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How the ICON System Works
At its core, ICON transforms the entire roof surface into an energy-generating system while maintaining the integrity and function of a premium concrete tile roof.
System Architecture
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Concrete roof tiles provide structural protection and durability
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Integrated photovoltaic laminates generate electricity
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Embedded wiring (MC4 connections) links tiles into strings
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String inverter with MPPTs optimize production across roof planes
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Main panel + optional battery storage distributes and stores energy
Each tile produces power independently, while the system operates as a coordinated electrical network designed for efficiency and reliability.
Core Technology Layers
ICON tiles are dimensioned and proportioned to integrate seamlessly with standard roof geometries and established installation practices.
Each tile incorporates a high-strength concrete body with integrated photovoltaic elements, providing structural mass and durability consistent with traditional concrete roofing materials. Tile geometry supports overlapping courses and consistent exposure, maintaining uniform appearance across active and non-active roof areas.
Installed system weight is comparable to conventional concrete tile roofing assemblies, allowing ICON to align with familiar structural load assumptions. Tile layout density and sizing are designed to support flexible roof designs while maintaining consistent material coverage and visual continuity.
Color options and surface finishes are selected to match architectural roofing applications, enabling solar integration without altering the intended roof profile or aesthetic character.
Why this matters:
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High mass reduces thermal fluctuation
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Resistant to salt air, UV, and impact
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Long service life compared to asphalt
Concrete tiles act as both weather barrier and thermal regulator, improving long-term durability and indoor comfort.
Integrated Solar Generation
Unlike traditional systems, solar is embedded directly into the roofing tile, not mounted above it.
Electrical Characteristics (Per Tile)
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Max Power: 17.5W (±3%)
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Voltage (Vmp): ~10V
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Current (Imp): ~1.75A
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Cell Efficiency: >21.6%
System Design
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Tiles are wired into series strings
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Strings operate in parallel to maintain system voltage
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Maximum system voltage: 600 VDC
This configuration enables predictable, scalable system design for residential applications.
MPPT Optimization (System Intelligence)
ICON systems typically use string inverters with multiple Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs). Why this matters:
Each MPPT allows separate sections of the roof to operate independently.
This enables optimization across:
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Different roof orientations
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Variable solar exposure
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Partial shading conditions
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Multiple roof planes or elevations
By grouping tiles with similar irradiance profiles, the system maximizes total production across the entire roof.
Ventilated “Cool Roof” System
ICON uses a double-batten (cross-batten) installation method, creating a continuous airflow cavity beneath the tiles.
Thermal Performance Mechanism
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Air enters at the eave
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Moves through batten channels
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Exits at ridge vents
This creates passive convective cooling, reducing heat buildup.
Measured Impact
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Attic temperatures reduced by ~35–40°F
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Lower HVAC load
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Improved solar efficiency (cooler cells perform better)
Integrated Electrical System (No Exposed Hardware)
ICON eliminates the need for external racking systems.
ICON integrates photovoltaic generation directly into the roofing assembly, allowing electrical components to be distributed across the roof surface rather than consolidated into a single, add-on array.
Each active tile functions as an individual photovoltaic unit, electrically interconnected to form a complete roof-level energy system. This distributed architecture supports flexible system layouts while maintaining alignment with established electrical design practices for residential and light commercial applications.
Electrical routing and component placement are coordinated as part of the roofing installation process, with conductors and connections managed within the roof assembly to support code-aligned installation and inspection. System configuration is designed to integrate with standard balance-of-system components, including inverters and monitoring hardware, without requiring specialized or proprietary electrical infrastructure.
Electrical system behavior is addressed at the architectural level, ensuring photovoltaic integration is coordinated with roofing geometry, material selection, and installation sequencing.
Key Features
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Embedded MC4 connectors
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Integrated bypass diodes
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Concealed wiring within batten cavity
Benefits
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Minimal roof penetrations
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Reduced corrosion risk (critical in coastal environments)
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Cleaner electrical layout
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Improved long-term reliability
Weatherproofing & Underlayment System
ICON integrates with premium synthetic underlayment systems designed for long-term durability.
Functions
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Secondary water barrier
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UV resistance during installation
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Tear resistance and dimensional stability
Combined with the fully interlocking tile system, this creates a multi-layered waterproofing strategy.
Wind Performance
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Tested up to HVHZ Hurricane uplift resistance
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Warranty coverage up to 130 mph*
Fire Resistance
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Class A Fire Rating (ASTM E108 / UL 790)
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Highest level of fire protection available in roofing systems
Code Compliance
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Florida Building Code (FBC) approved
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High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) compliant
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NEC Article 690 compliant
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UL 1703 & UL 61730 certified
Coastal Durability
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Concrete tiles resist salt air degradation
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Minimal exposed metal reduces corrosion pathways
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Enclosed system reduces failure points
Energy Performance & System Output
ICON integrates with premium synthetic underlayment systems designed for long-term durability.
Production Strategy
ICON maximizes energy generation by utilizing all viable roof space, not just panel sections.
Key Advantages
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Earlier production start and later evening output
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Reduced heat loss through ventilation
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More consistent output across variable conditions
Performance Warranty
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Year 1: ≥97% output
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Year 25: ≥80% output
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Degradation rate: ≤0.85% annually
ICON is engineered as a complete roofing system with photovoltaic capability integrated directly into the roof surface—not added on afterward.
