The environmental & aesthetic attractions of solar roof tiles

Delivering all the carbon reduction benefits of better-known (though more cumbersome) alternatives, solar roof tiles also come with the promise of sleek design and seamless integration. 

Though well-established, and continuing to increase in terms of popularity, traditional solar panels are not without their drawbacks. Often criticised for their bulky appearance, their installation also requires external mounting systems, which typically require drilling or cutting into the roof. This process can compromise the roof's integrity, make it more prone to leaks, and potentially lead to other complications, like voiding builder warranties.

Additionally, the extra weight of solar panels and their mounting systems, along with the potential for higher uplift forces (caused by wind getting underneath the panels), must be factored into the building's structural design (which, in turn, increases costs).

Solar roof tiles
Products like Volt Solar Roof Tiles provide an innovative, building-integrated alternative to solar panels. Unlike those more traditional products, solar roof tiles sit seamlessly within the roof structure, eliminating uplift risks and reducing the overall weight of the roof. 
Advanced solar modules, solar roof tiles operate on the same principle as standard solar panels. 

They convert sunlight into electricity that can be consumed in the home – to power appliances, heat water, charge electric vehicles, and so on. 

Then, as is the case with solar panels, excess energy can be stored in a battery system for later use or returned to the grid (though recent tariff reductions have made this practice less attractive).

Solar roof tiles make it possible to integrate solar generation capacity, without compromising the home's design aesthetic. Brands like Volt offer black and compact solar tiles that sit flush against and complement conventional roof tiles, creating a sleek and cohesive look (particularly when paired with darker roof tiles). 

Because they do not require external mounting systems, like those required by solar panels, the installation of solar roof tiles eliminates the need for roof penetrations, or any modification to the roofing structure.

Given that solar roof tiles replace standard roof tiles, the weight of the roof is reduced. In addition, as the solar tiles form part of the roofing structure, the risk of wind uplift is significantly reduced. According to Volt, both these factors reduce the structural complexities and cost of a roof and its structure.

Solar roof tiles & the NCC
In Australia, solar roof tiles are primarily used in new home builds to comply with the National Construction Code’s (NCC) ‘Whole of Home’ energy requirements. Introduced as part of NCC 2022, this inclusion requires owners of new homes to either ensure their energy remains under a specified cap or is offset by on-site renewable energy generating systems, such as rooftop solar systems.

Considering this requirement, integrating solar tiles becomes a clear choice; one that provides sustainable energy while maintaining the home’s aesthetic integrity. 

For homeowners already making a significant investment in a new home, the incremental cost of solar tiles is minimal and more easily justified as part of the overall project. This also applies to major renovation projects that involve reroofing. 

Beyond aesthetics, solar roof tiles provide long-term value by future-proofing properties to meet the highest energy efficiency standards, enhancing their market appeal and sustainability. 

In specific cases, solar roof tiles provide a practical solution for heritage homes, where traditional solar panels may be prohibited due to aesthetic regulations. In these instances, solar tiles offer a way to incorporate renewable energy, while preserving the architectural integrity of the building.
 

 Above: Alspec Solar Sunshine Series / Supplied.

Sustainability meets aesthetic appeal
One of the main attractions of solar roof tiles, particularly when included in residential applications, is their aesthetic appeal.

As used successfully in numerous projects of this type – including Bedfordale House, an award-winning residence by Suzanne Hunt Architect – they represent a discreet and sleek alternative to more traditional (and more bulky) solar panels.

A sophisticated yet unobtrusive home situated in the Perth Hills, the project blends cutting-edge sustainability with architectural elegance. 

Conceived and completed according to the wishes of its owners, it presents as a successful example of how to integrate renewable energy solutions, seamlessly into modern and heritage-sensitive designs. Indeed, as per the brief, the home allows its owners to live off-grid.

Achieving this goal required not just the inclusion of suitably durable materials and the incorporation of a well-conceived, environmentally sensitive aesthetic, but also reliable energy capabilities.

To satisfy this final requirement, the architects looked no further than the Nulok Roofing System. 

Innovative and versatility – and blending the well-recognised appeal of natural slate with solar energy generation capacity – the tiles blend seamlessly with the natural aesthetic of Bedfordale House. 

