Comparison of prototype designs of wavy solar roof tiles and flat solar roof tiles for BIPV applications

Abstract

This study compares the design efficiencies of two types of solar roof tile prototypes—flat and curved—in converting solar energy into electrical energy. Both types of solar tiles were tested under similar environmental conditions, including the light intensity, temperature, and roof tilt angle. The key parameters analyzed included output power, energy conversion efficiency, and performance stability over a defined period. The experimental results indicate that the flat solar roof tile exhibits a slightly higher conversion efficiency under optimal irradiation conditions. However, the curved solar roof tile demonstrated better performance in capturing light at varying incident angles, particularly during the morning and late afternoon, owing to its curved shape, which enables more uniform light absorption throughout the day. The study concludes that the selection of a solar roof tile type should be tailored to geographical conditions and specific user needs, as each design offers distinct advantages in terms of efficiency and installation flexibility.