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Integrated Solar Panels in the UK: The Complete Guide (2024)
- Integrated solar panels integrate into your roof to replace traditional tiles, providing solar energy to your home while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- For the average home, the prices of integrated solar panels range from £5,000 - £6,000 and can vary based on factors such as system size and electricity consumption.
- The main advantages of integrated panels are their sleek appearance and potential cost savings, while the biggest disadvantage may be that they cannot fully substitute for traditional roof materials.
Integrated solar panels, are installed in line with your roof to create a smooth roof line, uninterrupted by bulky solar panels. Also known as in-roof solar panels, integrated panels have become more commonplace over time in the UK. Because of this, they are usually priced similarly to traditional solar systems while providing the same range of benefits.
If you're looking for solar panels for your home, then integrated panels will not only blend in with their surroundings, but they'll also save you money on energy bills. In this article, discover how these panels work, their prices, and their pros and cons.
Looking for the perfect integrated solar panel installer who will get you the most efficient solar panels at the best price? Household Quotes streamlines the process by providing you with up to 4 quotes from reliable suppliers. This saves you hours of research time by directly connecting you with the best options per your request. To get your free, tailored, no-obligation quotes, fill out our 30-second form today!
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What are integrated solar panels?
Integrated solar panels work the same as regular panels in terms of converting sunlight into usable energy for your home. Where they differ is in how they are mounted, as roof-integrated solar panels are designed to integrate into and lie flush with your roof, in place of your roof tiles. The absence of a regular mounting system makes them much more slim and compact than regular solar panels, so-called "on-roof" solar panels.
Integrated panels avoid any unsightliness and create a sleek and discreet solar panel system. Regular solar panels, on the other hand, are mounted onto brackets and sit on top of your tiles, meaning they are much more visible.
Roof integrated solar panels UK costs in 2024
Integrated solar panels typically come at a comparable cost to on-roof panels. The panels themselves are often identical, with the main difference being only in the mounting equipment.
The table below shows how much you can expect to pay for supply and installation, as well as potential savings.
| How much are in-roof solar panels? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity consumption per year | Solar panel system size | Solar panel system cost | Annual electricity bill savings |
| 1,800kWh | 2-3kW | £2,500 - £5,500 | £440 |
| 2,700kWh | 4-5kW | £5,000 - £8,500 | £660 |
| 4,100kWh | 6kW | £9,500 - £10,500 | £1,005 |
At one time, integrated panels could have been considered a luxury item compared to standard PV systems. Yet, in time, their costs have reduced since they have become far more in-demand and thus, becoming far more like the standard.
As the table above shows, the higher the power output of your PV system, the higher the cost is likely to be. The type and efficiency of your panels will also play a role in determining the cost, with monocrystalline panels costing more than other types because of higher efficiency rates.
Government grants for solar panels in the UK, such as the UK government's 0% VAT scheme, can help drastically offset upfront solar costs. Without additional VAT costs, the price of solar products, including integrated panels, is slashed by 20%. This reduced the average solar PV system by £1,850.
With an additional solar battery in the UK, you can even earn a small income post-installation through the Smart Export Guarantee. This could bring the averages home annual savings up to £735, based on an example tariff figure of 5.5p/kW.
Additional labour costs may vary depending on whether you are installing solar panels as part of a new rooftop or a retrofit. With a pre-existing roof, it will take some extra time and labour to remove tiles to make way for the new panels. As for a new build, the panels can be installed directly, without the additional task of removing any existing tiles.
The best way to get a good deal for new integrated solar panels is by comparing quotes from multiple installers. To save yourself hours of research time, Household Quotes free quotes service can provide you directly with up to 4 quotes from trusted suppliers.
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- Quotes from local installers
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Advantages of roof integrated solar panels
- Aesthetics: Installed in line with the roof to blend in with the rest of the building and avoid standing out as an eye sore. Available in various designs and colours to match different roofing styles.
- Declining costs: Supply and installation costs have become more competitive with standard solar panels due to increased demand.
- Lightweight: Removal of tiles puts less weight on the building structure and helps maintain structural integrity for longer.
- Planning permissions: Discreet appearance makes obtaining planning permissions more likely since standard panels might exceed height limits.
Disadvantages of roof integrated solar panels
- Potentially higher cost: If you require your panels to be manufactured to meet certain dimensions then you can expect to pay more overall.
- Efficiency: The absence of a gap between the panels and the roof tiles means there is less airflow around the panels. This means they tend to operate at lower temperatures at 5-10% less efficiency compared to standard systems.
- Risk of overheating: Limited airflow around the panels also keeps the system from staying cool while it operates, which can lead to overheating and slower performance.
- Not a suitable roofing substitute: Integrated panels cannot provide the same levels of strength and insulation as typical roofing materials.
Best integrated solar panels
Below we've listed some of the best solar panel brands offering the most popular integrated solar panels in the UK. We've also highlighted some of the key features that make these options stand out among the competition.
| Best in-roof solar panels | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Product line | MSC accreditation | Warranty |
| GB Sol | GB-Sol Infinity solar roof | ✔ | 25 years |
| GSE Integration | GSE In-Roof System | ✔ | 15 years |
| Viridian Solar | Viridian Clearline | ✔ | 10 years |
Best integrated solar panels: Key features
- GB Sol offers a visually pleasing integration of panels suitable for roofs with a minimum 15-degree pitch. The flexible panel orientation options cater to various roof configurations. Ventilation clearance underneath the system enhances its performance and longevity. Additionally, options for double or triple glazed units and roof windows provide customisation to meet specific project requirements.
- GSE Integration stands out as a highly competitive integrated system for both roof renovations and new builds. It boasts efficient installation, with 10 to 16 panels installed in around 6 hours. The system ensures longevity with enhanced fire and impact resistance, optimal ventilation, and long-lasting watertightness. Its flexibility in configuration accommodates setups with or without a roof window. With 15-20mm gaps between panels, ventilation paths are maintained under each panel, contributing to enhanced performance. The incorporation of roof windows further expands its adaptability.
- Viridian Solar excels in rapid installation times, taking only 45 minutes per kWp, speeding up project completion. The use of invisible clamps ensures an uncluttered appearance, enhancing the visual appeal of installations. Independently accredited for longevity and wind resistance, Viridian Solar meets stringent durability standards. It complies with the latest NHBC Technical Requirements, affirming its durability and reliability. Certified wind resistance surpassing competitors by double underscores its robustness in challenging conditions.
Are integrated solar panels the right choice for my household?
Integrated solar panels are a great option for anyone seeking efficiency and aesthetic appeal. But are solar panels a good investment? Despite the upfront costs, ranging between £2,500 - £10,500, integrated panels often prove cost-effective in the long run as they can lead to savings of up to £1,005 on electricity bills.
Furthermore, advancements in solar technology have reduced concerns about the best solar panel orientation, as integrated panels can still work effectively even if they're not at the ideal angle or orientation. Solar panels on flat roofs are also viable options that often take less time to install.
The streamlined appearance, potential cost savings, and structural benefits make integrated solar panels a worthwhile investment for any household looking to make the most of solar energy without compromising visual appeal or efficiency.
If you're considering integrated solar panels for your home, but don't want to spend hours, if not days, scouring the internet for quotes, then Household Quotes has the solution for you. We can connect you with up to 4 trusted suppliers from our vetted network of specialists. This simplifies the process of finding the best quotes for your budget and preferences.
Skip the hassle of researching and vetting installers - fill out our quick 30-second form and get started today.
- Quotes from local installers
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- Save up to £915 per year
Frequently asked questions