What is integrated solar roofing?

Roof integrated solar replaces the tiles or slates on the roof so the panels sit lower down in the roofline to look more like an intended part of the house and less like a bolt-on afterthought than above-roof rack-mounted systems.

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The aesthetic benefits of roof integration are clear, but there are other benefits from going in-roof.

Maintenance

Solar panels should last thirty years or more. In this time it is highly likely that the roof covering will need either maintenance or replacement. An on-roof system will have tiles or slates behind the panels, so the solar system would need to be decommissioned and removed before a single tile can be replaced. A simple job that can be carried out from a roof ladder by a roofing contractor has become a significant task that requires scaffolding and the involvement of an electrician or solar installer. With roof integrated solar, there are no tiles behind the panels, so all roofing repairs can be carried out while leaving the solar system in place.

Installation

For new roofs or extensions to existing buildings, new regulations require that all tiles are fixed with nails or clips. This makes the task of fitting an above-roof solar system afterwards very difficult. Tiles may need to be broken to access the roof structure below and attach fixing brackets. Replacing removed tiles in accordance with the roof fixing specification is likely to require an adhesive bond between the replaced tile and the surrounding ones.

By contrast, roof integrated solar panels can be installed easily in a new roof. Solar specialists can fix the panels and flashings before the roofing contractors fix the roof covering around them.

When installing to an existing roof, integrated solar is often seen as more work than above-roof systems. However, the task of weathering around numerous fixing hooks can be time consuming. Removing a patch of tiles or slates does not take much longer, and provides spare roof tiles that are a perfect match for any future roof repairs.

Bird Infestation

Solar panels fixed above the roof offer a safe, sheltered area behind for birds to roost or nest. While this may at first sound like a good thing to do, householders with solar installations that have been colonised in this way have reported a number of drawbacks including noise and fouling of the panels, walls and paths below the nests. A small industry has sprung up to bird-proof above roof solar installations with spikes and mesh around the outside, further reducing their aesthetic appeal.

Clearly nests below the panels will reduce the free passage of cooling air behind solar PV panels increasing operating temperature and reducing energy yield (see next point).

Overheating

A reason that is commonly given for opting for above-roof solar PV ahead of roof-integrated solar PV is that above-roof systems will operate at a lower temperature due to better ventilation (although see section above). Since solar PV power output falls as panel temperature rises the argument goes that roof integrated solar will have a lower energy yield. Viridian Solar and researchers from Cambridge Univeristy have examined this effect.The published research found that the reduction in energy yield was very small, of order only 3%.

Whether you&#;re new to solar energy or looking to upgrade and optimise your solar energy consumption, you might want to look into integrated solar panels. Unlike regular solar panels, integrated solar roof panels make a more cohesive option for your home design.

We&#;re constantly working to encourage the shift to renewable energy that&#;ll protect our environment against climate change. As such, we&#;ll provide a complete guide to in roof solar panels to help you make greener choices.

What Are Integrated Solar Panels?

Integrated solar panels, also known in roof solar panels, are photovoltaic solar panels embedded into the roof. In contrast, regular on roof solar panels are installed and attached with rails above the roof on top of your roof tiles.

Structurally, roof-integrated solar panels are the same as traditional on roof panels. However, they only differ in their installation.

In addition, sometimes integrated panels are confused with solar roof tiles. For one thing, both types of solar cells are integrated solar cells. However, solar panels integrated into the roof are still whole panels that replace all roof tiles, while solar roof tiles are tiles designed to replace each roof tile. In both cases, the integration of solar panels requires removing roof tiles.

Integrated solar panels work with the purpose of generating electric energy. They&#;re waterproof and made to withstand rough weather and snow, just like an ordinary roof would.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Integrated Solar Panels?

In roof solar systems provide a viable alternative to those who may be hesitant to make the shift to renewable energy due to the mass and weight of traditional PV solar panels.

Advantages of Integrated Solar Panels

Here are some of the advantages that set integrated solar roof systems apart from regular solar panels.

Design

Design is the first defining quality of integrated solar panels. In roof systems are sleek, sit flush with your roof, and are more aesthetically pleasing than their regular counterparts, making them an attractive option.

Traditionally, PV solar panels are attached to roofs through rails and secured with screws and bolts. This method makes the solar panels somewhat bulge above the roof, disrupting the roof&#;s design, which may throw off the neighbourhood&#;s overall standardised appearance.

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For this reason, integrated solar panels excel in fitting and appearing as if they belong on the roof because they sit directly within the roof structure without hovering above it. Additionally, you can find integrated panels in colours and designs that perfectly fit your home aesthetic.

Low Maintenance

As we mentioned, traditional solar panels usually sit above the roof, leaving a big gap between the roof and the panels. This gap can lead to all kinds of problems, like animals or birds nesting under your panels, or water and snow getting in between the panel and the roof. All of this makes regular solar panels harder to maintain and use efficiently.

