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Solar Roof Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles 2025

Written by

Last edited

09/05/2025

Rooftop solar power is an excellent way for homeowners to cut their electricity bills by 50% or more, and solar roof tiles are the latest technology trend to join this growing sector.

Solar Roof Tiles are an excellent potential alternative to traditional solar panels, which are just starting to gain some traction in the market.

With smaller units, a less obvious appearance, and a greater ability to make use of roof space, solar roof tiles are a potential solution for people who want to invest in renewable energy but don’t want the bulk of solar panels added to their roof.

Since they make up the roof itself, solar roof tiles are most often installed on new build houses or homes with old roofs approaching the end of their lifespan.

For people who have a roof which is still in good condition, it is likely to be more economical to get ordinary rooftop solar panels.

What are Solar Roof Tiles?

Solar Roof Tiles are small solar modules meant to mimic the appearance and structure of traditional roof tiles while also producing solar power.

They come in a variety of appearances and different solar technologies, such as crystalline silicon and thin-film solar cells, and have different levels of cost and efficiency.

Solar roof tiles are designed to take the place of an ordinary roof, either wholly or in part, and negate the need for larger rack mounted solar panels.

Some solar roof tiles are small glass panels cut to the size of a typical tile. Others may be slate or ceramic tiles, which incorporate a solar module into the design.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Roof Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles have numerous advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional roofing materials and standard solar panels.

These are mostly centred around their appearance and price compared with the more established alternatives. 

However, as this is still a very new area in Ireland, the balance of some of these factors could shift drastically in a relatively short period of time. Just look at how solar panels themselves have gone from being a very niche and prohibitively expensive home upgrade a few years ago to the popularity they enjoy today.

Benefits Drawbacks
Blend in Standard Roof Appearance More Expensive per kWh Than Solar Panels
Suitable for Awkwardly Shaped Roofs Less Selection & Availability Than Solar Panels 
More Durable Than Normal Tiles Efficiency is Lower Than Solar Panels
Increases Property Values Longer Installation Time 
Less Glare Than Solar Panels Require Replacing Existing Roof Tiles
Save Money on Electricity Bills

Benefits of Solar Roof Tiles

The chief reason why solar tiles and roof slates might be preferable to having rack-mounted solar panels installed is that their appearance more closely resembles an ordinary roof, rather than having large panels break up its profile. 

Glass solar roof tiles will still be distinguishable from surrounding tiles due to the glass surface, but they blend in far better than solar panels attached with a rack.

While many solar roof tiles are made from strong glass, others can be part of a slate or ceramic roof tile to further blend their appearance.

What solar roof tiles offer over regular tiles is the ability to produce electricity and cut homeowners’ bills. This means that the tiles will, in time, pay for themselves, unlike a regular roof.

With solar roof tiles, all of the wiring for the PV system is located beneath the roof, protecting it from the elements and removing one element of risk for any solar installation. It also helps to keep a clean, neat appearance.

Solar roof tiles made from strengthened glass can be even more resilient than normal tiles, adding an extra layer of protection for your roof.

Solar Roof Tiles may experience less power loss than traditional solar panels as a result of being in partial shade due to the modules’ smaller size and parallel wiring.

Drawbacks of Solar Roof Tiles

Even if you want to get solar roof tiles today, there are very few installers or suppliers in Ireland currently offering them. This lack of available installers will also be a factor in the higher prices, but that is something which may change in the coming years.

Efficiency is the measure of how much light is converted into electricity by photovoltaic solar modules. This is one area where solar panels clearly have solar roof tiles beaten. Solar panel efficiency now stands in the region of 18% – 25%, with most installers in Ireland using panels with 22% – 23% efficiency.

Solar roof tiles, on the other hand, typically come with efficiency levels of 10% – 20%. The shape of the tiles and the technology they use can lead to large variations in their efficiency.

While solar panels can be attached to an existing roof, having solar roof tiles installed requires the existing roof to be replaced, adding to the cost and time of the project.

