While googling for solar panel technology, Solé, a photovoltaic tile developed by SRS Energy, caught my attention for its lightweight, recyclable material and above all, ofcourse, its aesthetic looks.
It’s said elsewhere that, “although its noncrystalline silicone cells gather less energy than conventional tilt-up panels with stiff crystalline cells, they react to a broader spectrum of light even on foggy, cloudy days. (…) It is designed to last at least 20 years as an active solar-power gatherer, but undisturbed, this bumper-tough plastic roof tile could continue to ward water off for a century.”
However, in the blog The Truth about ECD? it is indicated that the pictures given in the company’s page are actually altered pictured of plain roof tiles (which the company apparently don’t hide). The author of this blog also states the following arguments
1. It is not proven that solar tiles perform better than regular solar panels in foggy, cloudy days.
2. The durability claims are false.
3. The “energy generated per square” claim is false.
4. The claim that “Solé’s thin films will not degrade as fast as other solar cells” is not true.
5. These solar tiles are NOT eligible for state incentive
Other than these, they can only be installed by select US Tile Solé certified contractors, which could be a drawback for some.
Do pros or cons sound more convincing to you? In either case, I evaluate it as a step forward that expand the market for consumer preferences and a positive reflection of alternative demands.
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