renovation, two receipts”.
Scenario 2: Roof remodeling, limited budget, only focus on power generation and practicality.
→ Choosing solar panels!
No need to remove the old tiles, fast installation, low cost, power generation efficiency is also high, 100 square meters roof annual power generation can be 1.5-1.8 million kwh, in addition to household electricity, excess electricity can also be sold to obtain additional revenue, cost-effective and ultra-high.
Scenario 3: Small roof space, want to maximize power generation.
→ Solar panels are more suitable！
For example, only 30 square meters of small roofs, solar panels with high efficiency, can generate 300-500 more electricity per year After watching, it is equivalent to saving a lot of electricity costs per year; if you choose solar roof tiles, less power generation, but also because of the small size of the roof, which does not reflect the aesthetic advantages of the roof.
Points to note
Choose regular brands:
Whether it is solar roof tiles or solar panels, choose brands with professional certifications (e.g., TÜV, CQC) to avoid buying “three-no-products”, which can't be repaired in the later stage of failure.
Calculate the subsidy policy:
Some regions have subsidies for distributed photovoltaics, and it is recommended to check the local policy before installation to save a lot of cost.
In fact, the core of choosing solar energy, is “what you focus on most”: focus on roof aesthetics choose solar roof tiles, focus on practicality choose solar panels.
If you still can't decide, welcome to leave your ideas in the comment area (such as “old house / 100 square meters roof”), Sangobuild professional roofing experts to provide you with solutions!
