Proof of Concept : Universal Photovoltaic Solar Roof Tile

This project aims to develop a universal solar roof tile which could be installed on any roof
with any roof tile. Existing solar roof tiles have been limited in their application as compatible
with only a subset of the wide range of roof tiles on the market.
Universality requires the development of a set of robust and cost effective interfaces between
the photovoltaic (PV) tile and the remainder of the roof, including ridges, verges, gutters and a
wide set of geometries. The opportunity is to create the solar equivalent of a Velux window –
universal in its application, cost competitive with traditional solutions and aesthetically
appealing. Fundamentally, it should perform the weatherproofing function of a roof, but also
generate electricity.
The bulk of today’s PV products use a limited palette of materials – notably aluminium and
glass – to create the physical package. This proof of concept will explore a wider set of
materials and manufacturing processes as avenues to potential cost reductions to the non “PVcell”
elements of the system. These investigations and the design should enable ongoing cost
reduction (see appended GTM graph).
Solar cell costs continue to fall so the portion of the final installed cost for a PV system which
relates to mounting structure and installation costs is becoming more important. A universal
solar roof tile will help to reduce the installed cost for PV by utilising existing construction
skills, namely roofers, and removing the need for a costly support structure by using the
building itself as support.
Lowering the overall costs of ownership for a universal PV product means that the number of
roofs which can be used for solar generation will increase. The more consumers that access
solar electricity, the greater the contribution to lowering carbon and reduction of consumer
exposure to rising electricity prices. It also allows consumers to take advantage of the Clean
Energy Cash Back incentive scheme introduced in Apr 2010