fbpx

Roof-Integrated Solar PV Systems (In-Roof Solar)

Introduction to Roof-Integrated Solar Panels

Roof-integrated or in-roof solar panels are essentially the same as the traditional solar panels that are installed on top of your roof but are integrated into the roof itself. Rather than having panels staying on top of your shingles, the roof itself becomes a solar panel. There are no tiles underneath these various sections of your roof, and they serve as both a power generator and well, as shingles!

Roof-integrated solar panels are designed to be extremely durable and are weatherproofed as well. The photovoltaic cells within these roof-integrated solar panels generate electricity for your home to use. For some people, the choice between roof-integrated and on-roof panels makes the difference in deciding if solar is worth it.

Now, you may be asking why a homeowner would do this versus simply installing solar panels onto their home. In this article, we are going to be showing you the benefits of having roof-integrated solar panels versus having traditional solar panels on your home.

An example of Viridian Solar‘s Roof Integrated Panels

The Advantages of Roof-Integrated Solar PV

Aesthetics

Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder – but if there’s one thing that we can all agree on, having traditional solar panels on top of your roof isn’t always the most pleasing thing to look at. It’s bulky, messes up the fine lines of the home, and worst of all – if those solar panels get dirty, they become a huge eyesore.

Roof-integrated solar panels solve this problem by blending in within your roof, leaving no fine lines to be marred by bulky technology. Because they are installed within your roof’s overall structure, they sit perfectly flush on your roof, leaving a perfect space on your roof. By blending in more seamlessly, it becomes a great selling point (if you were to ever sell your home) that your roof generates electricity -without damaging your home’s wonderful aesthetic.

Lightweight

The biggest issue with many traditional solar panels is the weight that they add to your roof’s infrastructure. In fact, if you have Spanish-styled tiles on your home, you would actually have to remove those tiles, place a covering on your roof, and then install those traditional solar panels that you paid for.

There’s no mounting done – nor is there any framing needed to install roof-integrated solar panels. As we have said before, they lay flush onto your home’s roof and will replace the roof tiles that you had in that original area. No added weight, no added problems.

New Builds & Roof Replacements

Roof-integrated solar panels can be installed on any type of roof, new or old. However, the newer roofs do work better with these integrated solar panels.

These roof-integrated solar panels can be fitted perfectly at the same time as the roof is being installed, which will allow the installers to coordinate perfectly on how they will install the integrated panels, without walking on already finished sections.

Restricted Planning Permission

Roof-integrated solar panels are more likely able to meet with the strict planning permissions in historic listed buildings or within protected areas. As we mentioned earlier, due to the roof-integrated solar panels being so lightweight – it would actually be easier for them to be installed on older, and more fragile homes.

All of these benefits are great for homeowners, whether it’s regarding the implementation of roof-integrated solar panels or how well they would look on your home, it all eventually leads to the fact that…

This type of system is becoming more common in newly built properties and/or with existing buildings.

BIPV or Building Integrated Photovoltaics are becoming the latest and greatest in terms of green, renewable energy technology. They’re easy to install, and as new construction begins on a building or home – they can easily be utilized and added. Here are a couple of reasons why:

Cost-Effectiveness

Integrated photovoltaics (such as roof-integrated solar panels) can replace the functions of traditional building materials such as cladding or roof tiles. You save more on those materials, even though you have to spend additional capital on the components and installation for the integrated PVs. However, these integrated photovoltaics will generate your building-free electricity, which will power it for years to come.

Support and Design

By utilizing PV in the designs of your building and roofs, you will actually get more flexibility in your overall design, since the integrated solar panels can be made to be as discreet as possible. Furthermore, by utilizing integrated solar panels, you can create different design features that will highlight the sustainability of your building.

‍

Different system options and design considerations

The roof can be obtained by using solar panels or PV slate or panels that are tiled to allow the use of standard panels and are mounted by using the purpose-made frame such as the GSE Integration Solar Panel.

The Viridian is an equally very neat on-floor system. It’s possibly one of the smartest looking but not the cheapest. We only recommended a solar roof on an attractive building level from east to south on the west. The North-Friscoessing roof may need another type of cover as the roof solar panels won’t work at a Roth face.

‍

Common Questions about Roof-Integrated Solar

How much does roof-integrated solar cost?

The cost for integration solar is comparable to traditional roof-mounted solar systems. We find you 3 MCS – certified solar installers in your region to choose from. Manufacturers often don’t release prices for the various installations because they’re very unique. Exceptions are IKEA selling Solarcentury’s Built-In Plus. On their website – it can be found for Β£5250.

Make an inquiry today if you want a competitive deal on your solar energy quotes. Get pricing and system design options.

How much does a Tesla solar roof cost?

In general, Tesla has estimated that a 10.23 kW solar roof will run a total of $39,017, however, this is including the incentives born from the American Federal Government. Without these incentives, you can figure that a Tesla integrated solar roof will cost about 41-42K USD, which is roughly Β£29,549.55 to Β£30,272.45.

There are also additional costs that you must also take on when you install a Tesla integrated solar roof, like the Tesla Powerwall – that you must have installed with the solar roof. The Powerwall energy storage system and its installation run about Β£7,568.11 in total.

Additionally, the installation costs of the Tesla solar roof will vary between houses – so make sure to keep that in mind before you begin your purchase.

Are solar shingles worth it?

It really depends on the amount of extra money you may have, and the condition that your roof is currently in.

For example, if you’re a homeowner who needs to replace or upgrade your roof – you can use an integrated solar roof to retain your roof’s aesthetics, functionality, with the additional ability to generate your energy. Solar shingles are also more durable than ordinary roof shingles – so you’ll have a stronger roof, with added benefits.

So if you can afford the investment – then yes, solar shingles are definitely worth it. Especially if you were looking to repair or replace your roof in the first place.

Cost of roof vs in roof vs complete solar roof

If you have a GSE or Easy Roof Evolution roof system its costs compared with a conventional roof system. The Viridian system costs under Β£200 per kWp it is more expensive than the GSE System. The GB-Sol rooftop roofs have a kW-price of over Β£2,000.

For this case, it won’t need tiled roofing and there is no other requirement for tiled roof surfaces or roofing ridges on the roof. The solar roof for the Viridian is more expensive but the entire solar system can cost up to a factor of around Β£2,000 more than the Viridian.

Are roof-integrated solar panels right for you?

Roof-integrated solar panels will give your home a clean energy resource without compromising the aesthetic of your home. If you’re deciding on whether or not roof-integrated solar panels are right for you – request up to 3 quotes from vetted solar installers.

We’ll be looking forward to helping you make a decision on whether or not the roof-integrated solar panels would be right for you and your family.