The first discoveries in solar energy date back to the early 19th century with the discovery of the photovoltaic (PV) effect. The first patents on solar-powered devices were filed soon after.

Revolutionary solar roof technology

Technology has evolved immensely since then. Today, the EU-funded TilePlus project is developing the first solar system made of real roof tiles. These tiles have the same size, shape, and appearance as normal roof tiles of buildings.

In contrast to standard solar panels or tiles, these are easier to install, more reliable and safer (<120 V operations versus 400 V). The product E-Tile+ complies with upcoming energy regulations and are better than traditional PV roof panels, providing more power output than today’s solar panels.

The overall objective of the project is to mature, qualify and enable a swift market launch and scale-up of our revolutionary solar roof technology with the overarching aim to become the new reference for solar roof technology in Europe and beyond.

Our disruptive E-Tile+ solution is the first solar system made of real roof tiles, having the same size, shape and appearance as normal roof tiles. These features, in contrast to standard solar panels or tiles, entail high ease of installment (40% lower installation time), reliability (i.e. 30% higher lifetime and lower maintenance costs) and safety (<120V operations vs. 400V), as well as increased exploitation of available roof area (30% more).

With E-Tile+, 20-30 million roofs across the EU, which cannot be served with standard solar panels today, could be targeted to harvest solar energy. Furthermore, our unique and patented tiles contacting approach (plug-and-play and parallel connection) provides more power output (20% higher conversion efficiency) than today’s solar panels.

The latter are connected in-series and thus suffer from shadow effects, high additional costs and danger (high-voltage operations that require specially qualified electricians). Hence, E-Tile+ is a solar system specifically designed for the needs of construction companies, complying with upcoming energy regulations and solving the current issues of traditional PV roof panels.

This FTI project will mature E-Tile+ in terms of performance, manufacturing cost, production yield and ensure full qualification of our product for its launch in our target markets, with a Business Plan adapted to guarantee a fast and sustained market entry. TilePlus project will address the solar roof market.

We will argue that E-Tile+ can be installed on 13,700 roofs, while providing 142GWh in year 5 post-project, generating accumulated revenues of €267m and net profits of €156m, create 65 new FTEs among the consortium and unlocking CO2 emission cuts of 64.4kt.

Partners

• SKARPNES AS
• AUTARQ GMBH
• SUN NET AS
• ONECO NETWORKS AB

Start date: 1 June 2021 - End date: 31 May 2023

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 970958.