What Are Solar Roof Tiles? The Lowdown on Solar Shingles

When you think of solar energy, you likely picture the traditional sleek, blueish-black panels bolted onto a roof. But what if your roof was the solar panel?

As solar technology evolves, more homeowners are looking for ways to go green without changing the silhouette of their homes. This is where solar panel roof tiles, often called solar shingles, come into play. They offer a discreet, high-tech alternative for those who want the benefits of renewable energy with a more seamless aesthetic.

In this guide, we’ll dive into how they work, the different types available, and why they might be the right choice for your next home project.

What Are Solar Roof Tiles?

Integrated solar panels, or solar tiles for roof installations, act exactly like standard solar panels but with one major design twist: they are built directly into the roof’s structure. Instead of sitting on top of your existing tiles and protruding a few centimetres, these solar roofing tiles are embedded into the roof’s exterior. Whether your roof is flat, slanted, or even curved, these flexible modules can be integrated to create a flush, uniform finish.

To the untrained eye, solar panels that look like roof tiles are almost indistinguishable from traditional slate or ceramic, making them a shrewd choice for homeowners who are conscious of their property’s curb appeal.

Why Choose Solar Energy Roof Tiles?

If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of traditional panels versus solar power roof tiles, here are the three biggest factors to consider:

1. They’re almost invisible

The primary reason homeowners opt for solar roof shingles is aesthetics. While modern on-roof panels have become sleeker in recent years, solar tiles are the ultimate incognito option. Solar roof tiles can also be a game-changer for owners of listed buildings or properties in conservation areas where local government restrictions might prevent traditional installations.

2. Extreme durability

Don’t let their thin profile fool you. Solar shingles are designed to be as robust as the roof itself; built to withstand the best (and worst) of the British weather, from heavy rain and gale-force winds to harsh winter conditions. Most systems are rated to last up to 30 years, matching the lifespan of high-quality traditional panels.

3. Perfect for new builds and renovations

If you’re building a home from scratch or replacing an entire roof, solar roofing tiles are incredibly efficient. They reduce ‘roof wastage’ because the tiles are the protective barrier of the home, and developers often prefer them as they can be styled to match various architectural designs.

How Do Solar Panel Roof Tiles Work?

The science behind solar power roof tiles is the same technology that powers the satellites orbiting Earth. Each tile is essentially a miniaturised photovoltaic (PV) module.

Because each tile contains PV cells, they can capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this into alternating current (AC) to power your kettle, TV and lights.

Types of Solar Tiles

• Silicon Solar Tiles: Like traditional panels, these are rigid but made much thinner to sit flush with slate or clay tiles.
• CIGS Solar Tiles: Made from copper, indium, gallium and selenide, these are thin-film cells. They are incredibly flexible and lightweight, making them ideal for curved or uniquely shaped roofs.

Solar Roof Tiles Cost Vs. Traditional Panels

One of the most common questions we hear is: what is the cost of solar roof tiles?

It’s important to be realistic when weighing up costs. Because solar tiles serve as both your roofing material and your energy generator, the initial investment is typically higher than installing traditional on-roof solar panels. The installation process is also more labour-intensive, as it involves tiling the entire roof surface rather than just mounting a rack.

However, if you’re already planning a full roof replacement, the solar roof tiles cost becomes much easier to justify. By combining your new roof and energy system into one streamlined project, you’re essentially offsetting the price of standard tiles against your solar investment, significantly narrowing the price gap.

Maintenance and Upkeep

The good news is solar tiles for roof systems require very little maintenance. Because they’re flush with the roof, there are no gaps for debris or birds to get underneath. A simple rinse with warm water every now and then is usually enough to keep them performing at their peak.

Is It Time To Switch To Solar?

Whether you prefer the high-efficiency output of traditional panels or the seamless look of solar shingles, there has never been a better time to invest in your own energy independence.Solar roof tiles are the future of integrated home design. If you’re ready to see how solar could work for your home, our friendly team is here to help.