Get up to 4 quotes by filling in only 1 quick form
Slash your energy bills by installing solar panels
We’ve helped over 500,000 homeowners reduce their carbon footprint
- GreenMatch
- Solar Energy
- Solar Panels
- Roof Tiles
Benefits and Costs of Solar Roof Tiles in 2024 (UK)
What Are Solar Roof Tiles?
Solar roof tiles, also known as solar shingles or solar slates, are a relatively new green energy technology. For those committed to sustainable energy generation and wanting to have a solar-powered home, solar roof tiles are a worth-considering alternative to solar panels.
Compared to the latter, solar roof tiles’ distinctive feature is how they adapt to different styles. This is a significant advantage if you live, for instance, in a heritage area where regulations forbid changes to the buildings. Solar shingles’ finished look is much less aesthetically disruptive than traditional solar panels, as they blend seamlessly with the roof.
Although solar roof tiles are not widely available in the UK yet, they are moving from being a premium product to a common alternative to “bolt-on” solar panels. The reason is that the technology behind them is becoming increasingly price-competitive and popular.
Further in this article, we will cover cost-related matters and list some brands that specialise in solar tiles in the UK. Keep reading to find out more.
Already interested in getting solar roof tiles or solar panels? GreenMatch makes going solar quick and painless, as it should be. It all starts with comparing the best quotes on the market.
GreenMatch’s services allow you to easily receive up to 3 customized quotes from local installers. By comparing these offers, you can find the most cost-effective and efficient option for your home’s energy needs while also reducing installation costs. To start, simply click the button below.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
Types of Solar Roof Tiles
A solar tile can be made of classic monocrystalline solar cells or thin-film PV (photovoltaic) cells. Thin-film solar cells are budget-friendly, second-generation solar cells. They require less material and are very easy to manufacture. Furthermore, they contain no toxic components and generate less waste. Besides being thin, thin-film solar cells are more flexible and lightweight.
As of today, thin-film solar cells are less efficient and have lower power capacities than monocrystalline solar cells. However, experts expect thin-film cells to improve in efficiency in the future, as they have a higher theoretical efficiency than monocrystalline silicon cells. They also have a better temperature coefficient, making them more resistant to high temperatures.
Whilst thin-film PV’s lifespan is shorter (10 to 20 years), they boast a faster payback time (around 8 years) due to their lower price to buy and also install. This feature of thin-film cells apply to solar roof tiles and different types of solar panels alike.
In addition to solar cell types, manufacturers may offer different solar roof tiles styles. Solar shingles may come in Textured, Smooth, Slate, or Tuscan styles, just to name a few.
Solar Roof Tiles Brands
Concerning brands, the most widely recognised solar tile brand is Tesla’s Solarglass Roof. The company is already opening up its online store for tesla solar roof tiles, and it will accept orders from around the world. Though, overseas deliveries won’t begin until 2023.
Looking at the local market, GB Sol offers one of the few solar panel roof tiles already available in the UK. The company designed their PV Slate to integrate with slate roofs. They manufacture the shingles in Wales. Solecco is another great alternative for solar tiles in the UK until Tesla Solarglass is available.
Nulok Roofing System’s tiles are also widely available all over the UK and across Europe, Australia, and the US. Their tiles generate an average of 3.7kWh for every 1Kw installed on a roof.
Cost of Solar Roof Tiles
Since it is a relatively new technology, solar roof tiles in the UK can cost twice as much as traditional solar panels. The final price depends mainly on the size of the roof and the proportion of the roof you would like to cover with solar slates. You would also have to consider the complexity of the installation process and the installer’s rates.
Below you will find a table with estimated solar roof tiles costs in the UK. We have also included solar panel typical prices as a reference. The information available is from the last quarter of 2021.
| Solar Roof Tiles UK – Costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
System Size | Solar Tile Cost (Inc. VAT) | Labour Cost | Total Average cost | Typical Solar Panel Cost |
1kW | £5,500 – £7,000 | £1,800 | £8,050 | £1,440 |
2kW | £7,000 – £9,000 | £1,900 | £9,900 | £2,880 |
3kW | £10,000 – £12,000 | £2,000 | £13,000 | £4,320 |
4kW | £12,000 – £16,000 | £2,000 | £16,200 | £5,760 |
The installation process for solar roof tiles could take approximately 1 week. Moreover, integrating solar tiles into your existing roof is not likely feasible at present. Their installation is more suited to new builds or renovations.
Solar roof tiles might not be an available option for everybody but they are still worth considering for those planning to build a new roof.
