Solar Roof Tiles UK 2026 – Costs, Solar Slates & Are They Worth It?
Solar roof tiles, also known as solar slates, solar shingles or building-integrated solar, generate electricity while forming part of the roof covering itself.
Unlike conventional solar panels that are mounted above an existing roof, solar tiles are designed to sit within the roof surface and replace some of the ordinary tiles or slates.
For UK homeowners, the main attraction is appearance. A solar tile roof can look considerably more integrated than a traditional panel installation, making the technology particularly interesting for new builds, roof replacements, premium properties and homes where roof appearance matters.
The trade-off is cost. Solar roof tiles generally cost more than conventional solar panels and may require a larger roof area to produce the same amount of electricity.
Quick navigation: What are solar roof tiles? · UK costs · Tiles vs panels · Solar tiles vs in-roof panels · Are they worth it? · New roofs & reroofing · Output & efficiency · Planning · Choosing an installer · Payback · FAQs
Comparing solar prices first? See our Solar Panel Costs UK guide .
What are solar roof tiles?
Solar roof tiles are photovoltaic products designed to form part of the roof covering rather than being mounted on rails above it.
Individual solar tiles or slates contain photovoltaic cells which generate electricity from daylight. Multiple tiles are electrically connected together to create a solar array in much the same way that several conventional solar panels work together.
Solar roof tiles
Photovoltaic tiles designed to replace conventional roof tiles while generating electricity.
Solar slates
Integrated photovoltaic products designed to resemble or work alongside a traditional slate roof.
In-roof solar panels
Larger conventional solar modules installed flush with the roof rather than on rails above the existing tiles.
These systems all fall within the broader idea of building-integrated photovoltaics, often shortened to BIPV, although the exact construction of each product can be very different.
How much do solar roof tiles cost in the UK?
Solar roof tiles remain a premium form of domestic solar in the UK. The final cost depends heavily on the size of the installation, roof shape, product being used, electrical equipment, access and whether the work is being completed as part of a new roof.
As a useful current benchmark, the Energy Saving Trust puts a typical 4kWp solar roof tile installation at around £12,000. This figure does not necessarily include removing an existing roof covering or separate scaffolding costs.
| Solar option | Typical cost position | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional on-roof solar panels | Usually lowest cost | Homes prioritising value and electricity generation |
| Integrated / in-roof solar panels | Usually above standard on-roof systems | Homeowners wanting a cleaner flush appearance |
| Solar roof tiles or solar slates | Usually highest-cost solar option | New roofs, reroofing and appearance-led projects |
For comparison, conventional rooftop solar installations typically cost considerably less. See our full UK solar panel cost guide for current system-size examples.
The roof cost matters too
Comparing solar tiles only against the price of conventional solar panels can be misleading if you already need a new roof.
A solar tile installation replaces part of the normal roof covering. If a property is being built or reroofed anyway, some roofing material and installation costs would already have been incurred.
That can make solar tiles considerably more attractive on a new-build or reroofing project than as a retrofit to a perfectly serviceable existing roof.
Solar roof tiles vs conventional solar panels
For most households, the decision comes down to appearance versus cost and power density.
| Factor | Solar roof tiles | Conventional solar panels |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Very discreet and integrated | Clearly visible above the roof |
| Initial cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Electricity output per roof area | Often lower | Usually higher |
| Best installation stage | New roof or reroofing | Existing or new roofs |
| Complex roof shapes | Can use smaller areas of available roof | Large rectangular modules need suitable space |
| Replacement | Individual roof-integrated components may require specialist work | Individual panels are relatively straightforward to access |
| Visual impact | Low | Higher |
Energy Saving Trust estimates that solar tiles may generate around 80% of the electricity from the same roof area as conventional solar panels, although actual performance varies between products and roof designs.
This means a homeowner may need a larger area of solar tiles to achieve the same overall system output.
Solar roof tiles vs in-roof solar panels
Solar roof tiles should not be confused with integrated or in-roof solar panels.
An in-roof solar system normally uses relatively large photovoltaic modules, similar in size to conventional solar panels, but mounts them within the roof line rather than on rails above the tiles.
This can provide much of the clean appearance of an integrated roof while generally using fewer individual components than a true solar-tile installation.
Choose solar tiles when...
Roof appearance is particularly important, the property is being reroofed or built from scratch, or the roof shape suits smaller photovoltaic units.
Choose in-roof panels when...
You want a flush appearance but still want a more conventional solar-panel format.
Choose on-roof panels when...
Cost, output and straightforward installation are more important than achieving an almost invisible solar installation.
Are solar roof tiles worth it?
Solar roof tiles can be worth considering, but they are not automatically the best choice for every property.