Most solar panel systems can be installed in one day, or two at most, for domestic customers. Solar roof tiles take considerably longer to install, up to a week, since there are many more modules, the existing roof has to be removed, and the wiring is more involved.

With few qualified installers for solar roof tiles in Ireland right now, there could be a significant waiting period to get them on your roof compared with solar panels.

Solar Roof Tiles Technology

There are three main variations of technology used in solar modules at the moment:

  • Monocrystalline
  • Polycrystalline silicon modules
  • Thin-film modules

Mono and Poly crystalline silicon modules offer higher efficiency levels, but come in the form of rigid glass panels.

Thin-Film solar technology is less efficient than silicon modules, but can be moulded into different shapes.

These allow for a range of solar roof tile designs and appearances, which will have different levels of performance and price.

3 types of solar panels

Suitability of Solar Roof Tiles

Solar roof tiles can be an ideal choice for roofs with dormer windows, gables, or other turns and protrusions that don’t leave a lot of room for larger solar panels.

On the other hand, solar roof tiles require a pitched roof with an angle of at least 15°, though 30° or more would be better. This is because they are laid parallel to the roof, unlike solar panels, which are attached to a mounting system that allows their angle to be adjusted.

This means that solar tiles can’t be used on flat roofs the same way that solar panels can, due to the lack of an angle of inclination.

Solar roof tiles might be a better option than solar panels on homes where there are issues related to altering the external appearance of the building. 

However, in the case of architectural conservation areas or protected buildings, any work like this should be checked with the local planning authority first.

Can I Get Solar Roof Tiles for my Home?

Solar Roof Tiles and Shingles are still extremely uncommon in Ireland, with very few installers or suppliers offering them for sale. This would make it very difficult for people in the majority of the country to find anyone to install them.

There is, of course, the DIY option of buying solar shingles online and installing them yourself, but this is not advisable for a number of reasons. 

For one thing, installing solar roof tiles doesn’t just require the electrical expertise needed for regular solar PV systems, but also requires you to be a roofer as well, since the tiles will make up your roof. If they are poorly installed, then you will have issues with water ingress and heat loss.

Secondly, wiring up solar roof tiles is a complicated process, with many units that need to be connected in parallel, and all of this going under the roof. This is not something which should be undertaken without professional experience.

Cost of Solar Roof Tiles

The exact cost of getting solar roof tiles in Ireland is difficult to estimate for such a new product with limited availability. The price will vary greatly depending on the size of your roof and how many solar tiles are being installed as part of the project.

Solar roof tiles are more expensive than normal solar panels thanks to the number of modules required and the added installation cost.

However, if they are going on a new roof or replacing one at the end of its lifespan, it should also be taken into account that they serve a dual function. You are paying for a new roof as well as solar modules.

Maintenance for Solar Roof Tiles

Like any solar PV system, solar roof tiles should be very low maintenance, with rain typically being enough to keep them clean. 

The only thing homeowners need to do is to have them checked every two years or so to ensure nothing is growing on them, or that they haven’t been damaged by debris.

Are Solar Roof Tiles Worth Getting

Whether or not solar roof tiles are a good choice for your home will depend on how much you’re willing to pay and how important it is to have an unbroken appearance for your roof.

For the majority of people, solar panels will still be a far better option due to their lower price, and therefore a shorter payback period.

It is also noteworthy that there are few companies offering solar roof tiles in Ireland, whereas there is a wide selection of solar panel installers who can offer competitive prices and rapid installation times.

Author:

Briain Kelly
EDITOR

Briain Kelly is a Leinster based journalist and content creator who has been writing about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for nearly three years. He researches the latest news in multiple areas related to solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and home energy upgrades. His writing includes both technological developments and government policy.

Author:

Briain Kelly
Renewable Energy Researcher

Briain Kelly is a Leinster based journalist and content creator who has been writing about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for nearly three years. He researches the latest news in multiple areas related to solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and home energy upgrades. His writing includes both technological developments and government policy.

