Solar roof tiles: costs, manufacturers, advantages and disadvantages

Solar roof tiles are an innovative and aesthetically pleasing solution for integrating photovoltaics into the roof of a building. Find out everything about costs, manufacturers and the advantages and disadvantages of solar tiles here.

First things first

• The price of solar roof tiles is about 30 € per piece.
• Funding is available through the KfW program 270.
• Solar tiles have a lower output (approx. 180 Wp/m²) compared to conventional PV modules (up to 220 Wp/m²).
• Well-known manufacturers include Tesla, Autarq, Eternit and Nelskamp.
• Solar roof tiles offer a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, with warranties of 25 years and longer.

What are solar roof tiles in photovoltaics? 

Solar roof tiles are special roof tiles that integrate solar cells and generate electricity from sunlight. They replace conventional roof tiles and integrate seamlessly into the roof design, making them more visually appealing than conventional solar panels.

Solar roof tiles on a house roof (stock.adobe.com / PixelBiss)

How much do solar roof tiles cost in Germany in 2024? 

The cost of solar roof tiles in Germany in 2024 is €25 to €30 per piece. This corresponds to around €360 to €420 per square meter. For comparison: conventional roof tiles cost between €8 and €20 per square meter. Roofing without photovoltaics costs around €65 to €130.

Compare photovoltaic offers now and save 30%!

Take 60 seconds and fill out a short form. We will connect you with up to five verified specialist companies in your region. The comparison is free and non-binding.

Compare now

How many solar tiles do I need for a single-family home?

You need about 12 to 14 solar tiles per square meter of roof area. The exact number of solar roof tiles depends on the size of the PV system. 

Are PV roof tiles worth it?

From an economic point of view, PV roof tiles are not worthwhile. The purchase is expensive, so the electricity generation costs are higher than with a conventional rooftop PV system. A single-family home with a 5 kWp system costs around €16,800 with solar roof tiles and only €8,000 with a conventional photovoltaic system.

PV roof tiles are primarily worthwhile in special situations, especially in new buildings or roof renovations. They offer an aesthetically pleasing solution and are ideal for listed buildings where conventional solar modules are not permitted.

What subsidies are available for solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles are supported nationwide by the KfW program 270. The low-interest loan is available for solar systems that are connected to the public power grid. In addition, the feed-in tariff and, if applicable, regional funding programs are available.

How reliably do solar tiles work?

Solar roof tiles are considered robust and durable, with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Manufacturers typically offer a warranty of at least 25 years, which signals a high level of reliability. These warranties cover both product quality and performance. The performance warranty ensures that the solar tiles will still deliver at least 80% of their original performance after 25 years.

In addition, solar roof tiles are designed to withstand heavy loads and offer high hail resistance. They usually achieve the highest hail protection class (class 4). This means that they can withstand hailstones with a diameter of up to 40 mm without damage. Another advantage is the easy maintenance and uncomplicated replacement of individual tiles in the event of a defect, which makes them particularly user-friendly.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles offer an aesthetically pleasing and integrated solution for harnessing solar energy on buildings. They replace traditional roof tiles and offer both functional and visual benefits. However, there are also some disadvantages that you should consider when deciding whether or not to use solar roof tiles.

Compare photovoltaic offers now and save 30%!

Take 60 seconds and fill out a short form. We will connect you with up to five verified specialist companies in your region. The comparison is free and non-binding.

Compare now

Which manufacturers of solar roof tiles are there?

The best-known manufacturers are Tesla, Autarq, Eternit, Nelskamp and Paxos. They offer various models with different performance and design features.

What shapes and colors are solar roof tiles available in?

Solar roof tiles come in a variety of shapes such as terracotta, slate and interlocking tiles, and colors such as black, dark gray, red and brown. They blend seamlessly with different roof designs and are available in materials such as ceramic, concrete and plastic.

• ceramic solar roof tiles: Ceramic is a popular material for roof tiles. The solar module fits into a recess in the solar tile. Ceramic photovoltaic roof tiles are available in various shapes and colors and can be easily installed on an existing roof.
• solar roof tiles made of plastic: A layer of solar cells is placed on a plastic plate. It is covered with a transparent pane. Plastic solar tiles are well suited as rooftop photovoltaic systems. They can be easily adapted to the design of the existing roof covering.
• solar roof tiles made of slate: The solar tile model has good weather resistance. Slate roof tiles are slightly larger than ceramic tiles and allow for higher output per tile.
• solar roof tiles in beaver tail shape: Solar roof tiles in the shape of a shingle are mostly used on historic shingle roofs in listed areas. They are available in a terracotta-colored and a classic black version.

What is the alternative to solar tiles?

Alternatives to photovoltaic tiles are in-roof and on-roof PV systems. In-roof PV systems also replace roof tiles, but are larger and less integrated. On-roof PV systems are mounted on the existing roof and are more cost-effective.