For a homeowner with a sound existing roof who simply wants to reduce electricity bills, conventional solar panels will normally offer a stronger financial case.
Solar tiles become much more interesting when the roof itself already needs replacing.
They may make sense if...
- You are building a new home
- The existing roof needs replacing
- Roof appearance is particularly important
- You want solar integrated into the architecture
- Your roof has awkward shapes or interrupted areas
- You are prepared to pay more for appearance
Conventional panels may be better if...
- Your existing roof is in good condition
- You want the lowest installation cost
- You want maximum generation from limited roof space
- Financial payback is your main priority
- You may want easier access for future replacement
Solar roof tiles on a new roof or reroofing project
This is arguably where solar tiles become most compelling.
Installing solar tiles on an existing roof simply to replace ordinary tiles can mean paying both for unnecessary roof work and for a premium photovoltaic system.
If the roof already needs replacing, however, the comparison changes.
Instead of paying separately for a complete conventional roof and then adding a solar panel system above it, part of the roof covering itself can become the solar generator.
Compare the complete project — not just the solar price
When reviewing quotations, ask for the cost of the complete roof-and-solar project.
A £12,000 solar-tile installation cannot be fairly compared with a conventional solar quote if the first option is also replacing roofing materials that would otherwise have been purchased separately.
How much electricity do solar roof tiles generate?
Solar tiles generate electricity using photovoltaic cells in essentially the same way as conventional solar panels.
The total amount of electricity generated depends on:
- Total installed photovoltaic capacity in kWp
- Roof direction
- Roof pitch
- Shading from trees, buildings or chimneys
- Geographic location
- Product efficiency
- Available roof area
- System design
Because many solar-tile systems produce less power per square metre than modern full-size solar panels, more roof area may be needed to reach the same installed capacity.
The smaller format can sometimes be useful on roofs with dormers, valleys, rooflights and other interruptions where a large rectangular solar panel would not fit.
Can solar roof tiles work with battery storage?
Yes. Solar roof tiles can normally be combined with a compatible home battery storage system in much the same way as a conventional solar PV installation.
During daylight hours, electricity generated by the roof can be used within the home. Any surplus can potentially charge a battery for use later in the day rather than being exported immediately to the grid.
Whether a battery makes financial sense depends on the household's electricity usage, the size of the solar installation, battery capacity, electricity tariffs and how much generated electricity would otherwise be exported.
Solar generation
Electricity generated by the solar roof is first available for use within the property.
Battery storage
Surplus solar electricity can potentially be stored and used later when solar generation is lower.
Grid electricity
The home can continue to import electricity from the grid whenever solar and stored battery energy are insufficient.
See our guides to home battery storage costs UK and solar panels with battery costs for typical pricing and considerations.
Can you get Smart Export Guarantee payments with solar roof tiles?
Potentially, yes.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows eligible small-scale renewable electricity generators to receive payments for electricity exported to the grid.
Solar roof tiles generate photovoltaic electricity in the same broad way as conventional solar panels, so an eligible installation may be able to use an export tariff where the required metering, certification and supplier conditions are met.
Export rates and eligibility conditions vary between suppliers, so homeowners should compare the current options rather than assuming a particular export price when calculating savings.
See our Best SEG Rates UK guide for more information.
VAT on solar roof tiles in the UK
VAT treatment can have a significant effect on the total cost of a solar installation.
UK government rules have provided reduced or zero-rated VAT treatment for qualifying energy-saving materials in certain residential installations. However, the exact treatment can depend on the work being supplied and how the installation is structured.
This is particularly important with solar roof tiles because a project may combine solar equipment with wider roofing work.
Homeowners should therefore make sure quotations clearly identify what is being supplied and how VAT has been applied rather than assuming that every part of a reroofing project receives the same treatment.
Check the complete quotation
If solar tiles are being installed as part of a new roof, ask the contractor to show clearly which parts of the quotation relate to the photovoltaic system, roofing work, scaffolding and any other building work.
Do solar roof tiles need planning permission?
Many domestic solar installations can be completed without a full planning application, but the rules depend on the property and the proposed work.
Solar roof tiles can have an advantage where appearance is important because they sit within the roof rather than projecting above it.
However, extra care may be needed for:
- Listed buildings
- Properties in conservation areas
- Buildings with planning restrictions
- Protected or historically sensitive roofs
- Projects involving substantial alterations to the roof
A visually discreet solar product does not automatically remove the need for planning or listed-building consent.
If the property is listed or located in a conservation area, check with the relevant local planning authority before committing to the installation.
Appearance can still be an advantage
Where conventional solar panels would have a significant visual impact, integrated solar tiles or solar slates may provide a more sympathetic design option.