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Solar Roof Tiles 2025

Written by

Last edited 

09/05/2025

Rooftop solar power is an excellent way for homeowners to cut their electricity bills by 50% or more, and solar roof tiles are the latest technology trend to join this growing sector.

Solar Roof Tiles are an excellent potential alternative to traditional solar panels, which are just starting to gain some traction in the market.

With smaller units, a less obvious appearance, and a greater ability to make use of roof space, solar roof tiles are a potential solution for people who want to invest in renewable energy but don’t want the bulk of solar panels added to their roof.

Since they make up the roof itself, solar roof tiles are most often installed on new build houses or homes with old roofs approaching the end of their lifespan.

For people who have a roof which is still in good condition, it is likely to be more economical to get ordinary rooftop solar panels.

What are Solar Roof Tiles?

Solar Roof Tiles are small solar modules meant to mimic the appearance and structure of traditional roof tiles while also producing solar power.

They come in a variety of appearances and different solar technologies, such as crystalline silicon and thin-film solar cells, and have different levels of cost and efficiency.

Solar roof tiles are designed to take the place of an ordinary roof, either wholly or in part, and negate the need for larger rack mounted solar panels.

Some solar roof tiles are small glass panels cut to the size of a typical tile. Others may be slate or ceramic tiles, which incorporate a solar module into the design.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Solar Roof Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles have numerous advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional roofing materials and standard solar panels.

These are mostly centred around their appearance and price compared with the more established alternatives. 

However, as this is still a very new area in Ireland, the balance of some of these factors could shift drastically in a relatively short period of time. Just look at how solar panels themselves have gone from being a very niche and prohibitively expensive home upgrade a few years ago to the popularity they enjoy today.

Benefits Drawbacks
Blend in Standard Roof Appearance More Expensive per kWh Than Solar Panels
Suitable for Awkwardly Shaped Roofs Less Selection & Availability Than Solar Panels 
More Durable Than Normal Tiles Efficiency is Lower Than Solar Panels
Increases Property Values Longer Installation Time 
Less Glare Than Solar Panels Require Replacing Existing Roof Tiles
Save Money on Electricity Bills

Benefits of Solar Roof Tiles

The chief reason why solar tiles and roof slates might be preferable to having rack-mounted solar panels installed is that their appearance more closely resembles an ordinary roof, rather than having large panels break up its profile. 

Glass solar roof tiles will still be distinguishable from surrounding tiles due to the glass surface, but they blend in far better than solar panels attached with a rack.

While many solar roof tiles are made from strong glass, others can be part of a slate or ceramic roof tile to further blend their appearance.

What solar roof tiles offer over regular tiles is the ability to produce electricity and cut homeowners’ bills. This means that the tiles will, in time, pay for themselves, unlike a regular roof.

With solar roof tiles, all of the wiring for the PV system is located beneath the roof, protecting it from the elements and removing one element of risk for any solar installation. It also helps to keep a clean, neat appearance.

Solar roof tiles made from strengthened glass can be even more resilient than normal tiles, adding an extra layer of protection for your roof.

Solar Roof Tiles may experience less power loss than traditional solar panels as a result of being in partial shade due to the modules’ smaller size and parallel wiring.

Drawbacks of Solar Roof Tiles

Even if you want to get solar roof tiles today, there are very few installers or suppliers in Ireland currently offering them. This lack of available installers will also be a factor in the higher prices, but that is something which may change in the coming years.

Efficiency is the measure of how much light is converted into electricity by photovoltaic solar modules. This is one area where solar panels clearly have solar roof tiles beaten. Solar panel efficiency now stands in the region of 18% – 25%, with most installers in Ireland using panels with 22% – 23% efficiency.

Solar roof tiles, on the other hand, typically come with efficiency levels of 10% – 20%. The shape of the tiles and the technology they use can lead to large variations in their efficiency.

While solar panels can be attached to an existing roof, having solar roof tiles installed requires the existing roof to be replaced, adding to the cost and time of the project.

