What are integrated solar panels?

Solar panels have become a welcome addition to many roofs in recent years, with homes across the UK – and indeed the world – now being powered by solar. We have become accustomed to the look and feel of classic on-roof solar panels, often characterised by a slight protrusion from the roof.

So, what are ‘roof integrated’ or ‘in-roof’ solar panels and how are they different? Well, instead of sitting in front of roof tiles or slats, they replace them. This means that the solar panels form part of the roof itself, rather than being an addition to it. 

These solar panels have several practical advantages over traditional on-roof solar installations, including:

• Aesthetics: integrated solar panels have a sleeker look and feel to them, which might well suit the tastes of many UK homeowners who are looking to improve their energy efficiency and be grid independent.
• Simple maintenance: when installing solar panels, you might not think about future roofing repairs, but as there are no roof tiles behind roof integrated solar panels, roof repairs can be easily completed leaving the solar system in place – unlike on-roof solar panels.
• Easier installation in new roofs: if you’re already getting a new roof installed, roof integrated solar panels can be easily fitted at the same time as the roof tiles.
• Resistance to high winds: in-roof panels are very secure as there are no roof tiles behind the solar panels, so there are no gaps for wind to get underneath.

Integrated or not, solar panels generate electricity during the day - yes, even in the depths of winter - which can power your home at night if paired with storage technology, like batteries. This means that your power can be used in the way that best suits your needs, day or night, or even on the road if you have an electric car.

And these aren’t the only advantages to generating your own solar power, there are many ways you can benefit from solar energy. 

Whilst there are many benefits to choosing in-roof solar panels, there are also some factors to consider before making your decision:

• Roof integrated panels operate at a higher temperature than on-roof panels meaning they generate around 3% less energy than on-roof panels¹, but for many the improved aesthetics could be worth the slightly lower generation capacity.
• Retrofitting in-roof solar panels into an existing roof is seen as more complex and more work than installing on-roof panels, however whilst this is often true it only takes slightly longer than installing on-roof panels. 

Although integrated solar panels tend to be a little pricier than traditional on-roof versions, costs can be significantly reduced if the installation is done as part of a refurbishment, re-roof, new build or self-build. So, if you’re planning some major building work to your home or your future home, this solar option could be worth considering.

At E.ON we offer flexible payment options including an interest free finance option². E.ON is a credit broker and not a lender. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about our solar PV and battery technology, use our solar quote tool and we'll be able to advise you on the perfect solar panel package for your home and budget. 

^{1. Viridian Solar: The Energy Performance of In-roof PV}

^{2. E.ON Energy Installation Services Limited acts as a credit broker and not a lender and work exclusively with Creation Consumer Finance Ltd who acts as the lender. Credit subject to status, terms and conditions apply and can be found at eonenergy.com/solar-panels, E.ON reserves the right to amend its finance offering at any time and may withdraw at short notice. E.ON Energy Installation Services Limited is registered in England and Wales under company number 09965944 with its registered office at Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, CV4 8LG. E.ON Energy Installation Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to credit broking services under number 75041}