For years, solar panels have dominated the industry in terms of providing homeowners with clean, sustainable and money-saving energy. A worthwhile investment for both the Earth and bank account, solar panels are a feel-good home improvement that starts paying for itself the day they are installed. Some companies will even buy back unused energy produced.
Unfortunately, some high-end homeowners are turning away from this option due to its glaring, unsightly appearance. For consumers spending valuable time and money making their homes gorgeous, it makes sense they would not want to besmirch all the aesthetic hard work.
Thermal Slate Tile
Spanish slate company Cupa Pizarras combined their quality slate tile with innovative technology to solve this issue. Slate tile, especially the dark quality that comes from Spain’s quarries, naturally traps a lot of heat. By placing thermal panels underneath these tiles, the company found a way to make eco and wallet-friendly technology entirely invisible.
Already, CUPA’s “ThermoSlate” has attracted attention in Europe. Indeed, it looks promising to be the next big step in environmentally-friendly building. Keep reading to learn about all the benefits of this innovative product:
Sustainable
The entire point of solar technology, of course, is that it is a renewable source of energy that does not emit CO2 into our atmosphere. At a time where the health of our planet is at utmost concern, cutting back on our carbon footprint is on the minds of most consumers.
ThermoSlate does just this. On average, this solar slate tile technology saves about 198 pounds of CO2 emissions per 3 square feet of product.
Slate tile, alone, is very eco-friendly. Due to its innate properties, the stone needs only minimal processing from quarry to construction site. Hand-split by skilled crafters, slate tile does not need any factory manufacturing that releases harmful emissions or chemicals that may leak into the environment. It uses even less water than terra cotta, often renowned as one of the more environmentally-friendly building materials on market.
And, because of its exceptionally long life, slate does not clog up landfills like other shingles do.
Sturdy
Slate tile is one of the most reliable and durable building materials on the market today. Naturally fireproof, water resistant and non-porous, slate can stand up to both freezing hail and wildfire conditions.
While ThermoSlate comes with a warranty of 75 years, quality slate has a normal life expectancy of over 100 years. To put this number into perspective, asphalt shingles, America’s most common roofing choice, is only expected to live around 30 years.
Cost-Effective
According to the EPA, the average American household of 4 uses around 400 gallons of water per day. Out of this, around 54% of water used daily is for showering, faucets, and washing machines— meaning about 216 gallons per day have heating needs.
ThermoSlate panels have an area of 15.6 square feet and generate around 67 gallons of heated water per day. Depending on the size of the roof in question, CUPA recommends installing between 3 and 4 of these panels. With 3 panels installed, around 201 gallons of hot water can be produced daily— already nearly reaching the approximate daily water heating needs. Depending on a home’s heated water usage, CUPA estimates that approximately 2/3 of a year’s water heating needs can be met with ThermoSlate technology.
Versatile
Roofs are not the only place you can install a ThermoSlate panel. Recently, slate siding has become a popular option for many high-end buildings. Thermal and acoustically insulating, slate cladding affords a structure a uniquely sleek and modern touch while also providing element-proof and sturdy protection. ThermoSlate technology can be adapted to fit under these siding tiles, catching the sun at whatever angle hits your home.
Slate flooring is also extremely popular. ThermoSlate under flooring panels are a great patio option. Non-porous and waterproof, slate’s textured surface makes it naturally non-slip. For homeowners with a pool, this solar technology can be fitted to heat a pool on it’s own.
Beautiful
As mentioned before, ThermoSlate technology is able to circumvent the annoyance of obvious, unsightly solar panels. High-end homeowners often spend a fortune on every detail of their homes. Slapping on a solar panel only takes away from the desired aesthetic.
Once installed, ThermoSlate is completely invisible. Even the most trained eye would not be able to pick out where the panels lay. Being a high-quality material, slate tile often ads value to a home’s market price. With the thermal technology safely hidden underneath, this value can be fully appreciated.
To read more about this innovative technology, visit the CupaUSA website here.