Are solar roof tiles a viable alternative to traditional solar panels?

Solar roof tiles could be the answer if you’re looking to utilise the sun’s power and make use of a sustainable alternative for your energy needs. This article explores the costs, pros, and cons of solar roof tiles in 2024 and helps you understand how they differ from traditional solar panels.

Do solar panels replace roof tiles?

Conventional solar panels sit on top of your roof tiles, however, solar tiles completely replace your existing roof tiles. Solar Tiles function exactly like solar panels, despite their different appearance. This cool option allows you to produce electricity in style using the sun’s power.

Are solar tiles good for a pitched roof?

As such, solar tiles are best suited to pitched roofs. For solar tile products offered in the UK, such as GB Sol's solar slates, there is generally a minimum roof pitch of 22.5° required for installation. So, which is better: Solar roof or solar panels?

Are solar roof tiles more expensive than solar panels?

And that has an impact on price - they are more expensive than solar panels; Solar panels can be installed on an existing roof while solar roof tiles can’t - they replace traditional roof tiles; Solar panels often can not be installed on listed or historic buildings whereas solar roof tiles can.

Are solar tiles more efficient than solar panels?

Generally, solar tiles are less efficient than solar panels, with an efficiency of 10-20% compared to 16-22% for most solar panels. A roof has to have a perfect pitch and angle in order to be suitable for solar tiles installation, whereas solar panels are much easier to install on ‘difficult’ roofs.

What are solar roof tiles?

PV tiles explained Solar roof tiles, also known as photovoltaic (PV) tiles, are innovative solar energy solutions that combine the functionality of traditional roof tiles with the ability to generate electricity from sunlight.