Tejas Borja’s Solar Roof Tiles present at Hispalyt’s Technical Seminar
On March 7th, our colleague Jaime Pascual from the Group Edilians prescription department participated in the Technical Conference on Photovoltaic Tile Roofs: Integrated Systems, Installation, and Works, organized by Hispalyt. He delivered a prominent presentation on solar tiles. The event, which took place both in person and online, gathered industry experts to discuss innovations in roofing and sustainable solutions.
During his presentation, Jaime detailed the advantages of photovoltaic integration in roofing, emphasizing how the combination of design, functionality, and sustainability can transform the construction sector. He introduced the advanced solutions from Tejas Borja, highlighting the solar solutions offered by Tejas Borja, such as the SOLAR Flat-5XL Tile, the SOLAR Flat-10 Tile, and the ERI System. These solutions enable simple and safe installation, ensuring energy efficiency without compromising architectural aesthetics.
Tejas Borja’s solar tiles represent an evolution in roofing, offering a solution that maximizes the use of solar energy without disrupting the visual harmony of buildings. Thanks to their seamless integration with traditional tiles, these solutions are ideal for both new construction projects and roof renovations.
The Hispalyt conference was an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and advancements in the sector. In addition to Jaime’s presentation, the event featured other professionals who addressed key topics in the evolution of the construction and renewable energy sectors.
For those who were unable to attend the event live, the presentation recording is available on YouTube. You can watch the full presentation at the following YouTube link.
At Tejas Borja, we continue to invest in innovation and sustainability within the construction sector. We thank Hispalyt for the opportunity to share our advancements and all the attendees for their interest in our solar tile solutions.
BORJATHERM system installed in the first building in Andalucía to receive Passivhaus Premium certification
Tejas Borja roofing systems installed the first building with Passivhaus PREMIUM certification in the south of Spain
There are only three buildings with this highest level of Passivhaus certification
Villa Suasana is located in the Mijas area of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. This isolated house has become the first building in Andalucía to meet the highest international energy efficiency standards and receive Passivhaus Premium certification.
Vila Suasana – PassivHaus – TEJAS BORJA
This project, developed and built by Aryon, who have their own specialized staff, was designed by the architect Amparo Corral. Moreover, to achieve such high levels of energy efficiency, the project also involved Castaño & Asociados, a leading consultancy on Passivhaus standards, all of which are members of the Plataforma de Edificación Passsivhaus(PEP, Passivhaus Building Platform).
The Passivhaus Institut has set out three levels of Passivhaus certification: Classic, Plus and Premium. The highest level is Premium, which not only demands considerably higher levels of energy efficiency than Classic certification, but also requires a building to generate a significant amount of renewable energy.
To receive Premium certification the primary renewable energy demand must be less than 30 kWh/m².yr, and the renewable energy generated by the building must be a minimum of 120 kWh/m2.yr.
Villa Suasana has managed to achieve this certification thanks to its south-facing orientation, which reduces heating demands, and its energy efficient building envelope.
Tejas Borja’s BORJATHERM system was installed in the roof of this demanding project. Thanks to the system’s low thermal conductivity coefficient (λ=0,022 W/m·K), provided by a layer of insulation only 140 mm thick, the roof gives the highest levels of thermal performance as required to meet the Passivhaus standard.
To meet another of the Premium standard criteria, a sizeable solar energy harvesting system was also installed, enabling the generation of 17 MWh/year. Solar roof tiles were installed over almost all of the south-facing side of the sloping roof, which were complemented with traditional solar panels on the neighbouring flat roof.
Both the carefully-designed envelope and the generation of energy contribute to giving the home a high level of interior comfort, without any of the problems usually caused by damp. Moreover, Villa Suasana is so efficient that it produces much more energy than it consumes.
With regard to its exterior finish, the house is made up of white facades which connect to some wooden structural elements. Both materials come together in the roof where they combine with Flat-10 Paris Ochre tiles, one of the tile finishes created using ceramic inkjet technology from the BorjaJETCeramic Slate range. Tejas Borja’s products are present in this prestigious building project at both a functional level, with the high efficiency BORJATHERM system, and at a design level, with the world-exclusive BorjaJET range. A project which can be seen as a watershed moment in the history of construction in Andalucía.
