Solar roof tiles promise the best of both worlds: a roof that looks conventional but quietly generates electricity. So why are most homes still fitted with standard panels bolted on top? The answer comes down to cost, output and timing.
They work, but they produce less
Solar tiles replace ordinary roof tiles and fix into the roof structure. They are slightly less efficient than conventional panels and contain fewer cells, so they need a larger area of roof to match a standard panel’s output.
They cost more and take longer to pay back
System costs for tiles are typically higher than for panel installations, and the payback period can be significantly longer. Not every roof is suitable either: pitch, shading and orientation can rule a property out.
Timing is everything
The biggest practical hurdle is that tiles must go on at the same time as a new roof covering. For most households with a sound roof, that makes bolt-on panels the obvious choice. Only a few UK companies install solar tiles, which keeps the product niche, although more manufacturers, including Tesla, are entering the market.
When tiles do make sense
- New builds: the money saved on ordinary roofing partly offsets the higher price.
- Roof replacements: if the roof is coming off anyway, the extra cost looks smaller.
- Conservation areas: tiles are almost invisible, which can improve the odds of planning approval, although the local authority still decides.
- Looks: they suit owners who want the roof to blend in with neighbouring homes.
As with panels, savings depend on system size, how much power a household uses and energy prices. Electricity sent back to the grid may earn Smart Export Guarantee payments if the system is MCS-certified.
Further reading
Image: Solar shingle roof CertainTeed Solstice Madison WI Sun Vault Roofing 2025 by Sun Vault Roofing, BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our Editorial Desk. How we work.