Most solar panel systems can be installed in one day, or two at most, for domestic customers. Solar roof tiles take considerably longer to install, up to a week, since there are many more modules, the existing roof has to be removed, and the wiring is more involved.

With few qualified installers for solar roof tiles in Ireland right now, there could be a significant waiting period to get them on your roof compared with solar panels.

Solar Roof Tiles Technology

There are three main variations of technology used in solar modules at the moment:

  • Monocrystalline
  • Polycrystalline silicon modules
  • Thin-film modules

Mono and Poly crystalline silicon modules offer higher efficiency levels, but come in the form of rigid glass panels.

Thin-Film solar technology is less efficient than silicon modules, but can be moulded into different shapes.

These allow for a range of solar roof tile designs and appearances, which will have different levels of performance and price.

3 types of solar panels

Suitability of Solar Roof Tiles

Solar roof tiles can be an ideal choice for roofs with dormer windows, gables, or other turns and protrusions that don’t leave a lot of room for larger solar panels.

On the other hand, solar roof tiles require a pitched roof with an angle of at least 15°, though 30° or more would be better. This is because they are laid parallel to the roof, unlike solar panels, which are attached to a mounting system that allows their angle to be adjusted.

This means that solar tiles can’t be used on flat roofs the same way that solar panels can, due to the lack of an angle of inclination.

Solar roof tiles might be a better option than solar panels on homes where there are issues related to altering the external appearance of the building. 

However, in the case of architectural conservation areas or protected buildings, any work like this should be checked with the local planning authority first.

Can I Get Solar Roof Tiles for my Home?

Solar Roof Tiles and Shingles are still extremely uncommon in Ireland, with very few installers or suppliers offering them for sale. This would make it very difficult for people in the majority of the country to find anyone to install them.

There is, of course, the DIY option of buying solar shingles online and installing them yourself, but this is not advisable for a number of reasons. 

For one thing, installing solar roof tiles doesn’t just require the electrical expertise needed for regular solar PV systems, but also requires you to be a roofer as well, since the tiles will make up your roof. If they are poorly installed, then you will have issues with water ingress and heat loss.

Secondly, wiring up solar roof tiles is a complicated process, with many units that need to be connected in parallel, and all of this going under the roof. This is not something which should be undertaken without professional experience.

Cost of Solar Roof Tiles

The exact cost of getting solar roof tiles in Ireland is difficult to estimate for such a new product with limited availability. The price will vary greatly depending on the size of your roof and how many solar tiles are being installed as part of the project.

Solar roof tiles are more expensive than normal solar panels thanks to the number of modules required and the added installation cost.

However, if they are going on a new roof or replacing one at the end of its lifespan, it should also be taken into account that they serve a dual function. You are paying for a new roof as well as solar modules.

Maintenance for Solar Roof Tiles

Like any solar PV system, solar roof tiles should be very low maintenance, with rain typically being enough to keep them clean. 

The only thing homeowners need to do is to have them checked every two years or so to ensure nothing is growing on them, or that they haven’t been damaged by debris.

Are Solar Roof Tiles Worth Getting

Whether or not solar roof tiles are a good choice for your home will depend on how much you’re willing to pay and how important it is to have an unbroken appearance for your roof.

For the majority of people, solar panels will still be a far better option due to their lower price, and therefore a shorter payback period.

It is also noteworthy that there are few companies offering solar roof tiles in Ireland, whereas there is a wide selection of solar panel installers who can offer competitive prices and rapid installation times.

Author:

Briain Kelly
EDITOR

Briain Kelly is a Leinster based journalist and content creator who has been writing about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for nearly three years. He researches the latest news in multiple areas related to solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and home energy upgrades. His writing includes both technological developments and government policy.

Author:

Briain Kelly
Renewable Energy Researcher

Briain Kelly is a Leinster based journalist and content creator who has been writing about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for nearly three years. He researches the latest news in multiple areas related to solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and home energy upgrades. His writing includes both technological developments and government policy.

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