What are Integrated Solar Panels
Integrated Solar Panels or In-roof Solar Panels are designed to sit flush with your roof. Unlike on-roof Solar Panels, which are installed on top of your roof tiles, integrated Solar Panels remove the roof tiles. This way the Solar panels can be embedded. Integrated Solar Panels are designed to behave as a roof tile would, they are 100% water proof, yet also able to generate your solar energy for your home!
How do integrated Solar Panels Work
In most instances, there is no need to alter the underlying roof structure with integrated Solar Panels. Simply, the roof tiles are removed to expose the felt and batten roof and the plastic trays are fitted to this existing structure. Conventional framed Solar PV modules are then mounted into these trays and slates or roof tiles are used to fill in around the trays for a seamless finish.
What are the benefits of In-Roof Solar Panels
Aesthetics
Whereas on-roof solar panels are known to be an eye-sore, integrated solar panels are the modern day solution. As the Solar panels sit in-roof, they appear more streamline and blend in more seamlessly, making integrated solar panels the more attractive option. Furthermore, In-roof Solar Panels can even be retrofitted to modernise your home.
Lightweight and Robust
As in-roof solar panels replace your roof-tiles and don’t require a mounting frame, they are a lighter option to traditional Solar Panels. As integrated solar panels are flush with the tile, they are also more wind resistant. As there are no gaps under the PV panels for wind to get underneath, in-roof solar panels are safely secured even in the highest of winds.
Cost
As integrated Solar Panels have become more of an industry standard, the costs have reduced considerably. When installed on a new-build project or during roof replacements, integrated Solar Panels can be very cost-effective. This is because the Solar Panels can be fitted instead of the roof tiles, meaning the roof tiles won’t have to be purchased.
Planning Permission
Due to their lightweight and streamlined nature, integrated Solar Panels are more likely to gain planning permission approval especially for listed buildings. This is because in-roof solar panels can provide a cleaner finish and also not add any extra weight onto structures that may have a limit.
Reduced Maintenance
As integrated Solar Panels run flushed, they do not provide any space for birds or pigeons to nest under. This means you won’t have to worry about having to bird proof your solar panels. As there are no visible fixtures, there is nowhere for debris to build up either, making it easier to maintain a clean look with in-roof panels.
Universal Design
Finally, Integrated Solar Panels are simple to install with no roof modifications required. They also work with both slate and roof tiles.
What are the cons of In-Roof Solar Panels
Panel Efficiency
Whilst Integrated Solar Panels are more attractive, they are usually 5-10% less efficient than on-roof solar panels. Unlike on-roof solar panels, integrated panels sit snug within a tray, resulting in less air ventilation to cool down the Solar panel itself. Thus by operating at a higher temperature, more energy is loss to heat.
Retrofitting
While retrofitting integrated solar panels is possible, this is more complex and is more costly than on-roof panels.
Types Of Integrated Solar Panels
There are a variety of integrated Solar Panels to choose from. In-roof frames such as a GSE system or EasyRoof Evolution are the least expensive option. This is because any industry standard Solar Panel can be mounted to them.
Alternatively, there are bespoke in-roof systems which come at a price. For example Viridian, SolFit and GB-Sol. These integrated systems use Solar Panels which are made specifically for in-roof systems.
Of course, our team only installs the best in-roof Solar PV systems. Here at Deege Solar we install GSE Integration systems. There are several benefits to GSE In-roof solar panels including:
- Firstly, GSE in-roof systems are lightweight, watertight and are affordable.
- GSE in-roof systems are one of the most commonly used in-roof systems, able to fit around 90% of the Solar PV Panels in the UK.
- They are designed to be installed in either portrait or landscape and can easily fit all roof types with pitches between 12°– 50° and also with wood or metal structures.
- As GSE systems are certified to MCS012, your Solar Panel system will still qualify for export payments.
- GSE Systems are extremely well manufactured. Formed out of 100% recyclable polypropylene, they are flexible, resilient to shock and temperature variations.
- What’s more, GSE In-roof systems offer a 10 years guarantee.
How much do Integrated Solar Panels Cost
Get A free In-Roof Solar Panel Quote
As Solar Energy is becoming more of a home improvement option, integrated Solar Panels are a great choice for refurbishing, new builds or even retrofitting. If you are one of the many UK homeowners who are looking to generate their own solar energy but want to keep your home looking modern, integrated Solar Panels can be your solution. Enquire today to get your free no obligatory solar panel quotation! To be eligible you must be a UK homeowner.