If you have decided to install solar roof tiles, solar panels, or any other green energy solution, at GreenMatch, we can help you find them for your home. In practically no time, we will provide you with up to 3 tailormade offers from suppliers near you. Comparing them can help you get the best price and save on installation costs. Get started clicking the button below.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
Advantages of Solar Roof Tiles
Domestic solar technologies have many advantages in general, especially in terms of saving energy and protecting the environment. Below, we have listed the main benefits of solar tiles.
- Aesthetically pleasing design. This is likely the most significant advantage of this technology. You won’t have to cover your roof with huge solar panels and, therefore, won’t disrupt your house style. Moreover, there are different types of tiles to accommodate different roof and tile styles.
- Provide clean, free energy. Like solar panels, solar roof tiles are an eco-friendly alternative for powering all your house’s electric appliances. They are also eligible for the same government incentives as solar panels (e.g. the Energy Company Obligation Scheme – ECO4).
- Save on energy bills. Using a solar roof tile system, you can save between 40% and 70% on electricity bills.
- Increase your property’s market value. An aesthetically pleasing look and the current high demand for green energy combined will increase the value of your property.
- Increased resistance and durability. Bolt-on solar panels and solar roof tiles can last decades. However, extreme weather conditions can damage the former. Solar tiles, on the other hand, are as durable as the roof itself, and even hurricane-force winds would not rip them off. In fact, solar slates will protect the roof section they are installed on.
Disadvantages of Solar Roof Tiles
Of course, solar roof tiles have downsides too. Here is an overview of their disadvantages:
- High initial costs. The solar slates purchasing cost is much higher than regular roof tiles. They can be twice as expensive as solar panel systems with similar wattage.
- Less efficient than bolt-on solar panels. On average, solar tiles’ efficiency is 10-20%. Most solar panels have an efficiency of at least 16%, sometimes even 22%.
- They cannot be installed on an already existing roof. Currently, solar tiles are only suitable for new buildings or those in which all tiles will be replaced. In contrast, traditional solar panels can be installed, uninstalled, and reinstalled at any time.
- Not every roof can accommodate them. A roof must be pitched and angled perfectly to be suitable for solar roof tiles. Once again, solar panels are relatively easier to install on ‘difficult’ roofs.
4 Alternatives to Solar Roof Tiles
If you are committed to green domestic energy generation but solar panels and solar roof tiles are not the ideal solution for your home, you might want to consider some alternatives. Whilst these renewable energy generation systems are available in small-scale residential variants, they come with specific downsides that hinder either their effectiveness or suitability.
- Wind Turbines. Not all wind turbines are giant structures. There are small-scale ones suitable for domestic use. Even if they are a good choice to diversify a household energy supply, they require enough wind speed in the area, sufficient land to place them, and, in many cases, approval from neighbour councils or local organisations.
- Micro Hydropower. Small hydropower systems can produce from 5 to 100 kilowatts. To put it into perspective, a 10kW system can power a large home or even a small farm. Unfortunately, this is a viable option only for those who have a stream flowing through their property.
Another downside is their potential negative environmental impact. Diverting a part of the stream into the turbine system could negatively affect the stream’s ecosystem. This is why using just a minimal amount of water is always recommended. - Geothermal Energy. Geothermal ground loop systems harness the Earth’s geothermal resources. Their main disadvantage is their prohibitive cost, ranging from £24,000 to £49,000. They also require holes drilled or excavations in large land areas to install the underground elements.
- Biomass Energy.Biomass is the most traditional alternative to solar energy as it has been used for centuries for multiple domestic purposes. One of its uses is in biomass boilers.
Modern biomass fuels include sawdust and carpentry waste, plant waste from agriculture, and even dung. However, the most common ones are wood derivatives. Growing demand for the resource could cause an increase in deforestation.
Another straightforward alternative to solar roof tiles is to simply get solar PV panels. Switching to a solar panel system is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet. With a solar energy system, you can save hundreds, of pounds on your energy bills each year.
At GreenMatch, we can help you find the best solar energy solution for your home at the best price. Our suppliers will provide you with up to 3 tailormade quotes, giving you the opportunity to compare prices and find the perfect fit for your budget. Just click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
FAQ
Luis Antonio is a seasoned Content Writer with international journalism experience. His writing style, enriched by a Master’s in Journalism, contributes informative content to GreenMatch on topics including low-carbon heating systems.
We strive to connect our customers with the right product and supplier. Would you like to be part of GreenMatch?