Solar Roof Tiles vs Solar Panels

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Solar panels are becoming a more and more common sight on UK homes as the technology becomes both more affordable and more effective at generating renewable energy. However, a newer technology known as solar roof tiles has been growing in popularity in the US as an alternative to panels, and the UK market looks set to go the same way.

Here we explore the differences between solar tiles and solar panels including the key considerations, advantages, disadvantages and costs of each option.

What's the Difference Between Solar Panels and Solar Tiles?

Both solar panels and solar tiles include photovoltaic (PV) cells which capture energy from the sun so it can be converted into electricity, enabling you to power your home using more free, renewable energy, lower energy bills and reduce your reliance on energy suppliers and fossil fuels.

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Solar panels are well established in the UK and are fitted to mounting brackets which sit on top of the roof tiles or slates. There is usually a gap between the panels and the roof, and they can be installed and angled on the best side of the roof to ensure they receive maximum sunlight.

Solar tiles are like mini solar panels, but they are installed as part of a roof alongside traditional roof tiles rather than sitting on top of them. They are designed to blend in with the roof's aesthetics and can only be installed if you're fitting a completely new or replacement roof.

Solar tiles are a relatively new product and as such only a limited number of manufacturers offer them in the UK. Tesla are the biggest brand offering solar tiles and you are able to pre-order in the UK via their website (with a deposit), but Tesla are yet to confirm when installations will begin.

Comparing Solar Panels and Solar Tiles

Energy Generation and Efficiency

Energy efficiency is important as the higher the efficiency level the better the panels or tiles are at producing electricity for your home. The more electricity they produce the less you'll need to spend on energy bills. Currently solar panels are able to generate more energy, meaning they can take up less roof space and are more cost effective.

However, solar roof tile technology is developing all the time and there have been increases in their generation levels with some CIGS models able to reach conversion efficiency close to traditional panels.

Solar tiles have a typical efficiency of 10 &#; 20% (on average) while panels usually have efficiencies of at least 16%. The best solar panels can achieve efficiency levels of up to 22% which means you'll see a faster return on your investment.

Installation & Roof Suitability

Firstly, if you don't want to replace your whole roof then solar tiles aren't the option for you. And, even if you are replacing your roof, not all homes are suitable for a solar roof as the pitch and angle must be ideal for the tiles; they cannot be angled and adjusted like traditional solar panels.

Installing solar panels is a much simpler process as they are mounted on brackets on top of the existing roof. They also offer more flexibility in terms of placement and can be arranged for maximum exposure to sunlight.

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Aesthetics

One of the biggest selling points for solar roof tiles is how they look. Traditional panels are labelled an 'eyesore' by many people due to their bulkier design; they protrude out from the roof and are usually black or blue in colours whilst solar tiles are designed to blend with or even replicate tiles.

Another consideration with solar panels could be that there is a gap between the panel and roof which could become a nesting area for birds or small animals. This can be prevented with mesh or wire, but again this may not be ideal in terms of maintaining a good-looking roof.

However, there is another option if you are looking for solar panels with a more subtle, integrated solar panel look. Some companies are now offering in-roof solar panels which sit much flusher to the roof.

Durability

Solar panels have an expected lifetime of 20-25 years and have proven to be very durable.
Solar tiles on the other hand have not been used long enough for us to know their average lifetime although many suppliers offer them with a 20 year guarantee. Tesla have gone as far as to claim their solar tiles will last as long as your home is standing!

Solar panels are also easy to replace if they are damaged or develop a fault, but solar tiles are built to withstand the elements and act as functional tiles or shingles, protecting the roof underneath. There are lots of claims that solar tiles are even stronger and more durable than standard tiles.

Cost of Solar Panels vs Solar Roof Tiles

The cost of both solar panels and solar tiles continues to fall, but solar tiles are considerably more expensive. One of the big reasons for this is clearly because the installation is a more complex total roof replacement, but the other is that the technology is newer and the market less competitive.

