Solar Tiles Vs. Solar Panels

Solar panels are made from silicon formed into flat cells or panels. Panels combined together create a solar array. The array is installed to face south to maximize the amount of sunlight captured. They can be mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun's route through the sky and continuously captures sunlight. Panels convert photons into electrons of direct current (DC). An inverter converts the DC current into the more commonly used alternating current (AC).

Solar tiles utilize newer technology and are made from a variety of materials including amorphous silicon or even nonsilicon materials such as cadmium telluride or copper indium gallium diselenide. These different materials make for much thinner and more flexible PV cells, which means the tiles can be made into rooftop shingles, building facades or the glazing for skylights. The basic concept is the same: sunlight is converted into DC energy and then into AC.

Solar tiles aesthetically mimic a roof top, making them less obtrusive that solar panels. The tiles are mounted directly to the building and so are located at a fixed position and angle, unlike solar panels. The tiles are quite light and do not require the strong sub-roof that solar panels and their mounting equipment do.

PV panels are less expensive than solar tiles. Solar panels are more efficient and can be moved to capture more sunlight. Few solar installers make use of the tiles presently, so you many need to use an installer outside of your area. However, solar tiles have only been in use since 2005, so their technology is still changing. Presently, their life is not as long as panels. Tiles are a better choice for new construction, as opposed to a retrofit.