Credit to Muyuan Li
As a clean and reachable energy source, solar power is frequently mentioned in recent years. But, it can be challenging to utilize and restore the energy. To solve these technical issues, rooftop solar tiles are invented to transform sunlight into electricity or heat used by living spaces (Kachadorian, 2006). In comparison to traditional rooftop solar water heater system, solar tile is much cleaner and stronger. Most importantly, solar tiles help families cut their electricity bills. The following information, including infographics and texts, will be helpful in selecting suitable solar roof system.
Credit to greentechlead
Basically, solar tiles are consisted by lots of small electricity cells inside its frame. Since its construction is flat, solar tile produces more energy with higher light concentration (GreeMatch, 2017). In every daytime, solar tiles transmit solar photons into, with the help of solar photovoltaic (PV) effect, electricity or heat. Also, the semi-conducting material frame helps sunlight to get through and concentrate (greentechlead, 2015).
If you want to know more about the construction of solar tiles, please refer to http://www.greentechlead.com/solar/tsec-dupont-to-showcase-v-series-solar-panels-at-tokyo-expo-21927
In current solar energy market, there are two main types of solar systems. Photovoltaic (PV) system is now occupying Solar thermal systems (solar water heating systems) market share (GreeMatch, 2017).
Credit to greentechlead
If you want to know more how does the Photovoltaic (PV) system work, Please refer to the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=123&v=xKxrkht7CpY
Photovoltaic system is the combination of photovoltaic solar cells. Every small cell in frame can produce 1 to 2 watts of power. Also, they can be connected to form larger module to generate more powder due to higher light concentration (greentechlead, 2015). With the support of Photovoltaic system, solar tiles can replace the whole traditional roof area and provide clean energy to householders. Covered by tough frame and resistant glass layer, solar panels, compared to traditional tiles or Solar thermal system, can be even more resistant to storm and heavy snow. In addition, since the house will become partially self-sufficient in the next 30 years, solar tiles increase the value of land properties in future (Tesla, 2017).
Even with many advantages, solar tile is restricted by several disadvantages. There will be a relatively higher installation fee and more demand for large space. As it mentioned by greentechlead staff, the actual cost of Tesla solar roof is $21.85 per square foot in a standard American family. The estimated price is not competitive enough with Solar thermal systems or even traditional tiles (greentechlead, 2015). Beside the price factor, the demand of large space makes many families lost the access to solar tiles. Since there is an increasing number of urban population, people will not provide much space for the installation of solar tiles (GreenMatch, 2017).
If you want to know more about properties of solar tiles, please refer to https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2016/02/information-on-solar-panels#types
To make impression in targeted audience, companies are competing each other to spread their product advantages. The following objective comparison can be helpful in choosing the right company.
Credit to Muyuan Li
If you want to know more about these two companies’ solar energy products, please refer to:
Tesla Inc. : https://www.tesla.com/solarroof
SunTegra Inc. : http://www.suntegrasolar.com/