Glass and solar shingles - new in the technology of roof installation
For a long time you will not surprise anyone with such roofing material as shingles, metal or ceramics. But manufacturers are constantly working on the development and implementation of more advanced and energy-saving materials and components. So, in recent years, such types of roofing as glass and photovoltaic (solar) tiles are gaining popularity.
Since the materials are fairly new on the market, a number of logical questions arise. How beneficial are these materials? What is the payback of such a roof? And for what climatic zones is the use of these materials appropriate? Let's try to figure it out.
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Glass tile: types and features
The phrase of the French memoirist: New This well-forgotten old is the best suited for glass tiles. Despite the fact that this type of tile was already used in Germany in the 30s of the last century, for some reason it is generally accepted that glass tile appeared on the market only in 2005. Oh well, let's not argue about copyright. What is so special about this type of tile?
First of all, a beautiful appearance. And in combination with LED design solutions from home, you can make a work of art. In addition to beauty, there are other advantages. For example, such a tile significantly increases the illumination of rooms or the attic. At the same time, it is not necessary to make the entire roof transparent, just lay out a kind of window.
If we talk about the technical characteristics of glass tiles, we can distinguish the following:
- service life of 40 years;
- neither hail, nor wind, nor even more severe rain is dangerous for her, since it is made of tempered glass;
- weight similar to ordinary ceramic tiles;
- fits well with ceramic tiles, ensuring uniformity of the roof surface.
A few words should be said about the products of the Swedish company SolTech Energy. Yes, it is a glass tile, but not quite. The product of the Swedes is more like a complete solution for using an alternative source of solar energy. The company has several ready-made solutions on the market:
- solar panels (Power);
- special ventilation system using glass tiles and a heat accumulator (Alfa);
- use of the sun to heat water (Techo).
Not all of these solutions are suitable for Russia, despite the fact that the opposite is stated in the Russian-language part of the Internet. For example, the Techo roof was generally designed for the climate of the Mediterranean countries and the Persian Gulf. This is reported on its website by the manufacturer.
Power and Alfa technologies can still be adapted for the southern and central parts of our country. And then, the self-sufficiency period of these systems is not clear. Yes, and call such a complex system of glass tiles is not entirely correct.
As for the truly glass tiles, it is present on the country's market. And not the first year. For example, the products of the German company Creaton. Roof tiles are also available from other companies, including a domestic manufacturer. Therefore, there is plenty to choose from.
We draw conclusions. Glass tiles, the price of which differs slightly from ceramic counterparts, are available for installation now. At the same time, the laying of glass tiles is technologically identical to ceramic counterparts.
Solar or photovoltaic tiles
We have already mentioned solar panels hidden under glass tiles in the SolTech Energy product line. Let's look at what photovoltaic tiles are.
At the moment, several companies have mastered and introduced the technology into production. Among the leaders is the Italian company TEGOLA offering the Tegolasolare product line. This tile can be purchased without any problems in Russia, unlike SolTech Energy products. Yes, and TEGOLA - solar tiles, the price is 40 percent lower than that of competitors. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the pros and cons of such tiles using the example of Tegolasolare.
what is good solar tiles
- low weight, which allows you to mount panels on almost any roof;
- strength and high resistance to rain, snow and other adverse atmospheric phenomena;
- the ability to gently fit into an already equipped roof;
- autonomous source of electricity.
what may not like
- low efficiency, this applies to all solar panels, they are able to convert only up to 14% of solar energy. And in the northern parts of the country their installation is generally not advisable in view of the low intensity of the sun;
- to obtain 1 kW of electricity, a minimum of 15 roof tiles are required, which will occupy an area of \u200b\u200b16 17 m2 of roof;
- the price, although significantly decreased, but nonetheless. Not everyone can afford to lay out $ 500 for one tile, and for one kW / h we will have to fork out for 7500 cu And these are only for the elements. And the control unit, but the batteries?
So, we can summarize. Solar shingles are certainly a very good idea. The problem most likely lies in the period of self-sufficiency of such a tile, and judging by the amounts it is far from small. This technology will pay off if you have a house in hard-to-reach places, where the connection of electricity at a cost will be comparable to the cost of such a tile. Yes, and the house is needed closer to the equator, at least in Sochi. In any case, this is either technology for wealthy people, or for the future, when the production of such roofing will be significantly cheaper.
