industry news

By June Donenfeld

GENEST, A MAINE CONCRETE MANUFACTURER and hardscaping supply retailer, now carries ceramic solar roof tiles from Spanish roofing material manufacturer Tejas Borja. Genest’s president, Chris Genest, reports that Genest is the only company in New England importing European ceramic roof tiles that incorporate a solar power system. These tiles have been in use in Europe since 2021.

Unlike conventional rooftop solar arrays, which sit on top of a preexisting roof, the Tejas Borja photovoltaic panels are completely integrated into tiles that form the roof itself. The tiles are produced through inkjet technology that can recreate the texture and color of many roofing materials, from slate to stone to copper. The Tejas Borja ceramic base tiles have a 50-year warranty and the solar panels that fit within them are guaranteed to generate power for more than 25 years at 80% performance efficiency, which, Genest reports, is “typical of every solar panel on the market.”

The tiles with photovoltaic inserts cost approximately $40 more per tile than the plain base tiles, but according to Genest, their cost is offset by the federal 30% solar array tax credit.

Because the installation of the tiles differs from that of conventional roofing materials, homeowners should consult a professional roofer to make sure their roof can accommodate them. Precision Roofing in York County is currently the only recommended installer in Maine, but Genest will help homeowners outside Precision’s service area find other contractors who can help them.

This article appeared in the Spring 2024 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!

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