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If you’re building a home or in the market for an eco-friendly one, you may have stumbled upon the option of solar roof tiles. While still somewhat new, solar roof tiles present an interesting choice that provides seamless aesthetics plus the energy independence of solar power. But are they right for you?
Our comprehensive guide covers all the benefits of this solar technology, plus the expected costs and other renewable energy options in the UK.
What Are Solar Tiles?
Solar roof tiles are an alternative to traditional roof-mounted solar panels that, to the untrained eye, look just like conventional roof tiles while also generating electricity. A solar roof tile is a photovoltaic-integrated building material that more homeowners are beginning to select when constructing their homes. They use the same photovoltaic (PV) technology that panels use to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into usable electricity to power the home.
While solar tiles, also known as solar shingles, are still gaining traction, they could soon become a new standard for energy-efficient roofing. Like regular roof tiles, they protect the home from the elements, but the added PV power advantage removes the need for panel installation later on. They’re not chunky and don’t stick out like standard PV panels, offering a seamless alternative.
Here’s a simple breakdown if you’re still trying to understand photovoltaic technology. Photovoltaic technology converts power from the sun’s rays into usable AC electricity. The solar cells within each tile or panel contain semiconducting materials, like silicon, which convert sunlight into an electric current.
As sunlight hits the cells, the photons begin moving to create an electric field and DC electricity. This DC energy is then converted into AC power, which most homes, appliances, electronics, and the grid run on. From there, whatever is connected to that PV system can access clean, green solar energy.
How Energy Efficient Are Solar Roof Tiles?
In terms of efficiency and minimising wasted energy, solar technology has impressive rates. The more efficient the system, the more electricity it can produce during daylight. The more energy it makes, the more independent that home becomes from the grid, the more resilient the grid becomes, and the better our energy infrastructure gets.
Most panels have efficiency ratings between 15% and 22%, meaning they convert that amount of sunlight captured into usable energy. Solar roof tiles have a slightly lower efficiency, around 10% to 20%, but remain competitive in comparison.
It is helpful to understand that these roof tiles are a relatively new innovation. Panels have been around much longer, giving us more time to increase efficiency as technology evolves. The efficiency rates of roof tiles will likely improve as we update the technology.
Types of Solar Roof Tiles
Solar panels and roof tiles come in several different types. While PV panels are typically monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film, polycrystalline construction isn’t used for roof tiles because the technology isn’t compact enough to work on such a small shingle. Still, roof tiles have options. They come as either monocrystalline or thin-film PV cells.
Monocrystalline Cells
Monocrystalline cells use a single crystal of refined silicon to capture more sunlight than a thin-film cell. What does this mean for you, the homeowner? Better performance, with efficiency ratings of 15-25%. Monocrystalline construction is more expensive than thin-film PV tiles, but their longer lifespan (25-30 years, up to 40+ with perfect maintenance) helps even out this higher upfront cost.
Monocrystalline rool tile manufacturing creates silicon wastage, so more eco-conscious homeowners may prefer the minimised waste of thin-film cells.
Thin-film Cells
Thin-film roof tiles are a second-generation innovation in solar tech that uses several layers of semiconductive materials on top of a substrate, such as plastic or glass. While they can be less efficient and don’t last as long (10-20 years), they’re also more affordable, flexible, light, and resistant to high temperatures. These cells are easy to manufacture, require less material, and create less waste.
While their efficiency is currently lower than monocrystalline, it’s expected to improve. It’s also worth noting that their payback period is the shortest, allowing you to realise significant savings on your electricity systems much faster.
How Much Do Solar Roof Tiles Cost?
The cost of a solar roof tile array varies depending on your chosen brand, system size, and installation complexity. However, the average 1-2kW system can cost anywhere from £5,500 – £9,000, including VAT, plus £1,800 – £1,900 in labour, for a total of £7,300 – £10,900.
Want a bigger system? A 3-4kW system costs about £10,000 – £16,000 for the materials, plus £2,000 – £2,200 in installation labour, for a total of £12,000 – £18,200.
Even more power costs more, with a 5-6kW system running about £19,400 – £23,600 in total and a 7-8kW system costing you anywhere from £24,700 – £29,000.
If you find a great deal, you may be able to get solar roof tiles as low as £5,500. On the extreme end, a massive system could cost you up to £55,000 (or more).
Overall, roof tiles are considerably more expensive than standard solar panels. In some cases, they’re double the cost. However, you may still qualify for renewable energy grants and incentives to reduce the cost of these tiles. Explore what opportunities may be available to maximise this investment’s benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Tiles?
For the right homeowners, solar tiles may be just the environmentally-friendly solution you’ve been looking for. PV roof tiles are visually appealing and adaptable, add property value and energy independence, and allow you to save long-term. If these benefits are all part of your non-negotiables, PV roof tiles might be right for you.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: If you’re not into the visual look of PV panels, solar roof tiles may be something to consider seriously. They replicate the appearance of standard shingles for a discrete, stylish look that blends in with the home’s design.
- Increased Property Value: The addition of renewable energy is attractive to potential buyers, increasing the property value of your home. Plus, the seamless visual look may add further value, especially for those turned off by the bulky look of a traditional rooftop array.
