Solar tile types

Solar tiles are roofing materials that can produce energy directly from sunlight. Solar tiles are integrated into the roof itself and function as both a roofing substance and a source of energy, as opposed to conventional solar panels, which are mounted on top of an existing roof.

One type of solar panel, although still somewhat niche, is solar roof tiles, which blend seamlessly with your roof while generating clean electricity. Solar roof tiles are ideal for those who want the benefits of renewable energy without the traditional look of solar panels. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

Solecco Solar – Solecco Solar offers tiles in eight different colours, from smooth grey to terracotta and old English dark red. A 4kW system will cost around £12,000. Edilians solar tiles – Edilians make two types of solar tiles, Solar Max and HP 10 Solar.

Solar roof tiles are ideal for those who want the benefits of renewable energy without the traditional look of solar panels. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Lower energy bills: Solar panels reduce reliance on grid electricity, significantly cutting monthly energy costs.

Thermal solar tiles are created primarily to catch and use solar heat instead of PV panels, which concentrate on generating electrical energy. Hybrid solar tiles are roofing shingles that produce solar energy and mix solar and non-solar tiles to produce a roof that both produces energy and protects against the weather.

Solar panels, that is solar panels on slate roofs, are still the better investment overall compared to solar roof tiles. Roof tiles are expensive because you are ultimately installing a new roof, and while they look great, they can be less efficient than solar panels.