On the other hand, integrated solar panels sit directly on the roof without any gaps between the two. They&#;re also waterproof and more resistant to environmental elements like wind, rain, and snow. With that in mind, they&#;re low maintenance as solar panels, and they act as a layer to protect your home against the weather.

Lightness

Unlike traditional solar panels that need metal structures or a mounting frame to support their massive weight, integrated solar panels are lightweight and don&#;t add any extra pressure to your roof. They&#;re easily handled and installed on top of the roof, and they replace the roof tiles so they don&#;t add more weight that may affect roof stability.

Roof Tiles Cost

Integrated solar panels cost less than regular solar panels, especially if you use integrated solar panels instead of the roof panels in your design.They&#;re cheaper to handle and install because they&#;re lightweight, too.

Planning Permission

Sometimes it&#;s hard to get planning permission to install regular solar panel systems because they aren&#;t aesthetically pleasing and not cohesive for an entire community. However, it&#;s easier to get planning permission for integrated solar panels due to them being discrete and fitting any particular design or colour scheme without calling attention.

Integrating Panels In New Building Design

Integrated solar panels can also be part of the primary design of new buildings. These buildings can work to integrate solar panels into their design instead of roofs, making buildings look cohesive in their design while also generating enough green energy for themselves. Panels can usually be installed in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Disadvantages Of Roof Integrated Solar Panels

Integrated solar panels aren&#;t without their disadvantages.

Ruining The Roof To Fit Solar Panels

Getting rid of the tiles to install integrated solar panels can be quite costly, the best way to do it is by integrating the panels in the building&#;s primary design or whenever remodelling the roof. For this reason, retrofitting for the sole purpose of installing integrated panels can be more expensive than roof mounting with traditional panels.

Energy Converting Efficiency

Integrated solar panels are slightly less efficient in converting solar energy to electric energy when compared to traditional PV solar panels. The integrated photovoltaic panels will still generate free electricity, just not at the same efficiency levels as standard solar panels.

Our Environment-Friendly Solutions

We offer a full assessment of your home to assess the suitable solar system for the design of your property and energy consumption. Fill in this form for a free quote within 48 hours.

Upon inspection, we&#;ll give you the best options for your needs, whether integrated PV panels, thin film panels or regular solar panels. After this process, we&#;ll optimise the power in your house to save money and lower your carbon footprint. Additionally, we offer a maintenance package that ensures that your solar panels are performing to the best of their ability.

What Are The Options For In-roof Solar Panels?

Here are some roof-integrated solar panels options available in the UK.

• GSE In-Roof System &#; The GSE in-roof system is compatible with most houses in the market. Their designs are waterproof, fire resistant, and optimised for ventilation. Additionally, they&#;re easy to install and maintain.
• Viridian Solar &#; Clearline Fusion from Viridian Solar is cost-efficient because its prices are compatible with traditional solar panels.In addition, they don&#;t need much retrofitting to install on your roof. They&#;re also sleek and aesthetically cohesive with home designs. Finally, they&#;re wind resistant and robust against environmental elements.
• SolFit -SolFit offers an in-roof solar panel system that works for both homes and businesses. Additionally, they&#;re designed to be aesthetically pleasing with a black look that suits most homes and neighbourhoods. Furthermore, they&#;re durable and weather resistant.
• GB Sol &#; GB Sol&#;s in roof solar panels are waterproof and blend in on top of the roof.
• BMI Redland &#; BMI Redland offers an adaptable PV panels system. This system is compatible with portrait and landscape formats. In addition, they also offer PV roofing tiles.

Integrated Solar Panel FAQs

Can Integrated Solar Panels Cause a Leak?

When installed professionally, integrated solar panels will not cause any issues with your roof covering and will not be responsible for leaks of any kind.

What Are Solar Tiles?

Solar tiles are tiles made of PV solar material to replace regular or normal tiles on a roof. Like integrated solar panels, they sit directly on the roof. However, instead of a panel, they replace each tile with a solar tile.

Integrated Solar Roof Panels Summary

Integrated solar panels are the best option for people who don&#;t want to compromise their roof design for renewable energy. These solar roof types offer a complete solar roof system that has a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design, while their efficiency levels are close to traditional solar PV panels.

Additionally, in roof solar panels are lighter and require less maintenance than regular panels. They&#;re also waterproof, have high wind resistance and are robust enough to handle rough weather. Overall, integrated solar panels are a great choice to use in new building designs or for roof replacements when you are looking to impact on your own electricity bills.

If you are looking for a competitive price for integrated solar panels, whether adding to existing tile roofs or as part of a new roof or new build, ESE can help you find a cost effective solar solution that meets Part L building regulations. With a bespoke quotation for installation, including options for battery storage, we can help you with a home improvement option that is worth the investment.

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