Roof tiles collect solar power

A type of tile roof that can absorb solar energy to heat water and generate electricity has just been invented by an Australian industrial designer.

Solar roof tile roof is a change for the traditional solar power system. ( Photo: Sebastian Braat ) This plastic tile has solar cells connected to the house's electrical and hot water systems. Sebastian Braat, an alumnus of the University of Western Sydney, said the tile was designed for homes in the city, to reduce electricity bills for residential areas.

The structural tile consists of a base made of polycarbonate, with a water compartment and photovoltaic cells. About 12-18% of the heat energy transferred into these photovoltaic cells is converted into electricity. The rest is used to heat water.

Braat said he led a coolant through the water in a tile, acting as a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger will transfer heat to a circulating hot water tank.

Meanwhile, photovoltaic cells will generate DC current and go into a converter attached to the electrical box in the house, connected directly to the grid. " If people in the house do not use electricity, it will automatically push the excess electricity into the network ."

Braat said about 200 such tiles will produce up to 1.5 kW per hour, more than enough for a house with an average of 3 bedrooms.

However, other experts also reminded the inventor of the performance of this tile, the effect of the roof slope, as well as its price. In addition, this type of roof may also leak because there are many small joints.

T. An