Each ICON installation follows conventional roofing geometry and sequencing, using overlapping tile courses, established water-shedding principles, and code-recognized fastening methods. Solar functionality is incorporated only where energy generation is required, while non-active roof areas use matching materials to maintain architectural continuity.
By integrating solar at the roofing layer rather than mounting it above the roof deck, ICON preserves traditional load paths, minimizes additional penetrations, and aligns with familiar roofing installation practices.
The result is an integrated solar roof that protects the home, performs reliably, and belongs architecturally. For a deeper comparison of ICON’s performance against other solar‑roofing products in hot, high‑irradiance markets, see our Warm‑Climate Solar Roof Analysis.
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Maximum Power Output (Pmax): 17.5 watts per tile
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Voltage at Maximum Power (Vmp): 10.0V
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Current at Maximum Power (Imp): 1.75A
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Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 12.8V
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Short Circuit Current (Isc): 1.85A
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Cell Efficiency: >21.60%
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Temperature Coefficient of Power (Pmax): -0.27% per degree Celsius
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Temperature Coefficient of Voltage (Voc): -0.24% per degree Celsius
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Temperature Coefficient of Current (Isc): 0.05% per degree Celsius
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Max system voltage: 600 VDC
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Watts per roofing square: 1,540 watts
Applications: Suitable for both residential and commercial installations, delivering consistent energy output even under non-optimal sunlight conditions.
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Tile Dimensions: 298mm x 335mm (11.73" x 13.19")
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Weight per square foot installed: 9.4 pounds. Comparable to traditional concrete tile
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Material Composition: High-strength concrete with integrated photovoltaic cells
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Weight per Tile: 3.2 kg (approximately)
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Color Options: Available in Dark Charcoal and Sedona Terracotta (special order)
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Tile Layout: 88 per roof square
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Rear air space supports passive convective heat dissipation typical of ventilated roof assemblies
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Wind Load Rating: Tested to withstand winds up to 160 mph (Category 5 hurricane-rated)
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Impact Resistance: Class 4 impact rating for hail (resists 2-inch hailstones at 55 mph)
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Fire Rating: Class A fire rating for best-in-class fire resistance
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Weatherproofing: Seamless integration into the roof structure to prevent leaks
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Durability: Designed to last over 30 years, with rigorous weather and endurance testing for extreme conditions.
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HVHZ complaint
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Superior performance in warmer climates or low light conditions
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UL Standards: UL 1703, UL 61730, UL 790 for safety and performance
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International Certifications: IEC/EN 61215, IEC/EN 61730, and CAN/CSA C22.2 standards
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National Electric Code (NEC): Compliant Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
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Florida Building Code: Compliant FL46604
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Florida Building Code: Compliant High Velocity Hurricane Zones
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California Energy Commission: Compliant
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Compliance: Meets building code requirements for solar installations in the US, Canada, Europe, and other global markets
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Environmental Compliance: RoHS-compliant, ensuring minimal impact on the environment
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Thermal Design Considerations.
Roof-integrated solar systems operate within the same thermal environment as the roofing assembly itself. Exposure to solar radiation, ambient air temperature, and roof surface conditions all influence operating temperatures and long-term material behavior.
ICON’s tile geometry and installation configuration are designed to support passive heat dissipation typical of ventilated roof assemblies. A rear air space created by the tile profile allows airflow beneath the solar surface, enabling convective heat movement without relying on active cooling or auxiliary components.
By integrating photovoltaic elements at the roofing layer—rather than mounting modules directly to the roof deck—ICON aligns thermal behavior with established roofing design principles. This approach reflects standard considerations used in durable roof assemblies, where airflow, material selection, and spacing contribute to managing heat across varying climates and exposure conditions.
Certifications & Standards Alignment
ICON is designed to align with applicable building, electrical, and safety standards governing roof-integrated photovoltaic systems. System design, material selection, and integration methods reflect requirements commonly applied to residential and light commercial roofing and solar installations.
Applicable standards include recognized electrical safety, fire classification, mechanical integrity, and code compliance frameworks used by authorities having jurisdiction in the United States and select international markets. These standards inform system architecture, installation requirements, and inspection criteria.
Independent testing, certifications, and code documentation supporting ICON system design are maintained separately to ensure transparency and traceability.
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Mechanical & Durability Design
ICON is engineered to function as a structural roofing assembly, with mechanical behavior governed by traditional roof design principles rather than auxiliary mounting systems.
Tile geometry, fastening locations, and overlap patterns are designed to transfer loads through established roofing load paths, distributing forces across the roof surface and into the supporting structure. By integrating photovoltaic elements within the tile body, mechanical loads are managed at the roofing layer rather than introduced above the roof deck.
Material selection and tile construction are intended to address common environmental exposures encountered by residential and light commercial roofing systems, including wind, precipitation, thermal cycling, and incidental impact. Weather management is handled through overlapping courses, flashing integration, and water-shedding geometry consistent with durable roof assemblies.
Mechanical durability is treated as a system-level consideration, coordinated with roofing layout, fastening strategy, and installation sequencing to support long-term service in varied climate and exposure conditions.
