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.

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.

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. Solar roof tiles are less visually obtrusive than solar panels, but can be considerably more expensive per kWp of power capacity.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.