Tejas Borja presents the new Advanced Roofing System: BorjaSAT
System BorjaSAT was created to respond to the need for new sloping roof solutions which meet the technical and energy efficiency requirements of today’s construction industry. A waterproof breathable membrane is installed onto a continuous and level supporting structure, made either of concrete or wood, and the joins are sealed using roofing adhesive tape. If the structure has already been waterproofed using another method (asphalt sheeting, EPDM, PVC, etc.) this first step is unnecessary.
The BorjaSAT insulation panels are positioned over the waterproofing. The alignment of the panels depends on the batten spacing required for the tiles which are going to be installed over them. As indicated on the panels, if they are positioned with the wide side of the panel parallel to the eaves line they can be used for tiles with a 37-cm batten spacing; if the panels are positioned with the narrow side parallel to the eaves line they can be used for tiles with a 39.5-cm batten spacing.
BorjaSAT panels are made entirely from Neopor® Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), regarded as one of the best insulation materials which has numerous applications in construction.
Neopor® provides high levels of thermal insulation because it contains small particles of graphite which absorb or reflect infrared radiation, making it 20% more energy efficient than other EPS products.
The BorjaSAT insulation panel is manufactured in three thicknesses: 60, 100 and 140 mm. It has a thermal conductivity coefficient of λ=0,031 W/m·K to meet the thermal insulation requirements of all projects. When they are installed on the exterior of the roof structure they form a continuous layer of insulation without thermal bridges.
The panels must always be installed onto a continuous supporting structure and over a waterproof membranee, to ensure the roof is completely watertight in the event of condensation or the accidental breakage of roof tiles.
Tejas Borja makes a made-to-measure ceramic grid for the facade of the OLIVO SPORTS ARENA in Jaén.
Opened in April 2021, the Olivo Sports Arena is one of the latest large public construction projects to be completed. It is located in the Jaén Provincial Trade Fair and Conference Centre (IFEJA) and covers 41,300 square metres. With an oval-shape design and a sports field in its centre, the building is about 50 metres long and 30 metres wide.
It is a unique sports venue designed to be used for professional competitions in indoor football, basketball, handball and tennis, as well as to host large events such as concerts and other cultural activities.
The versatility of the space was planned so it could house large-scale events attended by up to 10,000 people. To this end it has fixed seating, and retractable seating which can be folded away. The building is also an addition to IFEJA’s current facilities and can add 3,320 square metres to the EXPOLIVA trade fair.
While the design of all the interior features takes into account sporting events, the design of the outside of the building seeks to reflect the essence of the region. Over a stone-like exterior, a flexible skin was designed to hang from a metal structure. This skin is made up of ceramic pieces in a range of tones which reflect the most characteristic colours of the province, from the ochres of Jaen’s nature reserves to the green of locally-grown olives. The upper part of the facade also has a crenelated design to remind viewers that Jaén is the area of Europe with the largest number of castles and fortresses.
Olivo_Arena-Tejas_Borja
Olivo_Arena-Tejas_Borja
The enclosure of the facade had to reflect the versatile nature of the building. The flexible skin was made using ceramic elements mounted on a steel structure which cover the building in the colours of olive tree leaves.
Olivo_Arena-Tejas_Borja
As well as providing an aesthetic function, the ceramic facade also reduces the solar radiation which affects the building, protecting the interior from heat. Tejas Borja was the company chosen to develop and make the ceramic piecesand their glazes in various colours, as determined by the mangers of the project.
Olivo_Arena-Tejas_Borja
The company, whose main activity is the manufacture of all kinds of ceramic tiles, is very versatile when it comes to adapting its manufacturing processes to make made-to-measure ceramic pieces for projects. Moreover, the company also has a technical department with considerable experience in creating unique pieces for special projects such as the Olivo Arena.
Olivo_Arena-Tejas_Borja
The Olivo Arena project also stands out because of its high level of energy efficiency, thanks in part to its air conditioning system and the interior and exterior LED lighting. Furthermore, particular emphasis was placed on thermal and acoustic insulation and in recovering rain water for water supply and irrigation, thereby reducing operating and maintenance costs drastically.
The Olivo Sports Arena in Jaén is without doubt a modern venue and a landmark project for Andalucia, one which is remarkable for its versatility, accessibility and simplicity.
