Are photovoltaic tiles a "money-making machine" or a "high-cost toy"? Let's do the math!

Under the wave of deep integration of building and energy, the application of photovoltaic technology is no longer limited to ground power stations or simple roof installations. When we turn our attention to the building itself, especially the roof as the "fifth facade" of the building, a question often lingers in the minds of industry professionals: How cost-effective are those beautiful-looking photovoltaic tiles? Is their economic viability really enough to support a new market?

On April 5, we shared an article " Factory facade photovoltaic curtain wall: A new development idea from "cost game" to "value reshaping" ". At that time, a core point of view resonated widely: We can no longer simply apply the cost logic and single power generation revenue expectations of traditional rooftop power stations to measure building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products such as facade photovoltaic curtain walls. Because the facade of a building, like the "face" of a factory building, has a value far exceeding power generation itself; it integrates architectural aesthetics, Brand image display, and the basic functions of the enclosure structure. Therefore, the facade photovoltaic curtain wall provides "aesthetic + power generation" dual-income solution, representing a "short-term increase in investment, long-term high return" smart investment logic. With a relatively clear incremental cost (for example, an additional 200-300 yuan per square meter), considerable long-term power generation revenue (such as 140W+/square meter) and immeasurable aesthetic and Brand value enhancement can be leveraged, and its investment return logic is clear and attractive.

So, does this logic also apply to rooftop photovoltaic tile projects? The answer is yes. Photovoltaic tiles are essentially a type of BIPV product. First, they are tiles that meet the basic building material properties of waterproofing, heat insulation, and decoration of the roof; second, they are photovoltaic, with the ability to generate income. Evaluating its economic feasibility also requires going beyond a single dimension and considering it comprehensively.

To more specifically discuss the economic feasibility of photovoltaic tile projects, let's look at a practical calculation case. According to Zhang Dehua, the person in charge of Longyan Yiwa products, taking a 1000㎡ commercial roof renovation project in Hangzhou as an example, if Yiwa products are used, the economic accounts can be calculated as follows:

First, consider the incremental investment cost. Installing photovoltaic tiles means that the material cost of traditional tiles and the corresponding labor installation costs can be saved. In comprehensive calculation, compared with using traditional tiles, the incremental investment cost of using Yi Cai photovoltaic tiles is about 500 yuan per square meter. For this 1000-square-meter project, the total incremental investment is about 500,000 yuan.

Next, let's look at the income. The project adopts the mode of "self-generation and self-use, surplus electricity to the grid", and it is expected to install a photovoltaic capacity of about 150kW. Based on the sunshine conditions in Hangzhou, the average annual power generation can reach 150,000 kWh. Assuming that the power generation can be fully consumed by the building itself (almost all can be fully consumed in commercial electricity consumption scenarios), calculated at the consistent industrial and commercial electricity price of 0.6 yuan/kWh (the actual electricity price may be higher, especially under the peak-valley electricity price mechanism), the annual power generation income will reach about 90,000 yuan (the generated green electricity income is not included).

Now, we can simply calculate the payback period. The total incremental investment of 500,000 yuan is divided by the annual power generation income of 90,000 yuan, resulting in about 5.5 years. This means that it takes about five and a half years to recover the increased investment due to the use of photovoltaic tiles, simply relying on savings in electricity costs. From the total investment of the entire photovoltaic tile system (including the unsaved costs that overlap with traditional tiles), according to the calculation, It takes about more than 8 years to recover all costs . Whether it is only looking at the return on incremental investment, or examining the return on total investment of the entire project, this shows considerable attractiveness.

More noteworthy is that this is only a calculation of a medium-scale project. For larger-scale projects, the scale effect will be further manifested, and the unit investment cost will further decrease, making the project's return on investment even more attractive.

Therefore, returning to the initial question: How is the economic feasibility of photovoltaic tile projects? Through the above analysis and example calculation, we can clearly see that when correctly understanding its dual attributes of "building materials + power generation", and regarding it as a long-term green asset investment that can bring continuous cash flow, the economic feasibility of photovoltaic tiles is quite considerable. It not only solves the functional needs of the roof and enhances the modernity and technology of the building, but more importantly, it turns the originally quiet roof into a continuously value-creating "power station". For building owners and developers who pursue sustainable development and value long-term benefits, this is undoubtedly an option worth considering seriously. Photovoltaic tiles may not only look beautiful, but may be more "cost-effective" than you think.