Installer Directory
author

Written-by

Janet Richardson

calendar

Updated on

Oct 03, 2023

Read Time : 3 Minutes

Solar tiles

Using solar panels to power your home comes with a heap of advantages, especially when it comes to saving money and helping the environment. Since solar panels are becoming more and more competitive in terms of price, there are actually very few disadvantages to them.

One of the arguments that is often used against solar panels is that they significantly change the appearance of a home. This detail can become a serious issue if you want to install solar panels but also wish for your roof to look as normal as possible. It also becomes a problem if you live in a historical or natural conservation area and are not allowed to install them for aesthetic reasons. In this case, solar tiles might just be the solution for you.

What are solar tiles?

Solar tiles are small modules that can be attached to your existing shingles or even replace them. The finished look is much more natural than traditional solar panels, because the tiles blend seamlessly with the roof. Solar tiles can be made of thin film PV or traditional monocrystalline solar cells. Their efficiency is slightly lower than solar panels, and the cost is higher, but these systems are applicable for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which help to reduce the payback period. Their price used to be much higher, but solar tiles are becoming increasingly popular and competitive in terms of price. They are transitioning from a premium product to a common alternative to regular solar panels.

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure. Privacy Policy

Advantages of solar tiles

Solar tiles are almost invisible, which is likely to be the largest advantage of this form of solar technology. It removes the issues of having to cover your roof with solar panels, and provides the most aesthetically pleasing option. Solar tiles work just like solar panels in order to provide you with clean, free, energy.

This also means that they are eligible for exactly the same government incentives. In the UK, that means you can receive the SEG for the excess electricity can be sold back to the grid. Therefore, you can save money on your electricity bills (the average ranges between 40% and 70%), and also profit from exporting the energy you don’t use.

In addition to this, solar tiles can also increase the value of your property, as the demand for green energy is so high. Solar tiles are also far more durable than the traditional solar panels that you mount on your roof. Solar panels can last up to 40 years, but as they are rigid modules mounted on metal, they can be damaged by extreme weather conditions.

Solar tiles, on the other hand, are as durable as the roof itself – making them incredibly strong and reliable. The modules help to protect the roof as opposed to damaging it. Solar tiles are a fantastic option for new buildings, and they help to come up with solutions for the reduction of wasted roof space as well as maximising solar efficiency. The process of installation for them us simple, quick, and can be done by any roofer or solar installer. Additionally, there are different types of tile to accommodate a variety of roof and tile styles.

Disadvantages of solar tiles

They cannot be installed on an existing roof. They are only suitable for new buildings, or for those who are comfortable with replacing all the tiles with solar ones. This is because solar and traditional shingles must be installed at the same time. Solar panels, on the other hand, can be installed even after your roof has been completed.

Not every roof is able to accommodate them. It must be pitched and angled very specifically for it to be eligible for solar tiles. In this case, also, solar panels have a better chance of being positioned even on what can be considered difficult roofs. The initial cost of purchasing solar tiles is higher than that of the traditional asphalt ones. Currently, solar tiles are still a more expensive option than the traditional bolt-on panels, and are slightly less efficient.

However, if you are already planning on constructing a new roof, the added cost of installing solar tiles might not be so large due to the savings you can make on tiles.

Would you like to invest in solar tiles?

Solar tiles might not be the best or most convenient option for everybody, but they are a fantastic solution for those who have plans to build a new roof and want it to look as normal as possible so as to blend in with their community, all while incorporating solar power. If you meet all of the requirements and don’t want to compromise the appearance and style of your house, but still wish to generate clean energy, this is the technology for you.

It might take a lot of research for you to find the right supplier for you, but that is where we can help. To save you time and effort, we have a no obligation form on this page that will only take you a minute to fill out. Once that is done, our expert installers will contact you with some fantastic offers and deals that are perfect for you. It’s free, fast, and easy.

 

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

image

Related Information

Images

A Complete Guide to Solar Panels in 2023

Solar Panel Information Solar panels to generate electricity, solar PV, are the world's leading...

Images

History of Solar PV

Our journey with solar power goes back thousands of years, beginning with our ancestors harnessing...

Images

What are the different types of solar photovoltaic cells?

Types of Solar Photovoltaic Cells Solar panels convert energy from the sun into the electricity...

Images

Types of Solar Panels

What are the different types of solar panels? We are used to seeing solar panels on the rooftop...

Find a local installer

Welcome to the biggest directory of UK renewable energy companies

Or

COMPARE PRICES FROM LOCAL INSTALLERS

Compare prices from local companies fast & free

Enter your postcode to compare quotes from leading professionals. We promise to keep your information Safe & Secure.

Privacy Policy
Contact

Contact Us

Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices.

What technology are you looking to install?

What do you require?

What happens now?
  1. We will give you a quick call to discuss your requirements.
  2. With your permission, we'll get three vetted companies to contact you.
  3. Compare quotes and select the best fit.
The Renewable Energy Hub provides expert advice for those looking to invest in renewables.

We've been doing so for over a decade. Fill in the form on the right and one of our experienced operators will give you a call to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you have.

We're ethically run and will only share your details with 1-3 of our REH approved installation companies with your express permission. Privacy Policy

Please enter your contact details

logo

Before you go...

Can we help you with anything?

Leave your details and we'll contact you to discuss your requirements

x

logo

quick and free price comparison for solar or heat pumps