- Energy Efficiency: Paxos Solar’s roof tiles integrate with heat pumps, reducing energy consumption by up to 20% and improving heat pump performance by 25%.
- Space-Saving Design: The tiles blend seamlessly into roofs, offering an aesthetically pleasing solution without requiring additional space for traditional solar panels.
- Easy Installation: The tiles are larger for faster installation, lightweight, and can be installed in half the time compared to conventional roofing methods.
Germany’s Paxos Solar has launched an innovative glass-glass photovoltaic (PV) roof tile that not only powers homes but also integrates with heat pumps to reduce energy demand by up to 20%. The company aims to install these tiles on 200 rooftops this year. This new development aligns with the growing demand for renewable energy, as homeowners seek sustainable solutions to power their homes. For those hesitant about the complexity of solar panel installations or who lack the space for traditional setups, these solar roof tiles offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative.
Unlike traditional photovoltaic panels, which can be bulky and require extra space, solar roof tiles blend seamlessly into a building’s structure. They look just like regular roof tiles, allowing homeowners to maintain the appearance of their home while generating clean energy. Many companies already offer solar roof tiles, but Paxos Solar’s unique approach lies in integrating the tiles with a heat pump system, creating a more efficient and comprehensive energy solution for homeowners.
The development of this advanced solar roof tile began over two years ago when Paxos Solar collaborated with TH Köln University of Applied Sciences. Their goal was to create a tile that could not only generate electricity but also contribute to home heating systems. The team considered factors like temperature, optical losses, environmental impacts, and safety during the prototype development. Extensive testing under real-world conditions demonstrated a significant boost in the heat pump’s efficiency, with the pump’s performance increasing by nearly 25%.
The solar roof tiles have a matte surface to capture angled light and are built with back-contact cells, thanks to Paxos Solar’s partnership with China’s Longi. Measuring 23.45 x 18.89 inches, each tile produces 44 watts of power. With just five tiles, a household can generate up to 190 watts, covering about 10 square feet of roof space. The tiles are also designed for quicker installation, larger sizes for better output, and versatility in connections to chimneys and windows, eliminating the need for complementary roof tiles.
Installation is straightforward, using a water-bearing sheeting layer and support rails to secure the tiles. The system also uses perforations to allow air circulation, which heats under the tiles and is collected in a pipe. When the air temperature rises by one degree Kelvin, a fan pushes the warm air into the heat pump, reducing the pump’s energy consumption by 20% annually. Paxos Solar claims their tiles take half the time to install compared to conventional roofing and are much lighter, offering both energy efficiency and ease of installation.
