My friend has recently started a major home renovation project and asked for my opinion on integrated solar panels. Honestly, I didn’t know much about them other than their visual appeal compared to the traditional solar panels.
After some research, we found out they don’t only seamlessly blend into the roof but are also quite efficient. So let’s explore what these panels are and how they can benefit your home.
This is a collaborative post.
What are integrated solar panels?
Unlike traditional panels that are mounted on the top of your roof, integrated solar panels become part of your roof structure. They sit flush with the surrounding tiles or slates and replace a section of the roof material.
These panels are also called in-roof or built-in solar panels and often come in a size of around 1.6m x 1.0m to 1.7m x 1.0m. Both integrated and traditional panels typically have a 25-30 year lifespan but integrated options come with shorter warranties on their waterproofing capabilities.
Just like traditional solar panel systems, in-roof panels cost around £5,000-£6,000 for an average 4kW solar panel system. However, the total solar panel UK cost for traditional options is higher as they require additional roofing expenses.
Benefits of integrated solar panels
There are a bunch of advantages integrated solar panels have over traditional ones.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Integrated solar panels are praised for their sleek appearance and integrate seamlessly in areas where curb appeal is a priority. Many homeowners love how these panels look like a part of the roof as they protrude only about 30-40mm above the roof line.
- Weather resistant: Integrated panels are designed to withstand heavy rain, snow and wind (up to 130-150 mph) just like high-quality tiles. They usually have an IP65 or IP67 rating which indicates high resistance to water and dust ingress. This functionality gives some peace of mind for homeowners in areas prone to severe weather.
- Lightweight: In-roof solar panels typically weigh 10-120 kg per piece (compared to 18-23 kg for traditional solar panels). This weight difference can be a serious consideration for older homes, which have a very limited total roof capacity.
- Perfect for new builds or roof replacements: Incorporating integrated solar panels from the start allows you to optimise the roof design for maximum energy efficiency. For roof replacements, it’s a perfect two-in-one solution which both updates the roof and adds solar capabilities.
- Potential for planning permission: These panels seem to be a must-have for homeowners in areas with strict architectural guidelines. Some Reddit users who live in conservation areas shared that they struggled to get approval for traditional panels and the planning office was much more open to the integrated design.
I particularly loved the reviews from homeowners who were concerned about birds nesting under the traditional solar panel mounting. That’s not the case with the integrated solar panels as they sit flush with the roof. However, in-roof solar panels do have some considerations to keep in mind.
- Less efficient: Integrated solar panels are usually 5-10% less efficient than conventional options. This efficiency loss is primarily due to reduced airflow. Some homeowners complain that their integrated system produces up to 7% less energy than their neighbours’ traditional setups despite the same rated capacities.
- Higher temperature operation: As the flush mounting reduces air circulation, this air gap leads to the integrated solar panels running 10-15C hotter than traditional panels on a sunny day. This explains the efficiency drops.
- Retrofitting challenges: Installing integrated solar panels on an existing roof can be up to 30% more expensive than a traditional system could be.
- Limited roof suitability: The optimal roof slope for integrated options is 12-50 degrees. Therefore, if your roof isn’t ideally designed for solar panels, you might lose up to 15% efficiency with these panels compared to adjustable traditional panels.
Remember to consult professional installers before taking any action or making any decisions as in-roof panel installation is more complex and usually requires 2-3 days to get installed.
Do integrated solar panels suit your home?
While installing integrated solar panels for a sleek, modern look is more of a want, for which properties are these solar panels an actual need?
- New construction projects: If you, like my friend, are planning a total home makeover or are building a new home, consider integrated solar panels for your project. It’s easier to incorporate them from the start, and the results look fantastic.
- Homes in areas with high wind: The smooth surface of integrated solar panels allows wind to flow over them more easily, reducing the risk of uplift. In some homeowners from high-wind areas notice that after their integrated systems show little to zero signs of wear or movement.
- Properties with limited roof space: These panels are more efficient in terms of space usage. So, if your house has a small roof, the integrated systems will allow you to maximise your solar coverage.
- Older homes: Aging homes might have a lightweight roof structure. Integrated solar panels can be a good solution for homes where the additional weight of traditional panels might be a concern.
All in all, if you’re considering solar power, integrated solar panels are definitely worth exploring. They offer a stylish and efficient solution for those planning renovation without compromising the home’s appearance.