The Swiss manufacturer has developed photovoltaic tiles in common formats and different colors. Through special coating, even the glare effect of solar modules can be eliminated. However, compared with the classic roof system, the production efficiency of small solar cells is lower and the price is higher.
According to the manufacturer, it is compatible with a large number of common tile formats. This means that one or more "matching" solar modules can replace existing roof tiles without requiring adjustments to the roof structure. The entire color range that can be ordered for "Match" is also new. In addition to the typical tones of ceramic tiles, customers can also choose classic solar glass or other glass surfaces. Even roof and wall coverings similar to tiles, such as fiber cement boards, can also replace photovoltaic tiles.
The entire solar photovoltaic system is also easy to install on the existing roof: the manufacturer promises the customer that the installation is simple and convenient. The system consists only of glass solar modules and mounting hooks. The existing roof slats can still be used, but additional slats are required to install the hooks. Each "matching" tile has a long cable that connects the positive and negative poles, and can be connected vertically or horizontally.
They claim that the special "ZeroReflect" surface coating can reduce glare to almost zero. Interestingly, the anti-glare coating is not only applicable to Megasol products, but can also be applied to existing photovoltaic systems of other manufacturers. However, there is a caveat: Compared with traditional solar panels, solar panels have lower performance and higher costs. Unfortunately, due to these shortcomings, photovoltaic tiles are still a niche product. The main reason is that the performance of solar tiles per unit area is low and the cost is higher compared with traditional roof systems. The colored version of the solar tile has a greater performance loss than the transparent model with a glass surface.
Manufacturer Megasol insists that photovoltaic tiles will replace ordinary roofs. According to the company, if the roof is again completely covered by "matching" tiles or other solar tiles, the cost will be comparable to that of a tiled roof with a solar system. With a life expectancy of 50 years, the Swiss manufacturer can even save costs during operations. After all, Megasol provides a 35-year warranty for its photovoltaic tiles. In addition, they are highly resistant: they can reach level 4 anti-hail protection.
As for the Tesla solar roof, we can quickly review some of its main functions: 24/7 monitoring system, allowing you to control your panel anytime and anywhere through a mobile application; in addition to real-time detection of any problems in the system, the application The program also tracks the performance, efficiency, and generation of the panel. Another important detail has to do with appearance: Tesla prioritized the design of its roof panels in a way that its competitors did not, creating a stylish, hybrid, low-key installation that provides immediate containment appeal.
Tesla’s solar roof and solar panels are basically out-of-pocket: Tesla said that the system generates 25-32 kilowatt-hours per day, which is $3.21-4.10 per day at the current rate. If the rate remains the same, the system will pay for itself in approximately 8-12 years, but this depends on many different parameters such as location, utility prices, etc. (the pricing is different in each state).
There are other things to consider, such as customization (as part of the Tesla solar panel installation process, homeowners submit photos of their equipment and available space instead of having the team inspect these areas). In this way, the total cost can be significantly reduced. In addition, the exact nature of the installation selected for each home will be customized according to roof type, energy requirements, geography, budget, etc.
After Tesla installs your solar system, you will still be connected to the grid and have an account with your electricity supplier. Your rate plan may be changed after installation according to the requirements of your utility provider. Solar energy can greatly reduce your electricity bill, but you usually still have a remaining electricity bill. However, considering all these factors, Tesla tries to ensure that it can provide lower costs through price matching guarantees. How the plan works: The car owner can submit the most recent quotation for a similar solar system from a competitor (within 14 days after ordering), and Tesla will match the price.
But in general, the wise combination of solar PV storage, whether it is Megasolar or Tesla solar roof (and Powerwall battery), is very meaningful from a financial and economic point of view (this will definitely pay off in the medium and long term) ), but more importantly, in terms of sustainable and green-oriented ecological investment.
All images are provided by Tesla.
Nico Caballero is the Vice President of Finance at Cogency Power, specializing in solar energy. He also holds a diploma in electric vehicles from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and enjoys researching Tesla and electric vehicle batteries. You can reach him via @NicoTorqueNews on Twitter. Nico reports on the latest developments in Tesla and electric vehicles in Torque News.