- Long-Term Savings: Solar roof tiles lower your electricity bills, helping you manage your monthly costs and saving money long-term. Depending on how robust your system is and whether or not it’s tied to the grid, you may even eliminate your electric bill.
- Energy Independence: By generating electricity on-site at home from sunlight, you reduce your dependence on the grid. Not only does this provide you with peace of mind, but it contributes to a more resilient grid for all and a more sustainable future.
- Eco-Friendly: Solar technology is one of the best renewable energy options readily available to the public. Without massive infrastructure, homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint, mitigate climate change, and protect our delicate environment here on Earth.
- Adaptable Styles: PV shingle tiles are available in versatile styles to blend in with different types of roofs. For homeowners who live in a conservation area, historic heritage area, or neighbourhood with strict building regulations that prohibit the change of the roof structure, these panels can allow them to reach their energy efficiency goals without violating any rules or changing the look of the home.
- Eligible for Government Incentives: Although PV tiles are quite different from panels, they are still eligible for the same kinds of renewable energy grants and incentives, including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you back for excess energy sent to the grid, and Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO4).
- Increased Durability: Solar panels are securely bolted to the roof, but tiles offer enhanced durability since they are integrated into the roof itself.
Solar Roof Panels vs Solar Roof Tiles Compared
Are you trying to decide between solar roof panels and tiles? Here’s where they differ.
Aesthetics
Some believe integrated tiles are more aesthetically pleasing than chunky panels bolted on top of standard roofing shingles. However, it’s all subjective. Modern monocrystalline panels, like EcoFlow Solar Panels, installed on the back roof of a home can be low-profile and unobtrusive. But, if you prefer to get the benefits of solar without the look of it, roof panels are an excellent alternative.
Durability
With good care, PV panels can last for decades, from 25 to 40 years. Currently, tiles aren’t projected to last as long; however, they haven’t been around long enough to know with certainty. As we study their true lifespans, we’ll have better data to compare the durability of the two options. The biggest difference today is that we have evidence to prove the estimated lifetime of PV panels.
Some may argue that tiles may be even more durable since they are integrated into the roof design vs. installed on top. They also provide more protection for the roof.
Cost
The cost of the tiles is higher than that of the panels, but the price of both depends on the wattage. For example, EcoFlow Rigid Solar Panels can cost between £139 (EcoFlow 100W Rigid Solar Panel) and £369 (EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel).
Installation
PV panels can be fitted and used on most roofs. Installation is usually quicker since the process is much less invasive and can be added to any roofing material. You may even be able to manage a DIY installation. As for the tiles, they won’t be compatible with every roof and are best suited for new construction or when replacing an entire rooftop. Installation costs can also run much higher because it’s still a speciality skill that comes at a premium.
Panels are also more portable and flexible. You can install them on a carport, RV, or shed or even use them on the go!
Efficiency
Monocrystalline cells are the gold standard of solar rooftop array efficiency. They have high-efficiency rates, allowing you to maximise all sunlight. As the tiles are still new, they’re not yet as efficient as the panels.
Solar Tile Installation Explained
Installing solar tiles usually takes around a week, which is longer than standard panel installation and a bit longer than a typical re-roofing project because of the special attention required. The tiles are designed to cover the entire roof and replace traditional roofing materials. You’ll need to find professionals who are experienced in this specific skill and expect to pay more than a typical PV panel installer.
Are Solar Roof Tiles Worth It?
Solar roof tiles are a newer innovation in renewable energy technology that combines the functionality of a standard rooftop array with the subtle, discrete design that blends into the home’s aesthetics. They’ve gained traction in the US as an alternative to typical panels that appeal to visually inclined homeowners, and they’ve begun making their way into the UK as a potential option as well.
These tiles are still less available than panels, are more expensive, and are more challenging to find a professional installer. However, if aesthetics are your top priority, it may be well worth the extra effort, time, and money to build an eco-friendly roof with solar tiles.
Regardless of your choice, remember you’ll need more than just panels to create a complete solar-powered energy system. Your panels or tiles will require a battery for storage, where the energy can be converted into usable AC electricity for the home. You can either buy each item separately or bundle them with EcoFlow Solar Generators for an all-in-one solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of solar tiles needed depends primarily on the size of your roof. Since solar tiles make up the entirety of your roof, these measurements will determine how many tiles are needed to cover the full surface area. Talk to your installer to discuss the total area of your roof and the required number of solar roof tiles.
In most cases in the UK, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels or tiles. However, you must comply with standard building regulations if a new roof is to be installed via solar shingles. You may need approval or a permit to begin the work.
Final Thoughts
While solar panels are still the gold standard for at-home renewable energy systems, solar roof tiles offer an aesthetically appealing alternative that integrates seamlessly into the roof’s design. Though they provide a visual upside, they have significant drawbacks, including higher costs, shorter lifespan, and decreased efficiency.
If you’re unwilling to make those concessions for the sake of curb appeal, check out the reliable, efficient, and long-lasting EcoFlow Solar Panels.