The evolution of the solar roof tile has begun to move in a new, encouraging direction with the release of an Australian-engineered roof solar PV tile that can generate the same amount of energy as a standard solar panel for a cost comparable to more expensive rooftop solar systems.
The roof solar tile, called Volt, was launched globally and announced by Leeson Group, a diverse group of Australian-based producers of renewable energy.
With the launch of Volt, which will be sold in 85 countries, including Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, La Escandella, the largest producer of terracotta roof tiles in the world, has been appointed as its distributor outside of Australia. In Australia, Bristile Roofing will be Volt’s roofing partner.
According to Melbourne-based renewable energy company Leeson Group, a division of Volt Solar Tile, the Australian-designed building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roof tile has the highest wattage of any solar tile on the market, with a maximum power output of 115 W. The roof solar product, which was designed in Australia, has an energy efficiency of up to 19.3%.
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Volt Solar Tile Products
The Lodge, designed to fit common flat concrete roof tiles, and the Planum, modeled like more expensive terracotta tiles, are the two module styles that target the new home market in Australia and abroad Volt Solar Tiles’ strategy.
The Volt Lodge solar tile connects with Bristile’s line of concrete roof tiles, while the Planum tile is designed to work with terracotta tiles made by La Escandella.
According to Peter Leeson, managing director of Leeson Group and founder and director of Volt Solar Tile, the Volt Planum and Lodge mono PERC solar tiles are the first in the world to be able to generate as much electricity as a typical solar PV panel.
The 18.8% efficiency in generation capacity of the 115W MWT mono PERC Planum module is extremely competitive. With a solar efficiency of 19.3%, the Volt Lodge 105W MWT mono PERC module is superior.
The matte-black glass surface, black aluminum frame, and integrated cable containment system of the solar tiles eliminate the need for live cables in the roof. They weigh 10 kg and measure 1.7 m by 0.44 m and 1.65 m by 0.44 m, respectively. The solar roof tiles are designed to blend in seamlessly with other roof tiles and have their own drainage channels and gutters.
Volt solar tiles use a unique Metal Wrap Through (MWT) cell technology and a busbar-free design to increase the efficiency of solar cells, producing a seamless appearance when installed with its all-black components and a safer built-in interlocking cable containment system on rooftops.
The cost of integrated solar roofs from competitors is half as much with Volt solar tiles as it is with other solar tile systems. A 5kW Volt system installs for $12,000 after small-scale technology certificate (STC) discounts.
The solar tiles have already received TUV certification, and the Clean Energy Council (CEC) has yet to accredit them for inclusion on its list of approved products. In addition to a 15-year product warranty, the solar tiles come with a 30-year performance warranty.
“Our energy system is changing from a centralized carbon-emitting system to a renewable, decentralized system. These changes present numerous technical challenges that call for the outstanding intellect to be overcome. Our engineering capabilities, combined with our development and construction experience, allow us to understand better our client’s needs and provide solutions that others can’t,” said Peter Leeson.
“Australian-engineered solar technologies are renowned for their excellence and innovation on a global scale. We will be able to increase our market share in the solar tile industry thanks to our partnership with Bristile Roofing and La Escandella. As we intend to manufacture our solar tiles in Australia and produce them at a competitive price, Volt solar tiles will eventually be made in Australia.”
Terracotta Tiles Vs Concrete Tiles
The two primary building materials for roofing are terracotta and concrete. For contemporary buildings, both types of tiles make suitable roofing choices.
Terracotta Tiles
Clay is molded into terracotta tiles after being cooked at a low temperature. Despite the fact that terracotta naturally ranges in color from the lightest grey to the darkest reddish black, people frequently associate terracotta tiles with the cozy brownish-orange hue that is popular abroad. They are very dependable and well-liked for their aesthetic value. Terracotta tiles are excellent options for almost any home because of the consistently high standards of the materials used to create them.
Terracotta tiles are lighter than concrete, so the weight consideration is important. Larger roofs’ heavier concrete tiles may have structural consequences.
Terracotta tiles also keep their color longer and are better than concrete tiles.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are robust, flexible, and long-lasting. To create the basic substance for concrete roof tiles, concrete is injected into a mould that is filled with cellulose. After it has dried and become solid, the tile is then removed. Particularly in light of ongoing maintenance costs, that is a significant factor. There is a vast array of color options for contemporary concrete tiles. These colors last a very long time, though they might not last as long as terracotta tiles.
Concrete tiles are more affordable than terracotta ones. You should compare the prices of concrete and terracotta if you plan to make a sizable investment in your roofing. For the best options within your budget for these two types of roofing tiles, speak with your roofing contractor.
Reference: https://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-news/volt-highest-energy-generating-solar-tile-in-world-launched-by-australian-manufacturer/