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Aerial view of in-roof solar on old terracotta tiled roof

What are the different types of solar roofing systems?

With the end of the Part L 2022 transition period in June, new energy efficiency regulations for homes have come into force and are changing the future of sustainable construction in the UK.

In effect, if you are building a house in England, it is now required to generate 75%-80% fewer carbon emissions by 2025. This is a key part of the national effort to achieve net zero by 2050 and requires developers to look at ways to actively reduce emissions immediately.

One of the best ways to do that is through the installation of solar power. Read on to learn more about the different types of solar roofing systems available today, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Solar tiles

Solar tiles are a relatively new technology which takes thin film solar PV and makes it into individual roof tiles. These are installed in the place of regular roof tiles and can offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative for those who do not like the look of solar panels or who live in a conservation area.

However, their newness makes them considerably more expensive than solar panels and they are not yet widely available. In many cases they are also less efficient than solar panels at present, making them less beneficial from the perspective of reducing carbon emissions.

Solar Roof Shingles. Building-integrated photovoltaics system consisting of modern monocrystal black solar roof tiles.

On-roof solar panels

On-roof solar panels make up the most widely recognisable solar roofing system in the UK. The system is made up of individual panels mounted onto the roof which sit on top of your existing tiles or other roof finish.

This solar roofing system is proven and widely available, but the main downside is the aesthetics. With an on-roof system, the panels are clearly added on as an afterthought and are not integrated into your home. This can give a slightly awkward look that in the worst cases might even affect the value of your home.

Bunch of solar panels installed on a roof of a residential home with a small chimney

In-roof solar panels

An in-roof solar system offers the exact opposite. In this system, the panels are installed as part of the roof with the panels mounted on the roof battens in place of tiles. This allows them to sit flush and blend in seamlessly with the roof, as well as not contribute a notable amount of additional weight to the structure.

In-roof panels are just as efficient as any other solar panel and are becoming increasingly popular with new-builds. It is easiest to install them as part of the build rather than retrospectively, and the new Part L regulations make them an invaluable tool to meet energy reduction requirements.

If you are building a new roof, or replacing an existing one, in-roof solar is an excellent option that is both fast and easy to install, with panel-to-panel connections taking as little as one minute with our system.

Learn more about in-roof solar.

Are solar panels or tiles all I need?

Once you have chosen your preferred type of solar roofing system, you will have to consider whether you want that system tied to the National Grid or whether you want a hybrid system.

A grid-tied system does not include battery storage and any extra electricity your produce will be sent back to the National Grid. Likewise, if you need extra electricity you will have to purchase it from the Grid as you do not have capacity to store your excess energy.

A hybrid system has integrated batteries which are used to store excess electricity that your solar roofing system produces. You can then use this energy at a later date when needed rather than having to purchase excess electricity from the grid.

For example, you could store it for use at peak times to save money that way. Alternatively, you could use the batteries to store cheaper electricity purchased from the grid at off-peak times and then use that energy later at peak time – again, saving you money.

Each system requires a different type of inverter, and a hybrid system will also need battery storage installing on site. This increases the initial capital outlay but can pay back over time and become more cost-effective in the long run.

Find out more about batteries and inverters.