Proof of Concept : Universal Photovoltaic Solar Roof Tile

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This project aims to develop a universal solar roof tile which could be installed on any roofwith any roof tile. Existing solar roof tiles have been limited in their application as compatiblewith 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 betweenthe photovoltaic (PV) tile and the remainder of the roof, including ridges, verges, gutters and awide 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 aestheticallyappealing. Fundamentally, it should perform the weatherproofing function of a roof, but alsogenerate electricity.The bulk of today’s PV products use a limited palette of materials – notably aluminium andglass – to create the physical package. This proof of concept will explore a wider set ofmaterials 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 costreduction (see appended GTM graph).Solar cell costs continue to fall so the portion of the final installed cost for a PV system whichrelates to mounting structure and installation costs is becoming more important. A universalsolar roof tile will help to reduce the installed cost for PV by utilising existing constructionskills, namely roofers, and removing the need for a costly support structure by using thebuilding itself as support.Lowering the overall costs of ownership for a universal PV product means that the number ofroofs which can be used for solar generation will increase. The more consumers that accesssolar electricity, the greater the contribution to lowering carbon and reduction of consumerexposure to rising electricity prices. It also allows consumers to take advantage of the CleanEnergy Cash Back incentive scheme introduced in Apr 2010