You want the benefits of solar energy, but traditional panels just don’t suit your home. Perhaps you live in a conservation area, own a period property, or simply prefer a cleaner aesthetic. Solar roof tiles might be exactly what you’re looking for.
These innovative building-integrated photovoltaics replace your existing roof covering while generating clean electricity. They’re sleek, discreet, and increasingly popular among design-conscious UK homeowners. However, they come with trade-offs worth understanding before you invest.
Solar roof tiles cost £10,000-£18,000 for a typical UK home, roughly double the price of standard solar panels
Efficiency ranges from 10-20%, compared to 18-24% for traditional panels
Best suited for new builds, re-roofing projects, or homes in conservation areas where aesthetics matter most
UK brands include GB-Sol, Solecco, and Marley (Tesla tiles remain unavailable in the UK)
What Are Solar Roof Tiles?
Solar roof tiles, also known as solar slates or solar shingles, are photovoltaic systems designed to look like conventional roofing materials. Unlike traditional solar panels that mount on top of your existing roof, solar tiles actually become your roof, replacing standard tiles entirely.
Each tile contains photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity, just like regular solar panels. The key difference is their appearance. From street level, a roof covered in solar tiles can look virtually identical to one with traditional slate or clay tiles.
How Do Solar Roof Tiles Work?
The technology mirrors that of conventional solar panels. Photovoltaic cells within each tile contain semiconducting materials (typically silicon) that generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight. This direct current (DC) travels to an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) for use in your home.
Any excess electricity can be stored in a battery system or exported to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee, earning you money for surplus energy.
Types of Solar Roof Tiles Available in the UK
Solar tiles come in various styles to complement different architectural aesthetics. Understanding these options helps you choose tiles that blend seamlessly with your property.
Slate-Effect Solar Tiles
These tiles mimic the appearance of natural slate roofing. They’re particularly popular for period properties and homes in conservation areas where maintaining traditional aesthetics is important. GB-Sol’s PV Slate is a leading example, featuring a natural blue-grey finish that blends with existing slate roofs.
Smooth Glass Tiles
With a modern, minimalist appearance, smooth glass tiles suit contemporary architecture. They’re typically dark in colour and offer a sleek, futuristic look. XO Edge produces tiles in glossy black or silver finishes.
Textured Glass Tiles
Similar to smooth glass tiles but with added texture for a more subtle appearance. The textured surface helps reduce glare and can appear more natural from certain angles.
Tuscan/Terracotta Tiles
Designed to replicate the curved appearance of Mediterranean clay tiles. Solecco offers terracotta options that work well with traditional British and European architectural styles, available in colours including old English dark red.
Cell Technology: Monocrystalline vs Thin-Film
Solar tiles use two main types of photovoltaic technology:
Monocrystalline cells deliver better efficiency and longevity but cost more. Thin-film cells are more flexible and can be adapted to various roof shapes more easily, though they generate less power per square metre.
How Much Do Solar Roof Tiles Cost in the UK?
Solar roof tiles represent a significantly larger investment than traditional solar panels. Understanding the full cost picture helps you make an informed decision.
Average Solar Tile Costs by System Size
What Affects the Price?
Several factors influence your final quote:
Roof size and complexity: Larger roofs with multiple angles, dormers, or skylights increase costs
Tile type and manufacturer: Premium brands and monocrystalline tiles cost more
Existing roof condition: Removing old tiles and preparing the roof adds to labour costs
Scaffolding requirements: Multi-storey properties or difficult access increases installation costs
Electrical work: Upgrading your consumer unit or running new cables adds expense
The Hidden Cost Advantage for New Builds and Re-Roofing
Here’s where solar tiles become more competitive. If you’re already planning to replace your roof or building a new home, the cost comparison changes significantly.
A new roof in the UK typically costs £5,000-£12,000 depending on size and materials. When you factor in that solar tiles serve as both your roof covering and energy generation system, the premium shrinks considerably.
For a home needing a new roof anyway, the additional cost of solar tiles (versus standard tiles plus separate solar panels) may only be £3,000-£5,000 rather than £8,000-£10,000.
Solar Roof Tiles vs Traditional Solar Panels
Understanding the key differences helps you decide which option suits your situation best.
When Solar Tiles Make Sense
Solar roof tiles are particularly worth considering if:
You’re building a new home or planning a complete roof replacement
Your property is in a conservation area or you own a listed building
Aesthetics are a high priority and you’re willing to pay the premium
Your roof has a complex shape that would make panel mounting difficult
You want a dual-purpose solution that provides both roofing and energy generation
When Traditional Panels Are Better
Standard solar panels remain the better choice if:
You have a limited budget and want maximum return on investment
Your existing roof is in good condition with no replacement needed
You prioritise efficiency and want maximum power from limited roof space
You want a quick installation with minimal disruption
Easy maintenance access is important to you
Benefits of Solar Roof Tiles
Seamless Aesthetics
The primary advantage of solar tiles is their appearance. They blend with your roof’s design rather than sitting prominently on top. This makes them particularly appealing for period properties, homes with architectural significance, or homeowners who simply prefer a clean roofline.
