Roof Of The Future: Company Develops Tile That Can Convert Solar Light Into Electrical Energy

Telite, A Plastic Industry Company, Developed Roof Tiles Made From Recyclable Plastic That Can Generate Electricity and Have a Lifespan of 80 Years

Telite, a Rio de Janeiro-based company that operates in the plastic industry, is introducing plastic recycling in its factories to produce solar roof tiles. The company, which specializes in roof tiles, developed a model using graphene material that can generate solar energy, thereby turning the tiles into “producers” of electricity.

Telite aims to return a new product to the production chain that is built from waste generated by households, businesses, and industries. Through smart processes, the company ensures that each solar roof tile used for electricity generation has a sustainable, economical, and clean lifespan.

How Solar Roof Tiles Work for Electricity Generation

To manufacture the solar roof tiles, the company uses about 150 tons of recycled plastic monthly, collected from the environment through its reverse logistics program. The material used in the electric roof tiles is high-density polyethylene, which is waterproof, non-toxic, resistant to high temperatures, and environmentally friendly.

The technology applied for capturing solar light in the tiles allows each tile sheet, measuring 1.90m x 1.10m, to have a generation capacity of up to 150 Kwh per month. According to national average energy consumption data, just two tiles will supply a household with electricity for 30 days.

According to Telite, using only four tiles can generate about 30 kilowatts of electricity per month, enough to supply a house with a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. The lifespan of the solar roof tiles is up to 80 years.

Features of Solar Roof Tiles

The solar roof tiles, capable of generating electricity, weigh about 7kg and measure just over 2m in length. They have layers that can be applied to any type and size of tile, making installation easier and covering larger areas.

The tiles are also capable of absorbing solar energy on cloudy and rainy days without affecting their photovoltaic capacity. The first tests of the solar roof tiles were conducted in two houses, one in the southeast and the other in the south of Brazil. However, the technology is still in the certification phase by Inmetro and continues to be tested in different regions of the country.

The results obtained by Telite are very optimistic: over 2,345 tons of recyclable materials have been collected for the creation of sustainable products. Approximately 25,600 tiles have been developed from the recycling of plastics, resulting in a reduction of 1,065,000.00 kilos of CO2 in the planet.

Initiatives for Material Recycling by Companies

An example of the reverse logistics initiative for plastic is the Disposable Cup Recycling Program. Developed by Braskem, in partnership with Dinâmica Ambiental and with support from Copobras, Altacoppo, Unigel, and Innova, the company’s initiative directs materials that are widely consumed in corporate environments and events for correct and efficient recycling.

One example of the program is the collection of disposables, such as cups, which are collected by Dinâmica Ambiental teams and sent to recycling companies. There, the materials are transformed into post-consumer resin and gain new uses, which can be applied in cosmetic cap manufacturing and cleaning products, household utilities, automotive or furniture industries, and the manufacturing of appliances and bicycles.

In addition to contributing to the circular economy, the program is also educational, as employees of companies that join the program receive training on the disposal process and other sustainable best practices.