This table illustrates the potential costs of installing a solar panel system and compared to a solar roof:

Size of System (Capacity for Energy Generation) Example Roof Space (m²) Average Cost of Solar Panel Installation Average Cost of Solar Tile Roof 1kW 8+ £2,000 &#; £3,000 £5,000 &#; £6,000 2kW 12+ £3,000 &#; £4,000 £6,000 &#; £8,000 3kW 20+ £4,000 &#; £6,000 £8,000 &#; £12,000 4kW 25+ £6,000 &#; £8,000 £12,000 &#; £16,000

Solar tiles are roughly around twice the price of solar panels and, as they're less energy efficient than panels, it will take longer to see a return on your investment in terms of energy savings. The average family home of 3 or more people needs at least a 3kW system so a solar roof could cost in excess of £10,000 &#; 12,000.

These costs are estimations. The actual cost will be unique to your home and energy needs and will also vary depending upon your location, the complexity of job and the installer you choose.

However, the cost of solar tiles shouldn't necessarily be a dealbreaker for everyone.

If you're replacing your roof anyway, the cost of a solar roof could be comparable to the cost of a traditional roof. So you get the new roof you're planning on buying anyway, but with the added benefits of solar energy for your home and, potentially, a stronger and more weatherproofed structure.

It's also worth noting that the Energy Saving Trust estimate a solar roof could add as much as 10% to the value of your house which could be a big payback should you wish to sell in the future.

Solar Tiles vs Solar Panels: The Result

When solar tiles become widely available in the UK, your choice will be determined by the factors that matter to you. Every homeowner's priorities and motivations are different but broadly speaking&#;

Solar roof tiles are a good choice for:

• Homeowners who are concerned about the appearance of their property, i.e. they want solar energy but don't want solar panels sitting on top of their roof.
• New build projects and homeowners who are replacing their roof and would like the dual benefit of solar technology.
• Properties in conservation areas or listed properties which aren't allowed solar panels but can replace the roof.

Comare Solar Roof Tile Manufacturers.

Solar panels are a good choice for:

• Homeowners who are looking to install solar technology without a roof replacement
• Homeowners wanting to get solar energy at home but are on a budget.
• Homeowners who want to generate as much solar energy as possible to maximise the return on their investment.

Whether it's tiles or panels you go for, you'll be benefiting from free, renewable energy for your home, lowering your energy bills and carbon emissions. Remember, solar technology is a long term investment for your family and the planet.

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These work in roughly the same way that photovoltaic energy shingles do but integrate with roofing tiles rather than asphalt shingles.

This allows you to power appliances and devices throughout your home with renewable energy. Note: Those who prefer the appearance of a &#;tiled&#; roof to a shingled one may wish to consider solar tiles.

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Solar Flood Lights: Everything You Need to Know

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Additionally, solar panels are rack-mounted, meaning that dozens of holes need to be drilled into your roof. Solar shingles, on the other hand, do not require that and thus require a less intrusive installation process.

The most obvious difference to this type of solar energy system is simple aesthetics; while photovoltaic solar panels tend to be pretty obtrusive, solar shingles blend in with the traditional roofing materials, allowing you to have a completely normal-looking roof. Like solar panels, solar shingles provide clean energy production through photovoltaics (absorbing energy from the sun), some of which may be stored in a solar battery and some of which is converted into useful alternating current (AC).

You can think of solar shingles like small solar panels that integrate with the regular shingles on your existing roof or a new roof (if you need one). They work the same way standard types of solar panels do, but where solar panels are assembled on top of your roof, solar shingles are used to build a roof.

What is the Main Difference Between Solar Shingles and Solar panels ?

In contrast, other installers can only offer similar financing through solar leases, PPAs or third-party providers (such as Mosaic or Sunlight). Third-party loan providers can complicate the process, while opting for a loan or PPA will disqualify you from some of solar&#;s biggest benefits (additional property value, federal solar tax credit and local solar incentives).

Eligible homeowners enjoy 18 months of solar power before having to pay their first bill. When coupled with the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), the initial energy savings can offset more than a third of the overall cost of a system before requiring a dollar down.

For that reason, Blue Raven Solar developed an innovative solar financing plan that offers in-house, flexible, zero-money-down options. The results speak for themselves, as Blue Raven Solar is now one of the fastest-growing solar companies in the nation and was recently acquired by SunPower. Its BluePower Plus+ plan (exclusive to Blue Raven) mimics the flexible structure of a lease while still providing the greatest benefits of owning your system.

We like Blue Raven Solar because it understands that, for most homeowners, the cost of solar presents the biggest barrier to entry.

