Solar roof tiles: costs, manufacturers, advantages and disadvantages

Solar roof tiles are an innovative and aesthetically pleasing solution for integrating photovoltaics into a building's roof. Learn everything about costs, manufacturers, and the advantages and disadvantages of solar tiles here.

First things first

• The price of solar roof tiles is around €30 each.
• Funding is available through the KfW program 270.
• Solar tiles have a lower output (approx. 180 Wp/m²) compared to conventional PV modules (up to 220 Wp/m²).
• Well-known manufacturers include Tesla, Autarq, Eternit and Nelskamp.
• Solar roof tiles offer a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, with warranties of 25 years or more.

What are solar roof tiles in photovoltaics? 

Solar roof tiles are special roof tiles that incorporate solar cells and generate electricity from sunlight. They replace conventional roof tiles and integrate seamlessly into the roof design, making them more visually appealing than traditional solar panels.

Solar roof tiles on a house roof (stock.adobe.com / PixelBiss)

How much will solar roof tiles cost in Germany in 2024? 

The cost of solar roof tiles in Germany in 2024 will be €25 to €30 each. This corresponds to approximately €360 to €420 per square meter. By comparison, conventional roof tiles cost between €8 and €20 per square meter. Roofing without photovoltaics costs approximately €65 to €130.

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How many solar tiles do I need for a single-family home?

You'll need approximately 12 to 14 solar tiles per square meter of roof area. The exact number of solar roof tiles depends on the size of the PV system. 

Are PV roof tiles worth it?

From an economic perspective, PV roof tiles are not worthwhile. The purchase is expensive, so the levelized cost of electricity is higher than with a conventional rooftop PV system. A single-family home with a 5 kWp system costs approximately €16,800 with solar roof tiles and only €8,000 with a conventional photovoltaic system.

PV roof tiles are primarily worthwhile in specific situations, especially in new buildings or roof renovations. They offer an aesthetically pleasing solution and are ideal for listed buildings where conventional solar modules are not permitted.

What subsidies are available for solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles are subsidized nationwide through the KfW program 270. The low-interest loan is available for solar systems connected to the public power grid. Feed-in tariffs and, where applicable, regional funding programs are also available.

How reliably do solar tiles work?

Solar roof tiles are considered robust and durable, with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Manufacturers typically offer a warranty of at least 25 years, indicating a high level of reliability. These warranties cover both product quality and performance. The performance guarantee ensures that the solar tiles will still deliver at least 80% of their original performance after 25 years.

Additionally, solar roof tiles are designed to withstand heavy loads and offer high hail resistance. They typically achieve the highest hail protection class (Class 4). This means they can withstand hailstones up to 40 mm in diameter without damage. Another advantage is their easy maintenance and the uncomplicated replacement of individual tiles in the event of a defect, making them particularly user-friendly.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles offer an aesthetically pleasing and integrated solution for harnessing solar energy on buildings. They replace traditional roof tiles and offer both functional and visual benefits. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when deciding whether or not to install solar roof tiles.

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Which manufacturers of solar roof tiles are there?

The best-known manufacturers are Tesla, Autarq, Eternit, Nelskamp, and Paxos. They offer various models with different performance and design features.

What shapes and colors are solar roof tiles available in?

Solar roof tiles are available in various shapes, such as terracotta, slate, and interlocking tiles, as well as colors such as black, dark gray, red, and brown. They adapt seamlessly to different roof designs and are available in materials such as ceramic, concrete, and plastic.

• Ceramic solar roof tilesCeramic is a popular material for roof tiles. The solar module fits into a recess in the solar tile. Ceramic photovoltaic roof tiles are available in various shapes and colors and can be easily installed on an existing roof.
• Plastic solar roof tiles: A layer of solar cells is placed on a plastic sheet. It is covered with a transparent pane. Plastic solar tiles are well suited as rooftop photovoltaic systems. They can be easily adapted to the design of the existing roof covering.
• Solar roof tiles made of slate: The solar tile model has good weather resistance. Slate roof tiles are slightly larger than ceramic tiles, allowing for higher performance per tile.
• Solar roof tiles in beaver tail shape: Solar roof tiles in the shape of a plain tile are typically used on historic plain tile roofs in listed buildings. They are available in a terracotta and a classic black version.

What is the alternative to solar tiles?

Alternatives to photovoltaic tiles include in-roof and on-roof PV systems. In-roof PV systems also replace roof tiles, but are larger and less integrated. On-roof PV systems are mounted on the existing roof and are more cost-effective.