The project to build the Olivo Sports Arena was tendered in 2019, constructed by Acciona to the specified deadline, and paid for by the Regional Government of Andalucia and the Jaén Provincial Government. This magnificent publically-owned sports venue is one of the most important which has ever been built in Jaén.
A vast expanse of sweeping farmland with the Tramuntana Mountains as a distant backdrop is the setting for a home designed to be a refuge. Somewhere to shelter from the wind and sun in a location where shade is scarce. A place where everything is in order. A space where the architecture accentuates and respects the land which surrounds it.
The project, conceived and executed by the company UBIKO, has been developed in the district of Sa Pobla, a rural area of Mallorca. And rural overtones have shaped the character of the project since its inception.
The house is set in an extensive plot of agricultural land, part of a group of fields in which buildings appear as dots in the landscape. From the beginning, the character of the site influenced the development of the project, both in terms of its shape and the materials used. The concrete walls form a fortress-like structure and combine with handcrafted features such as ceramic trellises. The duality of innovation and tradition is a key part of the design.
The project is viewed as a canopy which folds and extends lengthwise, with the different spaces of the home being formed underneath it. The building also has covered porches and patios which are connected, at all times, to the interior and exterior, and which frame and focus attention on the views of the surrounding fields and Tramuntana Mountains.
The technical singularity of this type of UBIKO home is that conventional brick walls and partitions are replaced by made-to-measure prefabricated concrete walls, which are customized for every client and location. In this way quality control is optimized and the on-site building process is fast, effective and sustainable.
The roofs, in keeping with the use of prefabricated elements and the pursuit of efficiency in the rest of the structure, were made using the BORJATHERM system of high energy efficiency insulation panels, which were installed over prefabricated sloping slabs of concrete.
A roof with a traditional Mallorcan appearance was installed over the BORJATHERM panels using C-50.21 Jaspeada White curved tiles, which could be fixed to battens thanks to the use of step tiles in the pan position. This places even greater emphasis on the duality between tradition and innovation which the project has pursued from the start. A project which has given great thought to the location of the building and has a strong connection to it, but which has been created using the latest advances in construction technology, with particular emphasis on prefabrication and efficiency.
This refuge is a place to live and enjoy in an environment as distinguished and singular as the rural landscapes of Mallorca.
Answers to 10 frequently asked questions about solar roof tiles installation
Answers to 10 frequently asked questions about solar roof tiles installation
Currently solar power is one of the most sustainable renewable energies, one which enables electricity to be generated in the same placeit is going to be used to supply energy for lighting, heating and refrigeration.
There are numerous advantages to having a photovoltaic installation at your home or business. In addition to reducing electricity bills and improving energy efficiency, producing energy via a solar installation contributes to the fight against climate change.
Tejas solares
If you are considering buying a solar installation which makes use of the roof surface, Tejas Borja offers you an integrated, reliable solution. However, before making the decision to install the photovoltaic system, you must follow these steps:
Research relevant requirements and legislation.
Choose your preferred type of self-consumption.
Check the viability of a solar installation.
Select quality materials.
Hire qualified personnel.
Carrying out a photovoltaic installation on your roof is an important decision, as it affects both the building and the efficiency of the energy collection. In this post we have put together 10 frequently asked questions, whose answers you should know before making such a significant decision.
Q1. What are the benefits of solar energy?
When you take the decision to have a solar energy capture installation integrated into the roof of your property, you will reduce your electricity bills and protect yourself against future increases in the cost of electricity in the energy marketplace. How much you can save with a solar installation depends on various factors:
Your electricity tariff. If the tariff in your area is higher than elsewhere, you will save more money in less time.
Energy policies in your area. In areas where there are government policies to incentivise the generation of solar power, you could save even more.
The price of electricity. The price of electrical energy can be unpredictable. Any calculation of potential savings from a photovoltaic installation using solar tiles will be based on a price estimation. However, as it is likely that electricity prices will continue to rise, savings will also continue to increase year on year.
The solar tile installation capacity and energy consumption. Although a responsible consumption of energy is always recommended, depending on the amount of electricity you produce using your solar installation, you may never have to pay electricity bills again or may reduce your bills to such an extent that energy payments are never again a significant part of your household budget.