Watch Below: While Tesla&#;s marketing team helped to spread recent awareness for solar shingles, other companies &#; like GAF Energy &#; have been installing them long before joined in.

Solar Shingles Vs. Solar Panels: Which Is Better?

As you consider your options for residential solar power, it&#;s worthwhile to note the pros and cons of both solar shingles and conventional solar panels. Both PV systems can supply your home with energy, but with its own advantages and drawbacks.

Solar Shingles: Pros and Cons

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether solar shingles are the best choice for your residential solar system:

Solar Shingles Pros Solar Shingles Cons Solar roof shingles are more aesthetically pleasing Shingles are a newer solar technology, so there aren&#;t as many options readily available Shingles are typically quicker to install Fewer top solar companies install solar shingles They can be a more cost-effective if you need a roof replacement anyway Solar panel shingles are much more expensive than regular solar panels Shingles have a lower conversion efficiency than solar panels Solar shingles are more difficult to take with you if you move Shingles are much more dependent on the slope of your roof

Solar Panels: Pros and Cons

Now, consider how standard solar panels compare:

Solar Panels Pros Solar Panels Cons There are plenty of products to choose from Panels look bulkier and do not have the same elegant aesthetics There are many solar installers that work with panels You&#;ll need your roof to be in good condition before you can install solar panels The cost of solar panels is much lower than that of solar shingles The solar panel installation process is usually a little longer than solar shingle installation Solar panels are more efficient than solar shingles You can more easily adjust panels to get an optimal position

Generally speaking, solar shingles are a better option if you:

• Need to replace your roof
• Care a great deal about the aesthetics of your roof
• Have a roof that is already well-positioned and sloped to capture sunlight

If you don&#;t fit into any of those categories, you may be better off pursuing solar panels, which are the more time-tested, widely available, energy-efficient and affordable option.

To connect with a verified installer in your city, follow the links below.

How Much Do Solar Shingles Cost?

As a rule of thumb, you can assume that solar shingles will be more expensive than panels. With that said, the exact cost of a solar shingle roof can vary depending on which company you go with.

The average cost of solar shingle installation runs somewhere between $25,000 and $60,000 (or around $15 to $35 per square foot). But of course, there are some outliers. High-end solar shingles from a company like Tesla may cost as much as $70,000 or more for full roof installation.

Before installing, it&#;s best to shop around and compare rates from at least two or three different solar shingle companies, ensuring you get the best value. Also, keep in mind that the solar tax credits, rebates and other incentives for homeowners who buy solar panels are also available for those that opt for solar shingles. The current federal incentive program will give you 30% of the cost of your system back as a tax credit and applies to all installations through .

Installing Solar Shingles: How Many Do You Need?

Installation of solar roofing shingles may take up to a week; old shingles will need to be removed from the home, new shingles put into place, and the entire solar system connected through your inverter and solar battery.

Before the installation process begins, a roofer will join you at your home to help you assess how many solar shingles you&#;ll need. There are a couple of factors that will determine how many shingles you need: The size of the shingles you select, the square footage of your home and the amount of energy you need to generate.

One thing to keep in mind is that most homeowners do not need to cover their entire roof with solar shingles; you can intermingle them with traditional roof shingles to cut costs while still generating plenty of solar power.

Which Companies Offer the Best Solar Shingles?

Solar shingles are still relatively new, which means there aren&#;t a lot of companies offering them. Some of the heavy hitters in the solar shingle industry include:

Tesla

Though the Tesla Solar Roof system is one of the most expensive options on the market, many homeowners find it totally worth the cost. Indeed, Elon Musk&#;s high-efficiency solar shingles may actually be more cost-effective than traditional solar systems, at least in the long run. And while they only come in one style, their sleek aesthetics will be appealing to anyone who prefers a more contemporary look.

SunTegra

A bit less expensive than Tesla&#;s system, SunTegra shingles are notable for their low-profile appearance, ease of installation and high level of efficiency.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed was one of the companies that pioneered solar shingles, and its products are still top-notch. They have a number of options to choose from, including solar shingles as well as solar roof tiles.

Luma Solar

Luma&#;s shingles are efficient and aesthetically pleasing and fall somewhere in the middle of the pack with regard to price.

To connect with a verified installer in your city, follow the links below.

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