As integrated solar tiles, they essentially form part of the roof itself. This provides a flush, seamless installation that reduces the risk of wind uplift and prevents water from seeping through gaps. The result is a robust, weatherproof system that can withstand even the fiercest storms.

Because the Nulok Roofing System is designed to ensure natural ventilation is maintained under each slate, each individual tile is kept cool. In this way, consistent energy production can be ensured over time.

In addition, given that the system is tested to withstand Category 4 cyclones and rated A1 for fire safety, it also scores well in terms of durability. 

Manufactured with cradle-to-cradle certified materials, the system significantly reduces the home’s carbon footprint.
Completing Bedfordale House project was not without challenges. In the main part, these were associated with its relatively remote location and bespoke design. As far as the Nulok system was concerned, it helped overcome these difficulties. Its lightweight meant that transport and installation were as simple as possible, while its modular design allowed for seamless integration with the home’s intricate layout.

A model of sustainable design, and a home that has achieved energy independence while maintaining architectural integrity, Bedfordale House has earned numerous accolades and awards. 

These include awards for: Timber Design Interior Fitout – Residential, Australian Timber Design Awards, 2015; HIA CSR Australian Home of the Year, 2015; HIA Best Australian Custom Build Home of the Year, 2015; HIA National Peoples’ Choice Award, 2015; AIA Architecture Awards WA: Architecture Award for Interior Architecture, 2014; and MBA Most Livable Home Award, Gransden Constructions, 2014.

Now complete and fully functional, the home effectively illustrates how the Nulok Roofing System enables architects and builders to meet the demands of contemporary design, environmental stewardship, and heritage preservation.

Roofing innovation
According to Alspec Solar, an organisation committed to not just supplying quality solar products but revolutionising the building integrated renewable energy domain in Australia, solar roof tiles sit comfortably alongside various other environmentally focussed roofing innovations, like the incorporation of Green Roofs on residential buildings to improve insulation and aesthetics; or Cool Roofs, which employ reflective materials to reduce heat absorption and improve energy efficiency.

Likewise, they have arrived at a time in which trends like the introduction of more and more recycled roofing materials, including options like recycled rubber, plastic, or metal; and ‘Living Roof Systems’, which provide environmental benefits like air purification and rainwater management are making an impact.

As illustrated at a residence in Brisbane, products like Alspec Solar Sunshine Series – Sunshine Tiles have the capacity to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of residential buildings.

In this case, rising energy costs and the desire for a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing energy solution led the homeowners to explore solar solutions for their property. With limited roof space and the property’s location near a main road, they required a photovoltaic (PV) system that seamlessly integrated with the architecture while maintaining high efficiency and safety standards.

After considering various factors, both aesthetic and functional, they settled upon Sunshine tiles from the Alspec Solar Sunshine Series (a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system) as the best option.

Above: Brisbane 2.1kW Sunshine Tiles / Alpsec

Durable and ensuring long-term safety and functionality, the tiles blend unobtrusively into the existing roof and therefore have no negative aesthetic ramifications. On top of that, and most importantly, they are efficient. Despite the limited roof space, the 2.1kW system generates 3400kWh annually, optimising energy output.

Now installed and fully operational, the homeowners have begun to reap the benefits of this choice. They can enjoy a sustainable energy source that complements the property's appearance and reduces utility expenses.

Generating 3400kWh annually, the system provides reliable energy and reduces dependence on grid electricity. On top of that, over its lifetime, it can be expected to offset 53 tonnes of C02 (which is the equivalent to planting 479 trees).
Then from a design perspective, the Sunshine Tiles integrate seamlessly with the roof, allowing for passive design whilst maintaining structural integrity.

There are, of course, negatives associated with solar roof tiles. Requiring specialist skills to install, they are also not suitable for all types of residential applications (such as houses with curved tiles or metal roofs). Then of course, as is often noted, their installation involves high upfront costs.

However as is also often noted, and as is illustrated by the above-mentioned Brisbane installation, these initial costs are invariably more than accounted for by reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint reductions.

Main Image: Volt Planum x Bristile Roofing Planum High Angle Full Solar Tiles / Supplied.

SUPPLIERS

Alspec Solar

Volt Solar Tiles

Nulok Roofing Systems