That does not guarantee approval, but the reduced visual impact may be useful when discussing a proposal with planners or conservation officers.
How long do solar roof tiles last?
The expected working life depends on the manufacturer, product design, installation quality and the warranties supplied with the system.
Solar roof products have two jobs: they must continue generating electricity and they must remain part of a weatherproof roof.
For that reason, homeowners should look beyond the headline photovoltaic warranty and understand the complete warranty package.
Product warranty
Covers the physical solar product for the period and conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Performance warranty
Relates to how much electrical output the photovoltaic product is expected to retain over time.
Roof / weatherproofing warranty
Particularly important for an integrated system because the photovoltaic products also form part of the roof covering.
Before choosing a system, ask exactly what happens if a solar tile fails after the installer or original roofing contractor is no longer available.
What happens if a solar roof tile fails?
A failed solar tile does not normally mean the entire roof has to be replaced. However, repair procedures vary between systems.
The installer may need to identify the failed photovoltaic component, isolate the relevant part of the system and replace the affected tile or module.
This is one reason why product availability matters.
A solar roof may remain in place for decades, so homeowners should consider how replacement components could be sourced in the future.
Ask about future replacement parts
Before committing to a proprietary solar roof system, ask whether replacement tiles or modules are expected to remain available and whether compatible components can be substituted if the original product is discontinued.
What about the inverter?
Solar roof tiles still require electrical equipment such as an inverter. The inverter may have a shorter working life than the photovoltaic roof itself and could need replacement during the life of the installation.
See our guide to solar inverter replacement costs UK .
Solar roof tile payback in the UK
The payback period for solar roof tiles is generally more complicated than for conventional solar panels because part of the project cost may also be replacing the normal roof covering.
For an existing roof in good condition, the higher installation cost of solar tiles usually means a longer financial payback than standard rooftop panels.
For a property that already needs a new roof, a more useful calculation is to compare the solar roof with the cost of the roof you would otherwise have installed.
A better way to compare a reroofing project
Solar tile roof cost − equivalent non-solar roof cost = additional solar cost
The electricity savings and export income can then be compared against that additional solar cost, rather than treating the entire roof replacement as the cost of installing solar.
Payback will also depend on:
- Annual solar generation
- Household electricity consumption
- How much generated electricity is used in the home
- Electricity prices
- Export tariff income
- Battery storage
- System maintenance and future equipment replacement
For a broader estimate, use our Solar Panel Payback Calculator UK .
Solar roof tiles for a typical 3 bedroom house
A typical three-bedroom UK home may consider a solar system somewhere around the 3–5kWp range, although the correct size depends on electricity use, available roof area, orientation and the photovoltaic product being installed.
Solar tiles may require more roof area than high-output conventional panels to achieve the same installed capacity.
This makes the roof survey particularly important.
The installer should assess how much of the roof can actually generate electricity after allowing for chimneys, rooflights, dormers, valleys, shading and other obstructions.
For conventional solar pricing and typical household system sizes, see:
What to check before choosing a solar roof tile installer
Solar roof tiles combine roofing work with electrical solar installation. That makes installer experience particularly important.
- Which solar roof tile or slate system is being specified?
- What is the total installed capacity in kWp?
- What annual generation is being estimated?
- How much usable roof area is required?
- Who is responsible for the roofing work?
- Who is responsible for the electrical installation?
- What product warranties are included?
- What performance warranty applies?
- What weatherproofing or roof warranty is provided?
- Is scaffolding included in the quotation?
- Does the quote include removal of the existing roof covering?
- What inverter is being supplied?
- Can a battery be added now or later?
- How would an individual failed solar tile be replaced?
- Are replacement components expected to remain available?
- What certification and documentation will be provided?
Compare like with like
A low solar-tile quotation may not include the same roofing, scaffolding, electrical or finishing work as another quote.
Ask each contractor to provide a clear breakdown so that the complete installed project can be compared.
Solar roof tiles or normal solar panels: which should you choose?
| Your priority | Option likely to suit best |
|---|---|
| Lowest upfront solar cost | Conventional on-roof solar panels |
| Maximum output from limited roof space | Conventional high-efficiency solar panels |
| Discreet appearance | Solar roof tiles, solar slates or in-roof solar |
| Existing roof already needs replacing | Solar tiles or integrated solar become much more attractive |
| New-build property | Integrated solar can be designed into the roof from the start |
| Fastest financial payback | Usually conventional solar panels |
| Premium architectural finish | Solar roof tiles or solar slates |
For most UK homeowners with a good existing roof, conventional solar panels remain the stronger financial option.
For a new roof, new build or appearance-sensitive property, the gap can narrow because the solar product is replacing roofing material that would otherwise need to be purchased anyway.