Research from the government found that over 42% of UK homeowners worry about the negative impact of solar panels on their property’s attractiveness. Solar tiles directly address this concern.
Ideal for Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
Solar tiles offer a practical solution for properties where traditional panels might face planning restrictions. Their ability to replicate the appearance of conventional roofing materials means they’re more likely to gain approval in sensitive locations.
However, it’s worth noting that Historic England advises solar slates “do not usually convincingly replicate the look of traditional slates” and may not be suitable for prominent roof slopes on listed buildings. Always consult your local planning authority before proceeding.
Exceptional Durability
Solar tiles are engineered to serve as structural roofing material, which means they’re built to withstand the elements. Many manufacturers claim their tiles are up to three times stronger than conventional roof tiles.
Most solar tiles come with warranties of 25 years for performance and 10-15 years for the product itself. Some brands offer weatherproofing warranties of up to 40 years, providing long-term peace of mind.
Lightweight Construction
Despite their durability, many solar tiles weigh less than traditional slate or clay tiles. GB-Sol’s PV Slate, for example, weighs just 3.0-3.9kg per tile, compared to natural slate which can weigh 5-7kg per tile.
This lighter weight means you may not need structural reinforcement to your roof, potentially saving money on installation.
Full Roof Coverage
Because solar tiles are smaller than traditional panels, they can cover a larger proportion of your roof, including awkward spaces around dormers, vents, and roof edges. This maximises your energy generation potential on complex roof shapes.
Disadvantages of Solar Roof Tiles
Significantly Higher Cost
The most significant drawback is cost. At roughly double the price of traditional panels for equivalent power output, solar tiles require a much larger upfront investment. This extends your payback period substantially.
A 4kW traditional solar panel system costing £7,500 might pay for itself in 8-10 years. The same capacity in solar tiles at £14,000 could take 15-18 years to reach break-even.
Lower Efficiency
Solar tiles typically convert 10-20% of sunlight into electricity, compared to 18-24% for modern monocrystalline panels. This means you need more roof coverage to generate the same amount of power.
The Energy Saving Trust notes that solar tiles produce only about 80% of the electricity for the same area of solar panels. While you can compensate by covering more roof space, this adds to costs.
Complex and Lengthy Installation
Installing solar tiles is a major undertaking. Your existing roof tiles must be completely removed before the new solar tiles can be fitted. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks, compared to just 1-2 days for standard panel installation.
During this time, your roof will be exposed to the elements, requiring careful weather planning and temporary protection.
Maintenance Challenges
When individual solar panels need servicing or replacement, a technician can typically access them easily. With solar tiles, reaching a faulty unit may require removing multiple rows of tiles above it.
Some tile systems use overlapping designs where each row covers the one below. Replacing a single tile in the middle of your roof could mean stripping back a significant portion of the installation.
Limited Availability and Installer Expertise
Solar tiles remain a niche product in the UK, with fewer manufacturers and installers compared to traditional panels. This can make it harder to find competitive quotes and experienced professionals in your area.
Tesla’s highly publicised Solar Roof remains unavailable in the UK, despite years of speculation about a launch.
Top Solar Roof Tile Brands in the UK (2026)
Several manufacturers offer solar tiles in the UK market. Here’s what you need to know about each.
GB-Sol
Based in Pontypridd, Wales, GB-Sol manufactures PV Slate tiles designed to integrate with natural slate roofs. Their tiles have gained popularity with local planning authorities due to their authentic appearance.
GB-Sol tiles are particularly well-suited for heritage buildings and conservation areas. Their lightweight construction means they won’t increase the structural load on period properties.
Solecco Solar
Leeds-based Solecco manufactures solar tiles from recycled plastic rather than glass, reducing their carbon footprint. They offer the widest colour range of any UK manufacturer.
Solecco also sells matching non-solar tiles, allowing you to cover your entire roof with a consistent appearance while only installing solar cells where they’ll be most effective.
Marley SolarTile
Marley, a well-known UK roofing manufacturer, offers the SolarTile in partnership with Viridian. These are technically integrated panels rather than true tiles, but they achieve a similar flush appearance.
The Marley SolarTile offers higher efficiency than most true solar tiles, making it a good compromise between aesthetics and performance.
XO Edge
London-based XO Edge produces lightweight solar tiles made from construction-grade recycled plastic. Each tile weighs just 1.4kg, making them among the lightest options available.
Edilians
French manufacturer Edilians offers two solar tile products available in the UK:
Both are available in slate or red colour options.
What About Tesla Solar Roof?
Despite significant media attention, Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles remain unavailable in the UK. While the company has indicated international expansion plans, no UK launch date has been confirmed.
If Tesla tiles become available, early estimates suggested costs of approximately £185 per square metre, though Elon Musk acknowledged actual consumer costs could be up to three times higher than initial projections.
