Solar tiles: Solar Innova walks into the light

Many companies, including the American Tesla company, either sell or are working on solar tiles. What are the specificities of your own tiles?

Our tiles were designed to be integrated into any type of roof thanks to their particular shape. A patent is currently being filed for the manufacturing process, so I will not be able to detail it any further. All I can say is that we have an entirely original molding technique that we alone have mastered. The initial concept is a relatively simple one: each tile functions as a small solar panel converting the energy provided by the sun into electricity. The tiles are then connected to each other in order to increase their yield and power. Our strength lies in the design and ease of use of the tiles, as they are barely more complicated to lay than ordinary tiles. Finally, we designed various models in order to meet all demand and therefore all types of roofs.

Which materials are used in the roof tiles? Our tiles use the so-called high-yield CIGS technology (for copper, indium, gallium and selenium). It is a relatively traditional technology, so our added value is not rooted only in the mastery of that process. The photovoltaic cells are encapsulated in layers of tempered glass.

The Solar Innova solar tiles use CIGS technology. The cells are directly encapsulated in the body of the tile.

To achieve this, we have stratified the electrical circuit between a sheet of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and a sheet of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF). These polymers have remarkable properties as they protect the circuit from humidity and perfectly insulate it from ultra-violet rays that could potentially cause malfunctions. PVF is also an excellent flame retardant. A vinyl polybutyral film (PVB) is also used to create a perfect seal between the glass plates that make up the top and bottom of the tiles. It is the same polymer that is used to make the laminated windscreens that can be found on all cars. As a result, our tiles are very strong and will not break as a result of hail, for instance. Finally, staying in the area of polymers, the connector junction boxes are made from PVC.

The  major advantage of the Solar Innova solar tiles is their shape which makes them compatible with any type of roof.

Can you tell us more about Solar Innova? We did not create this company for the purpose of selling our tiles. Solar Innova was incorporated several years ago. The company is in fact a group of companies specialised in the development of photovoltaic products. We manufacture and sell solar photovoltaic systems, but we are also an engineering firm able to provide solutions to companies and individuals seeking solutions to their energy needs in solar energy.

Our current objective is to be recognised on the market for the excellence and effectiveness of our work and products.
Our tiles are suitable for industrial and residential buildings. We are mainly focused on the latter as we see strong potential for development in that area for a good reason: our tiles are particularly elegant and very few individuals are prepared to sacrifice the aesthetics of their homes by installing solar panels that often stand out like a sore thumb.

Finally, what is your environmental policy?
 

We promote solar energy, a green and clean energy. We are aware of Man’s impact on the environment and we strongly believe that it must be minimised. As a result, we align ourselves with the objectives of NGOs and sometimes even States in order to improve our world and combat global warming. We therefore believe that we must lead by example. Solar Innova has obtained ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety management) certification. Our production centres are certified and compliant with the provisions of standard ISO 14001 on environmental management systems. Finally, our products are compliant with the EC standard and we are currently working towards achieving compliance with the IEC standard for the international market.

© Solar Innova