Compare solar options before deciding
Solar roof tiles are only one way to generate electricity at home. Compare the cost against conventional rooftop panels, integrated solar, battery storage and other home-energy options before committing to a system.
Solar roof tiles UK: FAQs
How much do solar roof tiles cost in the UK?
Solar roof tiles generally cost more than conventional rooftop solar panels. A useful benchmark for a typical 4kWp solar roof tile installation is around £12,000, although the final project price depends on the roof, product, installation requirements and whether existing roofing materials need to be removed.
Are solar roof tiles cheaper if I already need a new roof?
Potentially. If the property already needs reroofing, some of the cost of ordinary roofing materials and installation would have been incurred anyway. The more useful comparison is therefore between the complete solar roof cost and the cost of an equivalent non-solar roof.
Are solar roof tiles more expensive than solar panels?
Usually, yes. Conventional rooftop solar panels normally provide a lower-cost route to generating solar electricity. Solar tiles are more commonly chosen for their integrated appearance or because they form part of a wider roofing project.
Do solar roof tiles generate as much electricity as solar panels?
Not necessarily. Conventional modern solar panels often provide more generating capacity from the same roof area. Solar tiles can therefore require a larger area to achieve the same overall system output.
What is the difference between solar roof tiles and solar slates?
Both generate photovoltaic electricity while forming part of the roof. The terms are often used to describe products designed around different roofing styles, with solar slates typically intended to blend with slate-type roofs.
Are solar roof tiles the same as in-roof solar panels?
No. In-roof solar normally uses larger photovoltaic modules fitted flush with the roof line. True solar tiles or slates use smaller roof-integrated photovoltaic components that form part of the roof covering.
Can solar roof tiles be installed on an existing roof?
Yes, but installing them can involve removing existing roofing materials. For that reason, they often make more financial sense when the roof already needs replacing rather than when a good roof is being altered solely to add solar.
Can solar roof tiles work with a home battery?
Yes. A suitable solar roof system can normally be connected to compatible battery storage so surplus solar electricity can be stored for later use.
Can I get SEG payments from solar roof tiles?
An eligible solar roof installation may be able to receive export payments through the Smart Export Guarantee or another qualifying export tariff, subject to the supplier's current requirements.
Do solar roof tiles need planning permission?
Many domestic solar projects may fall within permitted development rules, but the exact position depends on the property and work involved. Listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with planning restrictions need particular care.
Are solar roof tiles suitable for listed buildings?
Their discreet appearance can make solar tiles visually attractive for sensitive properties, but listed-building status can impose additional controls. Consent should be checked before work begins.
How long do solar roof tiles last?
Lifespan varies by product and manufacturer. Homeowners should check the product, photovoltaic performance and roof or weatherproofing warranties rather than relying on one headline warranty figure.
What happens if one solar tile stops working?
The exact repair method depends on the system. A specialist installer may be able to identify and replace an individual failed component without replacing the whole roof, but future availability of compatible replacement products should be considered before installation.
Are solar roof tiles worth it in the UK?
They can be, particularly for a new build or property that already needs a new roof. For a home with a good existing roof where financial return is the main priority, conventional solar panels will usually offer better value.
Do solar roof tiles increase property value?
There is no guaranteed increase in property value. Their discreet appearance may appeal to some buyers, while the financial benefit will depend on the system's output, age, ownership, warranties and expected electricity savings.
Can solar roof tiles charge an electric car?
Yes. Electricity generated by a sufficiently sized solar roof system can contribute towards home EV charging in the same way as electricity generated by conventional solar panels.
Can solar roof tiles be combined with normal solar panels?
Technically, a property may use more than one type of photovoltaic generation, but the electrical design, inverter arrangement and compatibility need to be assessed by the installer.
Are solar roof tiles available in different colours?
Some UK solar roof products are designed to blend with different roofing materials and colours. Available finishes depend on the manufacturer and specific system.
Are solar tiles suitable for small or awkward roofs?
They can be useful where dormers, rooflights, valleys or unusual roof shapes make it difficult to position large rectangular solar panels. The installer still needs to assess shading and the total usable generating area.
What should I compare when getting solar roof tile quotes?
Compare the total installed capacity, predicted annual generation, photovoltaic product, inverter, roofing work, scaffolding, electrical work, warranties, replacement-part availability and complete project cost.
Should I choose solar roof tiles purely for payback?
Usually not. If the shortest possible financial payback is the main objective, conventional rooftop solar panels will generally be more competitive. Solar tiles are more likely to appeal where appearance or an existing roofing project forms part of the decision.
Sources and methodology
SolarCostsUK uses manufacturer information, UK energy guidance and published industry data to help homeowners understand realistic solar costs and the differences between available technologies.
Last reviewed: October 2026.