Energy Generation Aesthetics Simplicity Eco-nomic Value Product Details Availability Energy Generation
What kind of energy savings can a homeowner expect by installing an SRS Energy solar roofing solution?
SRS Energy roofing systems provide a long-term electricity-generating solution for your home with immediate savings. Your roof captures the rays of the sun and translates them into energy that is fed into the power grid. In turn, you get a break on your utility bills starting on day one. Your energy savings potential is home-specific, but most homes can offset at least half if not all of the energy use. As a sustainable “cool roof” with high air flow, US Tile’s roof system offers an additional savings of 5-20% in typical home cooling costs. Energy savings are only one benefit a solar upgrade provides. An SRS Energy upgrade offers compelling rates of return between 5-10 percent, a competitive investment return in any market. In addition, finance experts estimate an increase in resale value 20 times your first year savings.
What is the life expectancy of the tiles, and how long are they guaranteed to generate electricity?
SRS Energy’s Solé Power Tile™ upgrade carries a warranty of protection that matches those of traditional roofing products offered by US Tile. The tiles are also guaranteed to produce electricity at a rate that reaches at least 80 percent of the tile’s generating capacity for a period of 20 years, and are expected to continue to produce well beyond the warranty period.
Where would this kind of roofing technology be most effective? Least effective?
There are multiple aspects to consider when evaluating a home for a Solé Power Tile™ upgrade. While there are substantial government incentives to reduce the costs of a solar upgrade, solar roofing technology is more financially attractive in states with higher electrical rates, like California.
There is a myth that certain places in the United States do not get enough sun to make solar a sensible option. The truth is, sunlight is measured in “peak sun hours”, an aggregation of the sunlight any one area gets in a 24 hour period, and the range is not great. Los Angeles receives an average of 5.6 peak sun hours while Pittsburgh receives an average of 3.2. And while due south is ideal, depending on the pitch of a roof, north or west facing roof surfaces are often suitable for an upgrade as well. Roof shading is much more detrimental to the performance of a solar upgrade than location or roof orientation.
What happens if a single tile fails? How does that affect the performance of the roof overall in terms of generating electricity?
Each Solé Power Tile™ roofing tile is equipped with components that circumvent the “Christmas light” effect. This means that the failure of a single tile will NOT trigger an overall roof failure. In fact, disruption in the performance of a single tile will go virtually unnoticed.
Back to Top
Aesthetics
Why was the initial roofing product offered only in blue?
The color of the active tile is driven by the color of the solar technology safely imbedded within the Solé Power Tile™ system. While solar cell manufacturers are beginning to address additional color options, their primary focus has been increasing the electrical performance to become a cost-effective alternative solution to fossil fuels.
What colors are available?
The active SRS Energy solar roofing tiles cover about 15 percent of the roof on an average home. The Solé Power Tile™ system, currently only available in blue, integrates with US Tile’s wide array of clay tile in a host of colors from a premium glazed blue to classic earthen hues. This system offers homeowners design flexibility while maintaining the profile of a premium clay roofing system.
Back to Top
Simplicity
What is unique about SRS Energy’s active solar tiles?
SRS Energy’s solar tiles are different for two key reasons – curb appeal and simplicity. SRS Energy’s Solé Power Tile™ system is sold as an upgrade to US Tile’s authentic clay roofing system. The result is the first environmentally-sustainable energy solution that integrates an aesthetic solar component into the purchase of a new premium roof. One seamless step to durable roof protection and energy-saving style.
What must a homeowner do to ensure that he/she is being credited for the cost savings once the roof begins generating electricity?
Nothing. Most utilities clearly spell out solar electrical savings on your monthly bills. You can also access your roof’s production through in-home and web monitoring options. Monitoring can be customized to provide feedback on consumption as well, enabling you to have more awareness and control.
What maintenance is required to ensure that the roof continues to generate electricity?
The electrical output of each and every roof installed will be remotely monitored by SRS Energy and US Tile. The homeowner will have access to this information as well. In most climates hosing-off the active portion once or twice a year will ensure optimal performance; this service will be offered as an option.
Back to Top
Eco-nomic Value
How much does it cost?
