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.

Get Free Solar Panel Quotes:        Get quotes and compare prices.

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When you think of solar panels, you likely picture black or blue rectangles lined up in rows on a roof, but some solar roofs might be hiding in plain sight.

Tesla's Solar Roof is possibly the sleekest solar solution out there. By integrating shingle-sized solar panels into a roof made of identical shingles, you get all the solar power with none of the visual cues. It's the highest-profile solar shingle solution available for people who love solar energy, but hate the look of solar panels.

There are some significant downsides, namely that the Tesla Solar Roof is quite expensive.

Can solar panels save you money?

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For homeowners interested in solar energy, that raises the question: Should you go with the standard solar panel system or try the less intrusive -- but pricey -- Tesla Solar Roof? Here's a rundown of the biggest differences between the two solar options.

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Solar panels

Solar panels should be relatively familiar by now, as they have been gaining popularity and have become more affordable in recent years. An array can be located on your roof or set to stand in your yard, depending on what works best for you. While there are a variety of different brands and types of panels, they all offer a clean energy alternative to fossil fuel sources like coal or natural gas. Panels can be expensive, but in general, you can expect lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint and increased property value. 

Read more: Solar Panel Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Tesla

Tesla Solar Roof

Instead of using panels, the Tesla Solar Roof turns your entire roof into your solar array. The Tesla Solar Roof uses tempered glass panels that replace your standard shingles, providing the same protection you'd expect from a traditional roof while also creating as much electricity as a standard solar array.

Solar panels or a Tesla Solar Roof?

Pricing

Price is tricky when it comes to solar systems because a lot depends on what your house and property can handle. There's the cost of solar panels and the infrastructure needed to support them. Local costs of permitting and labor will affect the installation costs. How many solar panels you need will also have an impact. You can get tax credits and other incentives for installing these systems, so that'll help ease the price somewhat. Industry data shows that the typical solar panel system costs between $3 and $4 per watt, so a 5 kW system might run you $15,000 to $20,000. 

Conventional solar panels are cheaper than the Tesla Solar Roof. Tesla has also faced some challenges in keeping the price down, which has been an issue for some people. Estimates suggest a price per watt (before adding a battery) of nearly $5 for the Tesla Solar Roof -- which would be $25,000 for a 5 kW system. (That's according to online estimates. Tesla doesn't operate a public relations department to field requests for comment and solar system pricing information is difficult to come by.) 

It's important to note that your entire roof with a Tesla system is not comprised of solar shingles. In fact, you can select what percentage of shingles have solar technology, and which are regular Tesla shingles. When considering cost, consider the longevity of more durable shingle technology as well, which will not need replacing as often as traditional shingles. While the cost of the actual solar system may be on the higher end, that cost reduces expenses elsewhere. 

Installation

The installation process for solar energy systems can be complicated. In general, traditional solar panels are easier because they can be installed in different places depending on the layout of your property -- either on your roof or on the ground. The Tesla Solar Roof can only be installed on your roof and is a bit more of a to-do since it requires replacing your entire roof. It may also be harder to find a contractor capable of installing a Solar Roof, although according to Tesla's online estimator, certified installers are available in many places.

Solar power capabilities

Both the Tesla Solar Roof and traditional solar panels will have a similar ability to meet your power needs, although your ability to scale your solar power system to your electricity needs might be more limited with the Tesla Solar Roof compared to panels, depending on how big your roof is an how high your energy needs are. It will likely be easier to expand a setup with traditional solar panels in the future if you find your electricity needs have increased. Solar panels are generally more efficient than the solar roof.

Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.

Winner for most: Solar panels

For now, conventional solar panels are the more flexible option for most people looking to switch to solar power. They are a proven product and are typically cheaper. 

Tesla's Solar Roof shows a lot of promise, but the custom tiles can be cost-prohibitive. For now, you may find it better to stick with the easiest path forward to save on your energy bill and shrink your carbon footprint.

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