[L’industrie c’est fou] These terracotta tiles contain… solar panels

Accused by some of their detractors of “distorting” landscapes, photovoltaic panels have not said their last word. The Italian company Dyaqua, wishing to provide historic buildings – very energy-intensive due to their old architecture – with solar energy while maintaining their aesthetics, has designed “photovoltaic tiles” in terracotta. Visually indistinguishable from classic tiles, “Rooftiles” incorporate a special polymer on their surface that absorbs photons so that they then power the monocrystalline silicon cells housed inside the tiles.

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A first installation in Pompeii

The company, which has made it a point of honor that its products are made from non-toxic materials, of natural origin or reused, and recyclable, has opted for artisanal manufacturing. Enough to give a more authentic look to the roofs of the heritage buildings they cover. On the other hand, this small-scale production has a cost. To obtain 1,000 watt-peak power through 134 tiles spread over 9 square meters, buyers will have to pay around 7,000 euros excluding taxes. About half the price, conventional solar panels are regarding twice as efficient.

On its website, Dyaqua is pleased that the Italian Ministry of Culture presented its product as a solution to improve the energy efficiency of heritage buildings as early as 2015. Three years later, Dyaqua installed its tiles in the archaeological park of Pompeii and more particularly on the roofs of the House of Vettii, under restoration for 20 years. The company does not intend to stop there: it is currently seeking to adapt its polymer to other materials such as wood, stone or concrete. Its technology might thus make it possible in the future to cover walls or pavements with solar panels invisible to the naked eye.

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