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Solar roof tiles are an innovative and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional solar panels, offering a seamless way to integrate renewable energy into your home. While they can be more expensive initially, their sleek design that replaces roof tiles makes them an attractive choice, and as the cost of solar panels continues to decrease, solar roof tiles are also expected to become more affordable.
Our experts explore the benefits, costs, and considerations of installing solar roof tiles, helping you decide if they are the right choice for your home.
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Solar roof tiles, also known as solar slates or solar shingles, replace traditional roofing materials, allowing your roof to generate electricity while maintaining a sleek appearance. Unlike conventional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which are mounted on top of existing roof tiles, solar roof tiles serve a dual purpose by acting as roofing material and renewable energy sources.
It’s important to note that retrofitting solar roof tiles can be complex and expensive, making them much more suitable for new buildings or for homeowners already considering replacing their existing roofs.
Solar roof tiles are made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin-film PV cells. These cells utilise the daylight to create an electrical charge known as a direct current (DC). The electrical charge is then passed through an inverter that converts it into an alternating current (AC), which can be used to power home appliances or be fed into the national grid.
As mentioned above, solar roof tiles can be made of monocrystalline cells or thin-film PV cells. Monocrystalline cells are manufactured using pure silicon and have an efficiency of 20 per cent, whereas thin-film cells are manufactured with thin layers of PV material. While thin film cells’ efficiency is around 7 per cent, they are budget-friendly, which equates to a faster payback time.
Solar tiles can also take the form of various styles to suit your preferred aesthetic:
Solar roof tiles are relatively new to the world of solar and are not as widely available as the best solar panels. More providers are expected to offer them as prices decrease and technology advances. The main solar roof tile providers in the UK are listed below:
Tesla
Tesla has long been known for its quest to transition to sustainable energy. The company announced that its solar roof tiles, available in the US, are to be made available for UK homeowners. However, as of August 2024, the tiles are still yet to be released here, but you can browse specifications and sign up for updates via the Tesla website.
They won’t be cheap if their pricing is similar to the US. According to MarketWatch, a Tesla solar roof can cost between $32,000 and $64,000 (about £25,000 to £50,000).
GB Sol
GB Sol, a solar supplier based in Wales, offers solar PV slates and infinity solar roofs – an almost seamless glass roof. The company’s slate tiles are designed to integrate with natural blue slated roofs and, being manufactured from toughened glass and aluminium, are designed with extreme weather conditions in mind.
These products are certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and have a 25-year warranty. GB Sol’s slates have a peak output of 28W, and the 4kW system costs £6,520, excluding installation, according to the company’s website.
XO Edge
XO Edge, a London-based solar roof tile manufacturer, has reimagined solar power, and the finished product is a chic-look textured matte black solar roof tile that seamlessly blends with its Mariana tiles for a contemporary look. Made from recycled plastic, the tiles have been treated for ultraviolet resistance, and each weighs 1.4kg with a 12W output. XO Edge’s solar tile prices are unavailable on the company’s website.
Smartly Energy
Renewable energy consultancy Smartly Energy is a UK supplier that sources affordable renewable products from Europe. The company supplies and installs solar tiles from the Swiss multi-award-winning company, Megasol. Smartly Energy’s integrated solar roof tiles are available in grey, black and terracotta.
Marley
Marley is a UK-based solar manufacturer. The Marley SolarTile is not a traditional solar tile, being comparable to an integrated solar panel as it sits flush with the roof, and doesn’t protrude. The tiles deliver a peak output of 335W, with an efficiency of 20.7 per cent. They also have a 15-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty.
Tyle
London-based Tyle has manufactured a solar tile that mimics the appearance of a standard roof slate and the company has stepped outside the box by offering red tile to mimic clay tiles. Each solar tile has a peak output of 95W, and Tyle’s products are MCS-certified.
Solar roof tile technology is a new technological advancement that is still in progress. Solar roof tiles can cost twice as much as traditional bolt-on solar panels. Factors that affect the overall cost are roof size and the proportion of the roof you choose to cover with solar roof slates.
The table below includes the average prices for solar roof tiles based on available prices from UK manufacturers:
| System size | Cost (average) | Installation cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2kW | £7,000 to £9,000 | £1,900 | £8,900 to £10,900 |
| 3kW | £9,000 to £12,000 | £2,000 | £12,000 to £14,000 |
| 4kW | £12,000 to £16,000 | £2,200 | £14,200 to £18,200 |
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Solar panels and solar tiles are both sustainable ways to power your home. They function in the same way, but their performance and price differs.
The average cost of a 4kW traditional solar array is £7,000, whereas a solar tile system of the same wattage costs around £12,000, excluding installation costs.
Bolt-on solar panels are attached to an existing roof using a mounting frame pitched at a 35- to 40-degree angle for maximum sunlight exposure. Solar tiles replace your existing roof tiles, meaning your roof must be pitched at this optimum angle. If it isn’t, it could affect performance.
However, if you’re considering replacing your existing roof, solar roof tiles are just as durable as traditional ones. Their ability to withstand adverse weather conditions such as hail and strong winds makes them a good roof material. Unlike traditional solar panels, tiles can also protect the roof section they’re installed on.
Thanks to solar tiles’ discrete design, they’re ideal for homes situated in Conservation Areas (once planning permission is granted) blending seamlessly with surrounding properties and sitting flush to the roof’s pitch. Solar panels protrude from your roof’s existing structure, making them less popular for heritage properties.
No, solar roof tiles are not suitable for flat roofs. To install solar tiles, your roof must be pitched and angled at 35 to 40 degrees to maximise sunlight exposure. Traditional solar panels are mounted at this angle using a roof mount, but roof tiles require a roof structure that already sits at this angle.
Yes, solar roof tiles are eligible for solar grants and incentives like the government’s zero VAT scheme. However, they are significantly more expensive than traditional solar panels and generally less efficient, which could result in lower energy bill savings. Therefore, even with funding, solar roof tiles might not be the most cost-effective choice.
Solar roof tiles have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years just like traditional solar panels. They’re durable and can withstand high winds, storms and hail and can also protect the area of the roof on which they’re installed.
