A house with character: How a Norwegian electrician discovered the potential of colorful solar roofs

“When I first heard about red photovoltaic panels, I was skeptical,” admits Sven Larsen, an experienced electrician from Oslo. “After 20 years in the electrical industry, I knew that every extra layer on a panel reduced its efficiency. But the traditional red color was too important for me to give it up.”

From the city to the forest

Sven's story began with a desire for change. After years of working in crowded Oslo, he longed for a quieter life closer to nature. “I found this old hut by accident,” he recalls. “It was in a terrible state, but the surroundings - old pine trees, a quiet area, a lake nearby - all this reminded me of my childhood vacation at my grandparents' cottage.”

The Challenge: Tradition vs. Modernity

As an environmentally conscious professional, Sven planned a photovoltaic installation from the beginning. However, the traditional red color, so characteristic of Scandinavian architecture, seemed to exclude this option. “In Norway, red houses are not just aesthetics, they are part of our identity,” he explains. “I couldn't imagine the black panels on the red roof.”

Discovery of eTile

The breakthrough came at the Munich Construction Fair. “I saw the eTile system in brick color and couldn't believe my eyes,” says Sven. “The surface looked exactly like a traditional sheet for the seam, and at the same time it produced energy. It was exactly what I was looking for.”

From the perspective of an electrician

“What convinced me as an electrician was the thoughtful design of the system,” explains Sven. “Despite the color coating, the drop in performance was much smaller than I expected - about 20%. Given the long polar day in summer, this is still a great result for our latitude.”

Technical data of the project:

• Roof area: 140m²
• System: eTile Flat in brick color
• Installation power: 12.8 kWp
• Annual energy production: about 11,000 kWh
• Energy storage: 15 kWh
• Roof pitch angle: 35°

Life under a red roof

Today, Sven's house is not only his private space, but also a demonstration example of the possibilities of modern solar technologies. “I often invite customers here who are interested in photovoltaics but are concerned about aesthetics,” he says. “When they see how eTile fits into a traditional architecture, their approach changes completely.”

Tips for investors

As an experienced electrician and eTile user, Sven has some advice for those considering a similar installation:

• “Don't be afraid of colored panels - the drop in performance is less than you think”
• “Pay attention to the ventilation system under the modules - this is crucial for efficiency”
• “It is worth investing in an energy storage - especially in our climate”
• “Choose an experienced installer who understands the specifics of a solar roof”

A technical curiosity: The eTile system in Svena's home uses advanced CoolFlow ventilation technology, which helps maintain the optimum temperature of the modules even during long summer days. This is especially important in the Scandinavian climate, where the sun can shine for up to 20 hours a day.

“This house proved to me that we don't have to choose between tradition and modernity,” concludes Sven. “We can have a red, Scandinavian house that at the same time is an example of modern energy solutions. This is the best recommendation I can give as an electrician and owner.”

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