Solar Roof Tiles and Planning Permission
One of the key advantages of solar tiles is their potential to satisfy planning requirements in sensitive areas.
Standard Properties
Most residential solar installations, including solar tiles, fall under “permitted development” and don’t require planning permission. The same conditions apply as for traditional panels:
Tiles must not protrude more than 20cm from the roof surface
Tiles must not extend above the highest point of the roof (excluding chimneys)
Wall-mounted systems must not face a highway in conservation areas
Conservation Areas
Properties in conservation areas can typically install solar tiles under permitted development rights. The main restriction is that wall-mounted systems cannot face a public road. Roof installations are generally permitted.
However, some areas have Article 4 Directions that remove permitted development rights. Always check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
Listed Buildings
Listed building consent is required before installing any solar system, including tiles. While solar tiles’ discreet appearance may help your application, approval isn’t guaranteed.
Historic England’s guidance suggests that even solar slates may not be suitable for prominent roof slopes on listed buildings. Ground-mounted systems or installations on outbuildings may be preferred alternatives.
To improve your chances of approval:
Position tiles on less visible roof slopes
Ensure the installation is reversible
Demonstrate that the building’s original fabric won’t be damaged
Work with conservation officers early in the planning process
Installation Process: What to Expect
Installing solar roof tiles is a more involved process than fitting standard panels. Here’s what typically happens:
Survey and Design
1-2 weeks before installation: A surveyor will assess your roof’s condition, orientation, and structural integrity. They’ll design a system optimised for your property and provide a detailed quote.
Scaffolding Erection
Day 1: Safe roof access is established. This may take longer for complex properties or difficult access.
Existing Roof Removal
Days 1-3: Your current tiles or slates are carefully removed. The roof deck is inspected and any necessary repairs completed.
Underlay and Battening
Days 3-5: New breathable membrane and battens are installed to provide a suitable base for the solar tiles.
Solar Tile Installation
Days 5-10: Solar tiles are fitted row by row, starting from the eaves and working upward. Each tile is connected to the electrical system as it’s installed.
Electrical Work and Commissioning
Days 10-12: The inverter is fitted, connections are made to your consumer unit, and the system is tested. MCS certification documentation is completed.
Scaffolding Removal and Handover
Day 12-14: Final inspections are carried out, and you receive all documentation needed for warranty registration and SEG applications.
Are Solar Roof Tiles Worth It?
The answer depends entirely on your circumstances.
Solar Tiles Are Worth It If:
You’re already replacing your roof (the cost premium drops significantly)
You’re building a new home and can incorporate tiles from the start
You live in a conservation area and traditional panels may face objections
Aesthetics are your primary concern and budget is secondary
You want a long-term solution with 25-40 year warranties
Solar Tiles Probably Aren’t Worth It If:
Your existing roof is in good condition
Budget is a significant concern
You want the fastest possible payback period
Maximum efficiency is your priority
Return on Investment Comparison
Let’s compare the financials for a typical 3-bedroom home:
*Lower due to reduced efficiency
If you need a new roof anyway (adding £6,000-£10,000 to panel installation costs), solar tiles become much more competitive financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get solar tiles on any type of roof?
Solar tiles work best on pitched roofs with slopes between 15-50 degrees. They’re available in styles to match slate, clay, and modern roof types. Flat roofs are generally unsuitable for tile installation.
Do solar roof tiles need more maintenance than panels?
Day-to-day maintenance requirements are similar: occasional cleaning and annual inspections. However, if repairs are needed, accessing individual tiles can be more complex than with mounted panels.
Can I add solar tiles to just part of my roof?
Yes. Many manufacturers offer matching non-solar tiles so you can cover your entire roof with a consistent appearance while only installing active solar cells on the most suitable sections.
Do solar tiles qualify for the 0% VAT relief?
Yes. Solar roof tiles qualify for the same 0% VAT rate as traditional panels when professionally installed in residential properties. This relief continues until March 2027.
Are solar tiles covered by home insurance?
Solar roof tiles are typically covered under standard buildings insurance since they form part of your property’s structure. However, it’s worth confirming with your insurer and checking whether you need to update your policy.
How long do solar roof tiles last?
Most manufacturers offer performance warranties of 25 years, similar to traditional panels. Some brands offer product warranties of up to 40 years. The tiles should continue generating electricity throughout this period, though output gradually decreases over time.
Can I get grants for solar roof tiles?
Solar tiles qualify for the same grants and incentives as traditional panels, including ECO4 (until March 2026), the Warm Homes Plan, and the Smart Export Guarantee. However, the higher cost may mean grants cover a smaller proportion of your total investment.
Finding a Solar Tile Installer
Choosing the right installer is crucial for a successful solar tile project. Here’s what to look for:
Get at least three quotes from different installers. Given the niche nature of solar tiles, you may need to cast your net wider geographically than you would for standard panel installation.
