Which is better photovoltaic tiles or solar tiles

While both tiles and panels will deliver solar energy, there are differences in terms of price (panels are generally cheaper), efficiency, installation process (panels tend to be easier) and aesthetics (solar tiles can 'blend in' with the house design).

Solar panels are becoming a more and more common sight on UK homes as the technology becomes both more affordable and more effective at generating renewable energy. However, a newer technology known as solar roof tiles has been growing in popularity in the US as an alternative to panels, and the UK market looks set to go the same way.

Both solar panels and solar tiles include photovoltaic (PV) cells which capture energy from the sun so it can be converted into electricity, enabling you to power your home using more free, renewable energy, lower energy bills and reduce your reliance on energy suppliers and fossil fuels. Get Free Solar Panel Quotes: Get quotes and compare prices.

Solar tiles are said to have an efficiency rate of between 10 and 20%, whereas in comparison solar panels generally produce a minimum of 16%, with the higher end panels producing levels of up to 22%.

The cost of both solar panels and solar tiles continues to fall, but solar tiles are considerably more expensive. One of the big reasons for this is clearly because the installation is a more complex total roof replacement, but the other is that the technology is newer and the market less competitive.

Although Solar Tiles may be more efficient at some times of day than Solar Panels (such as early morning switch on and performance in shaded areas), Solar Panels produce more electricity over a specific area than solar tiles. TESLA's tile technology demonstrates the relative size required.