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The new type of photovoltaic cell will integrate harmoniously with the traditional terracotta roof
In recent years, the sleek black look of solar panels has become more common on rooftops across Europe. This trend reflects a growing demand for renewable energy solutions. However, in regions where traditional terracotta roofs are culturally significant—such as Italy—there has been resistance to the installation of conventional solar panels due to their visual impact.
To address this challenge, Wegaplast SpA, based in Toscanelladi Dozza, Italy, has developed an innovative solution: plastic roof tiles that integrate photovoltaic cells. These tiles are designed to blend seamlessly with traditional terracotta, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of historic buildings while harnessing solar power.
Wegalux tiles, made from Styrolution’s UV-stabilized acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) copolymer LuranS, feature a molded housing and a solar module containing two polycrystalline silicon cells. Each tile is the same size as a standard brick tile, making it compatible with both new and existing roofing systems.
Ugo Rigon, sales director of Wegalux, explained, “Our tiles can be used on any sloped or ribbed roof where traditional terracotta is installed, such as in the Marseille style. They offer an elegant way to generate clean energy, especially in historic districts or scenic areas where preserving the cityscape is essential.â€
Styrolution, a German-based company, collaborated closely with Wegaplast to ensure the tiles could withstand harsh weather conditions in Italy. The LuranS material offers excellent dimensional stability and resistance to temperature fluctuations, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Marko Blinzler, Styrolution’s special product manager, added, “Our materials are designed to endure long-term exposure to sunlight and extreme weather. They meet the highest standards for surface quality, making them a reliable choice for architects, designers, and builders.â€
For Wegaplast, aesthetics were just as important as functionality. Rigon emphasized, “The visual performance of LuranS was a key factor in our decision. Styrolution provided the exact color shades we needed, allowing our solar tiles to match traditional bricks perfectly. This pre-coloring approach saves time and cost during production.â€
Volker Pieper, Styrolution’s business development manager for the construction sector, highlighted the broader vision behind the project: “The goal is to make solar panels ‘invisible’ on rooftops. By integrating them into traditional designs, we preserve the beauty of Italian architecture while promoting sustainable energy.â€
One of the main challenges in outdoor applications is color fading over time. However, ASA technology helps prevent yellowing, and Styrolution provides additional UV protection for LuranS. A helium test simulating 10,000 hours of sunlight exposure confirmed the material's durability, with ongoing testing to gather more long-term data.
While terracotta tiles may change color over time, Styrolution believes the difference between plastic and terracotta tiles will remain minimal. Pieper noted, “We expect the color shift to stay within an acceptable range, with a dE value of less than 5 after five years—well below the threshold for noticeable differences.â€
Looking ahead, Styrolution is working with Wegaplast to develop the second generation of Wegalux tiles, aiming to improve efficiency further. The first version already performs well, with 10 square meters of the roof (equivalent to 128 tiles) generating 1 kWp of electricity.
LuranS is used across various industries, including automotive and construction. Styrolution continues to explore niche applications in residential and commercial sectors, focusing on specialized outdoor products still in development.