Choosing a solar installation is a wise decision regardless of the property’s location. When you decide to have a solar installation, your electricity costs become minimal and stable.
Q2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Similar to other renewable sources of energy, solar energy has many environmental and general health benefits. Firstly, it results in a considerable reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases, making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change. Moreover, it prevents the emission of other pollutants which can cause health problems, which would otherwise be generated during the production of energy through conventional methods.
Q3. What impact will a solar energy installation have on my house/property?
A solar energy system will increase the value of a property considerably. This increase will be greater when the installation is owned rather than rented. For comparison, a solar installation will add more value to a property than the renovation of a bathroom or kitchen, and even more if the solar system is integrated into the building.
Q4. How do the solar tiles work?
Solar tiles, like other solar power products (e.g. solar panels), capture light energy from the sun during the day and convert it into direct current. Houses and buildings usually use alternating current. The direct current from the solar installation passes through an inverter and is transformed into useable alternating current. Now the electricity can be used or consumed, or ceded/sold to the national power grid. There is also the option of installing batteries to store any excess energy generated during the day so it may be consumed during periods when it is not sunny.
Q5. Will my solar tiles produce energy on days which aren’t very sunny?
The amount of electricity generated depends on the amount of sunlight which reaches the tiles. There will be a small drop in the level of power generated if the tiles are shaded and they will not produce energy at night. However, using the latest technology in the manufacture of photovoltaic products, denominated by the acronym , we can guarantee we are offering the most effective technology for generating solar power in shaded areas. Using this technology we obtain high performance, highly-efficient solar cells which are also environmentally friendly as they are made from copper, indium, gallium and selenide and are free of cadmium and lead.
Q6. What happens if the solar tiles get covered in snow?
Solar tiles convert solar energy into electricity. If they are totally covered in snow, they will not be able to produce electricity. Thanks to the structural resistance of each solar tile and the way they are installed, any snow which may settle on them shouldn’t cause any structural damage to the product. Thanks to the roof slope and the sleek surface provided by the solar tile glass, snow will slide off the tiles easily or be simple to clean off.
Q7. Are solar tiles suitable for isolated properties which are not connected to the national power grid?
It is more common to find photovoltaic installations connected to a power grid, either because the property gets power from the grid at night when the installation does not produce electricity or because the owner of the installation wants to sell any excess energy it generates. However, an installation with solar tiles is suitable for isolated properties which are not connected to the power grid, but the installation must always include a system of batteries to store the energy generated.
Q8. If I have solar tiles will I still receive electricity bills?
If the photovoltaic installation with solar tiles does not include a system of batteries to store energy and the property is connected to the national power grid, you will continue to receive electricity bills from the public grid, but you can reduce these bills significantly with a solar tile installation which adapts to your energy needs.
Q9. Will solar tiles work during a power cut?
If the installation is isolated from the power grid you can guarantee a supply of electricity during a power cut. However, if the installation is connected to the power grid and does not include a system of batteries, due to the characteristics of the inverter, during a power cut your installation will turn off automatically to prevent anyone working on the installation from receiving an electric shock.
Q10. What maintenance does the installation require?
The solar tiles are manufactured using the best materials and components available for this purpose. With a ceramic or aluminium base, they are ideal to guarantee the watertightness of a sloping roof.
Over the entirety of their useful life, the solar tiles require minimal maintenance and often the glass does not even need regular cleaning. For more information, we recommend you consult the ceramic solar tile manual [here].
Tejas Borja, as part of its commitment to continuous improvement, is working constantly to enhance the design and functionality of its products and roofing systems.
Innovation and the implementation of new technologies in our production lines have led to a step change in what ceramic tiles are like, how they are manufactured, how they are decorated and what they are used for.
The importance of innovation in our sector has been determined by the requirements of the market. A market which is increasingly demanding. A market which demands the best materials, a greater use of technology, faster installation times and more efficient roofs.
In this context, Tejas Borja is joining a new revolution in roofing by having developed a single product which combines both style and energy efficiency. Thanks to these technological developments, Tejas Borja has expanded its catalogue to include a range of products which harvest solar energy.
These products integrate perfectly into the flat ceramic tiles in the “Flat” range so that they have minimal impact on the original design of the project.