As with our authentic clay counterparts, the roofing system is sold through US Tile’s roofing distribution network, and the price is set with your Solé Certified US Tile contractor. Upfront costs of a Solé Power Tile™ upgrade or a conventional tile roof are contingent on multiple variables from size of roof, roof layout, roof pitch, etc. That said, the cost of a Sole Power Tile ™ system is comparable to other building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solutions. Our advantage is that for the same system capacity, more energy is produced, increasing the rate of return. The rate of return for a Sole Power Tile ™ upgrade in California ranges between 5-10 percent, competitive with conventional investments let alone home improvements. And though some choose to outlay cash, other customers choose to finance, making these benefits not only advantages but affordable as well. The monthly cost of an upgrade is less than your monthly savings.
What financing is available for homeowners?
US Tile and SRS Energy recognize the customer benefits to avoiding up-front costs for both a roof and/or the solar upgrade. Both companies are collaborating with a financing partner to offer consumers financing options.
What’s the payback?
Payback is actually an insufficient way to assess the value of a solar investment. The standard way to measure the value of any investment is the rate of return. This measurement takes into account rising electricity rates, the time-value of money, and most importantly the life cycle of the product. While you may only reside in your home for 5-7 years, the value of the solar system, like any other improvement to your home, is captured in equity. That equity value is ultimately linked to the free and clean electricity being generated on your roof for 20-30 years, whether or not you are the one living under it.
Solar finance experts suggest that every 1kW of power adds $20,000 to the resale value of a home.
Source: California Solar Initiative.
Back to Top
Product Details
What are the active tiles made of, and where are they manufactured?
SRS Energy’s Solé Power Tile™ products are manufactured in the United States with high-performance polymers that have been used in outdoor applications for decades. The TPO formulation is frequently used in rugged car bumpers. SRS Energy rigorously tests the materials for their safety, durability, and toughness in the harsh roofing environment. The tiles are also lightweight and unbreakable.
How safe are the tiles on a homeowner’s roof?
The SRS Energy active solar tiles are UL Certified* for safety. The electrical components are durably imbedded in the electrically insulating tile package. Should your roof be compromised by a downed tree or the like, please call US Tile or your contractor for assistance.
* UL Certification in process
Who developed the technology for the tiles?
SRS Energy has forged strategic partnerships with roofing manufacturers, industry leaders, architects and contractors to develop a product and process that seamlessly integrates the benefits of solar into a premium roof. Flexible solar technology manufactured by United Solar Ovonic (UNI-SOLAR®), the world leader in thin film solar, is safely imbedded in the tile.
How is this truly a “green” or sustainable product?
A Solé Power Tile™ system takes less time than conventional solar panels to generate the amount of energy required in the production process, making them a true green product. That time represents a very small amount of the tile’s life span and its capacity to continue generating electricity over the long term. A Solé Power Tile™ system is guaranteed to generate electricity at a rate that equals 80 percent of its generating capacity for a period of 20 years, and is expected to continue to produce well beyond the warranty period.
In addition, the polymers employed in the tile can be recycled once the product reaches the end of its life.
What testing has been conducted on the product to verify its effectiveness?
SRS Energy has successfully conducted product evaluations to test outdoor performance with regards to safety, long-term UV stability and color fastness, resistance to wind uplift, electrical output, durability and the extreme mechanical stresses found on a roof.
Back to Top
Availability
When is the product available?
SRS Energy’s Solé Power Tile™ upgrade will be available in select US West Coast markets in the Fall of 2009 through US Tile. SRS Energy intends to expand its footprint into additional domestic markets as well as international markets in 2010 and 2011.
What other product lines are planned at this time?
SRS Energy is continually working with domestic and international roofing manufacturers to develop a number of other solar roofing products to meet the needs of homeowners who do not have clay tile roofs. We anticipate offering multiple new products in coming years.
Where can consumers or builders view a demonstration of the roof? Is a prototype available to see?
A Solé Power Tile™ demo installation is available for viewing at US Tile’s headquarters. Several home installations are underway in Southern California. Photographs are available on www.srsenergy.com, as well as www.ustile.com. A US Tile certified contractor can escort visits to these homes as well.
Do homeowners have to purchase an entirely new roof, or are upgrades available as a retrofit?
In most cases, a Solé Power Tile™ upgrade is installed with US Tile’s Two-Piece Mission Tile and One-Piece Clay S Tile for new construction and the ClayLite Tile for re-roofing applications. If you are already a current US Tile customer, your home can be evaluated for a retrofit.
Back to Top