What are the factors that could affect the level of energy generation? I am in fact tempted by the technology but I live in Northern Europe with the weather we all know about …
First of all, we should emphasise that photovoltaic tiles convert light into electricity, not "sunshine".
So even if the sky's overcast, the photovoltaic tiles will produce electricity, but at a reduced rate.

The generation of energy by photovoltaic tiles can be affected by several factors, e.g. :
- The level of brightness to which the property is exposed.
- The slope and orientation of the roof in which they are installed.

 
 
For the investment to be a sensible one, the PV tile needs to be reliable for a period of 15 years. What can you say to reassure me about the life and output of my installation ?

First, photovoltaic technology involves no moving parts: solar energy is converted into electricity by means of silicon cells which are interconnected to make up the solar panel.
The only thing circulating in the system is the electricity.

That is why the solar panel manufacturer guarantees their output at 80% of their initial capacity for 20 years.The solar panels are also protected from bad weather by a glass protective shield, which is regularly cleaned by the rain.

As regards the inverter, it needs to be replaced every 10 years or so.
 

 
I imagine that producing electricity calls for a more complex electrical installation. How do you ensure the safety of the people occupying the dwelling ?

Several types of installation are possible. However, in every case governments has ensured the highest possible safety levels.

The electricity produced by the solar panels goes to an inverter which also acts as a safety device. In the event of an anomaly on either the incoming or the outgoing side, it breaks the connection in the same way as a fuse.
The inverter is connected to an electricity meter and then to the national grid. This connection is carried out by a qualified electrician.There could have been another risk factor due to electricity storage, but is very unlikely that your electricity production will constantly be equal to your electricity consumption. This poses the problem of storage and might have resulted in an expensive sophisticated system designed to handle the differences between production and consumption (e.g. additional batteries). However, with a mains-connected photovoltaic system, storage is handled by your electricity supplier.

So the electricity network obviates the need for a complex installation to manage your power reserve and protects your supply in the event of consumption spikes.

 
 
I would like (as a private individual or a professional) to involve myself in this type of system so as to anticipate the future. But isn't it a bit too soon? Aren't going to have a lot of initial problems to put up with?

Photovoltaic technology is not something that came out of the laboratories just recently: the first applications go back to the 60's, since when thousands of systems have been installed.
 
 
Are all tiles compatible with a photovoltaic installation?

No not all of them are compatible, although thanks to the work done by IMERYS Toiture today there is a wide choice of tiles in terms of both shapes (tightly or slightly curved) and colours.

You can find compatible pattern in the ranges of Imerys, Collado (Es), Campos (P), Pica (I) and Morandi (CH).