The SOLAR FLAT-5XL ceramic tile, which has a solar panel on the large ceramic base of the roof tile, preserves the dimensions of the original ceramic tile and is still completely flat.
The choice of materials for a roof is crucial to guarantee its durability, watertightness, energy efficiency and to protect the home. For this reason the SOLAR Flat-5XL ceramic tile integrates perfectly into the profile of the building, minimizing the visual impact of the solar tiles. It has a matt black finish which is uniform (full-black) and anti-reflective. Moreover, the cell connections in the panel are practically invisible.
The ceramic base is available in all the finishes offered for the Flat-5XL tile, including the BorjaJET range of finishes, rendered using ceramic digital printing.
The SOLAR FLAT-5XL ceramic tile is available in two solar energy harvesting formats: monocrystalline and . The two types of solar panels use different technologies to better adapt to each project’s energy generation requirements and available space.
Teja cerámica SOLAR Flat-5XL
SOLAR Flat-5XL technical specifications
The SOLAR FLAT-5XL MONOCRYSTALLINE tile provides excellent photovoltaic cell performance and high output in low light conditions, although they are sensitive to partial shade. However, the tiles provide greater peak power per square metre than those using other types of solar cells.
On the other hand, the SOLAR FLAT-5XL * tile, which uses the latest high efficiency solar cell technology, provides high output in low light conditions, meaning the cells capture more light from the spectrum. Moreover, it is the most effective cell in shaded conditions, and is more environmentally friendly because it doesn’t contain heavy metals.
* is the acronym which denotes the latest solar cell technology made using copper, indium, gallium and selenide, and which is free from cadmium and lead.
Tejas Borja’s SOLAR range
As another option in the Tejas Borja solar range, we offer a format compatible with our other flat ceramic tile model, the Flat-10. The SOLAR FLAT-10 tile is the same size as 5 ceramic tiles with the same model name and incorporates technology in its photovoltaic panel.
SOLAR Flat-10 Tile
SOLAR Flat-10 tile technical specifications
In the SOLAR Flat-10 tile, the solar panel is added onto an anodized aluminium base, which is an ideal material for photovoltaic installations thanks to its high resistance, low weight and durability.
When are solar tiles a good option?
Whatever the type of project, be it a new build or renovation works, our solar tiles are designed to fit perfectly onto and provide a watertight seal for sloping roofs when installed together with their corresponding ceramic tiles (Flat-5XL or Flat-10).
To optimize the efficiency of solar energy capture, the sloping roof should preferably be facing south and have a minimum slope of 30%, the equivalent of 17º.
SOLAR tiles, both the Flat-5XL and Flat-10 formats, must always be installed on ventilated roofs, using a double batten or equivalent system. The integration of the tiles into the roof is achieved by finishing the roof with ceramic tiles and their corresponding special pieces.
In the case of roofs which have already been installed using ceramic tiles from the “Flat” range, as long as the recommended installation system has been used, the existing ceramic tiles can be substituted for equivalent solar tiles in the corresponding Flat format.
Tejas Borja does not guarantee the compatibility of their solar tiles with other tile formats or similar products.
At Tejas Borja, we have a technical team who can give advice on the design and specifications of a roof installation using SOLAR tiles, depending on the needs and requirements of each project.
We carry out feasibility studies to optimise the installation according to its power generation requirements. We recommend the ideal solar solution using available products. We propose a tile layout based on building plans, including a cable diagram and measurements. And we also provide a quote for every project.
New explanatory video: TB-10 Tech, unique technology and design
TB-10 Tech, unique technology and design
Tejas Borja is proud to present its new TB-10 Tech S-interlocking roof tile with a new explanatory video.
This is a new type of video which presents all the benefits of the TB-10 Tech, the latest development in large format, S-interlocking ceramic tiles. The video explains the reasons to choose this tile while allowing the customer to travel across its surface and through its features. In this way they are able to view all aspects of the tile in previously unseen levels of detail.
