Solar panels cover the entire roof

Do I need to cover my roof with solar tiles?

However, you don't have to cover your entire roof with solar tiles - several manufacturers, like the UK-based GB-Sol, offer "infill slates" that don’t contain solar cells but are designed to match the appearance of your solar tiles and maintain a consistent look across your roof.

What is a 'in roof' solar panel?

‘In roof’ solar panels are very similar to ‘on roof’ panels, the only real differences being that with in roof solar panels, the panels serve a dual purpose, acting both as the roof covering and as generators of electricity. Tiles are not required under an in roof system.

Can a solar panel be used as a roof?

A complete roof can be achieved using panels or PV slates (tiles). There may be a requirement to use ‘dummy panels’ to limit the size of the solar system (e.g. to fit with the load, or if size is constrained by the local grid).

What are solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles, also known as solar slates or solar shingles, are made to look a lot like normal roof tiles, except they also contain photovoltaic (PV) cells and can generate electricity. Unlike traditional solar panels, which sit on top of your roof, solar roof tiles are your roof, i.e. they completely replace your old tiles.

Are solar roof tiles worth it?

Solar roof tiles are still capable of producing as much electricity as a traditional solar panel system, but to achieve this you may have to cover your entire roof with them - and this comes with a very hefty price tag.

How do solar roof tiles work?

Solar roof tiles work in the same way as traditional solar panels, making use of PV cells within the tiles to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The PV cells generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it suitable for household use.