Solar roof tiles remain less common than traditional panels despite advantages

Solar roof tiles have not become popular in most homes, even though they look better than standard solar panels. The tiles fit into the roof surface instead of sitting on top, which makes them more attractive. They also cover awkward roof shapes that panels cannot reach. However, they produce around 80% of the electricity that traditional panels generate per unit area. This is partly because heat builds up underneath them, which reduces their performance. Coloured tiles work less well than black ones, because black absorbs more solar energy. Manufacturing costs are also high, since companies make tiles in small batches. A UK solar company has said that upfront costs stop most buyers. One manufacturer has reported 20 to 30 percent sales growth each year since 2019.