Solar Roof Tiles UK: Costs, Brands, Planning and Installer Quotes

What are solar roof tiles?

Solar roof tiles are building-integrated photovoltaic products. Instead of sitting above your existing roof on rails, they form part of the roof finish itself or sit flush within the roof covering. The result is a cleaner, more architectural roofline that appeals to homeowners who dislike the look of traditional panels.

They are especially relevant when you are replacing a roof, building a new home, adding a premium extension or working on a property where kerb appeal and planning sensitivity matter.

How much do solar roof tiles cost in the UK?

Solar roof tiles usually cost more than standard solar panels because the installation involves roofing work, weathering details and specialist design. Exact pricing depends on the system, roof area, roof complexity, access, scaffolding, inverter, electrical upgrades and whether battery storage is included.

For a realistic number, compare itemised quotes. A good quote should separate roof works, solar system, inverter, scaffolding, battery storage, monitoring, warranties and any consumer-unit upgrades.

Best solar roof tile brands and systems to compare

The UK market includes true solar tile products, solar slates and in-roof PV systems. The best choice is less about one universal winner and more about matching the roof style, budget and installation route.

Planning permission, VAT and export payments

Planning permission

Many domestic solar installations are permitted development, but the details matter. Listed buildings, conservation areas, national parks, unusual rooflines and leasehold restrictions can change the answer. Ask installers to confirm whether planning advice is needed before you commit.

VAT relief

Under current HMRC guidance, qualifying installations of energy-saving materials, including photovoltaic systems, can be zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. From February 2024, qualifying battery installations were also brought into the temporary relief. Your installer should explain the VAT treatment on their quote.

Smart Export Guarantee

The Smart Export Guarantee pays eligible small generators for electricity exported to the grid. Rates vary by supplier and tariff, so compare export payments alongside your import tariff and expected self-consumption.

Should you add battery storage?

Battery storage can make a solar roof more useful by storing daytime generation for evening use. It can be especially valuable for homes with heat pumps, electric vehicles, hybrid working patterns or higher evening electricity demand.

The trade-off is upfront cost. Ask installers to model the system with and without a battery so you can compare payback, resilience and household usage patterns.

How to choose a solar roof tile installer

A solar roof tile project is both a roofing project and an electrical project. The best installers understand roof structure, waterproofing, PV design, inverter sizing, battery integration, scaffolding, warranties and certification.

• Check MCS certification and consumer-code membership such as RECC or HIES.
• Ask whether the roofing work is handled in-house or by a partner roofer.
• Request examples of completed integrated solar roofs, not only standard panel installs.
• Compare product warranty, workmanship warranty and roof-weathering warranty.
• Make sure output estimates include orientation, pitch and shading assumptions.

Frequently asked questions

Are solar roof tiles as efficient as panels?

Standard panels often offer higher output per pound spent. Solar roof tiles win when design, roof integration and planning sensitivity are more important than the lowest cost per kWh.

Can solar roof tiles work on an existing roof?

Sometimes, but they make the most sense during a reroof, new build or major renovation. Retrofitting can be possible if the roof covering, structure and access suit the chosen system.

Will solar roof tiles increase property value?

They can improve energy performance and kerb appeal, but value depends on the quality of installation, roof condition, warranties, running cost savings and buyer priorities.