//www.youtube.com/embed/kBSqt6K7Amo
The technical specifications and main advantages of this tile are striking when compared to other products in the same category already on sale elsewhere. The TB-10 Tech is a large format S-interlocking rooftile (10 units/m2) which allows for variable positioning, making installing them easier by reducing the number of cuts required. The tiles are made from high quality clays from quarries in the local Villar area which, together with a dry grinding process characteristic of Tejas Borja’s products, allow us to achieve the highest levels of refinement in clay particle size.
This product has been developed by using cutting-edge technologies in the ceramic tile manufacturing process: they are made in plaster molds and baked individually in H-Cassette supports. This allows Tejas Borja to produce a high-definition product of the highest quality. These characteristics are clearly seen not only in the visible surface of the tile, but also in the details on the underside of the product which is decorated with a unique design.
The video shows every detail of the TB-10 Tech rooftile whose aesthetic appeal and safety features set it apart from other tiles in the same format. Moreover, although TB-10 Tech is a S-interlocking type, roofs made using this tile look similar to those made using traditional curved tiles.
This is a tile which has been certified as complying with Mountain Climate standards and which has passed the strictest water impermeability tests, such as the Moby Dick II test (Paris), to guarantee the highest levels of safety and performance on sloping ceramic roofs.
Furthermore, it is the only S-interlocking roof tile in the world with digitally printed aged finishes, created using Tejas Borja’s exclusive ceramic Inkjet technology.
ISO 14001 certification for ceramic tiles and products
ISO 14001 certification for ceramic tiles and products
Our commitment is your quality guarantee. And this is why, staying firm to our commitment to caring for the environment, we have renewed our ISO 14001:2015 certificate. This international standard specifies the requirements for a management system which promotes environmental protection and the prevention of pollution.
In this way Tejas Borja demonstrates its dedication to reducing its environmental impact and enhancing its environmental performance, and ensures that all the ceramic products and rooftiles sold by Tejas Borja are manufactured in compliance with ISO 14001:2015 and our ES17/21541 certificate.
As a result, our environmental management system allows us to set objectives for continuous improvement through specific goals analysed using a lifecycle perspective, guaranteeing compliance with applicable legislation at all times.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a construction project management system which enables the simulation of the entire lifecycle of a project, allowing the user to see if it can be built. BIM is also an information management tool which allows every detail of a building to be modeled using 3D parametric objects. BIM enables the generation and storage of all the information necessary to complete the different lifecycle stages of construction projects. The use of BIM in the design of a building enables those involved in the construction process to collaborate and use the same information efficiently at every stage of the project.
BIM models are virtual objects created from real-world data, used in the management and monitoring of construction projects.
BIM objects by Tejas Borja
Tejas Borja BIM Library contains files for the ceramic tiles in our PREMIUM range in Revit and ArchiCAD format. Our BIM objects are currently connected to the BIMobject database, the world’s largest platform for BIM content. Tejas Borja, as a ceramic tile manufacturer, can connect with architects and engineers all over the world through this database.
Today, models of Tejas Borja’s PREMIUM range tiles can be found in the BIMobject database, including the BorjaJET flat ceramic tiles with a digital print finish.
Using a BIM model allows you to: • Create a highly-accurate virtual replica of a project. • Reduce the need to remodel and make changes to your design. A BIM model contains more information and parameters than a traditional design set and can be updated constantly. This leads to savings in time, money and materials, as well as the ability to generate more accurate quotes, by incorporating the real specifications of the building materials to be used into the planning stage of the project. • Check how the building would respond to different conditions. When specific BIM objects are inserted into a model, the calculations become more precise and everything from the environmental impact of the building to its maintenance costs can be taken into account.
The BIM files in the BIMobject platform enable all the elements of a model to be updated in real time, eliminating the risk and downsides of using out-of-date or incorrect files. At the same time, offering high-quality BIM objects which are easy to access and download, allows our tiles to be integrated into an earlier stage of the design process, supporting the architect by enabling them to make design decisions which are better specified, communicated and executed.
Note about the regulation…
With regard to regulations, BIM is widely used internationally but it is not yet used across the board. In Europe, Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement has established the need to use electronic systems (communication methods and tools to model building data) in the process of contracting works, services and supplies from September 2018 onwards. In particular, Article 22 of the Directive makes specific reference to building information electronic modeling tools or similar. Said article means that EU member states may demand the use of specific tools for building information electronic modeling in their processes of contracting works, services and supplies.
