Solar Roof Tiles Cost UK 2025, Government Solar Grants, Installation Prices, and Suppliers

Solar roof tiles offer an integrated and visually appealing alternative to traditional solar panels, replacing conventional roofing materials with electricity-generating components. This article covers their costs, installation factors, UK government incentives, and supplier options to help homeowners consider if solar tiles suit their property needs.

Solar Roof Tiles Cost UK 2025, Government Solar Grants, Installation Prices, and Suppliers Image by Colin McKay from Pixabay

Understanding the Cost of Solar Roof Tiles in the UK in 2025

Solar roof tiles, also known as solar shingles or slates, integrate photovoltaic (PV) cells directly into a roof’s surface. Unlike solar panels mounted on top of a roof, these tiles replace traditional roofing materials while generating electricity.

Average Price: A typical 4kW solar tile system suitable for a 2-3 bedroom home costs approximately £16,100 to £16,200, including VAT and installation labour.
Cost Per kW: Around £4,000 per kW, which is considerably higher than traditional solar panels that usually range between £5,000 and £6,000 for similar system sizes.
Efficiency: Solar tiles generally have lower efficiency, typically between 10-20%, compared to solar panels which range from 18-25%. This means more roof area is needed to generate the same amount of electricity.
Installation Complexity: The higher cost also accounts for the fact that solar tiles often require replacing existing roofing materials entirely or large roof sections, making installation more labour-intensive and time-consuming.

This cost difference reflects the premium materials and integration capabilities of solar tiles combined with installation challenges.

Comparing Solar Roof Tiles and Solar Panels

When deciding between solar roof tiles and traditional solar panels, several factors should be considered:

Installation Complexity:
Solar Tiles: Require full roof replacement or extensive re-roofing, typically taking over a week and requiring specialist installers.
Solar Panels: Mount on top of existing roofs, usually installed within 1-2 days with a smaller workforce.
Cost Efficiency:
Solar Tiles: Higher upfront costs due to labour and materials.
Solar Panels: More affordable initially and more efficient, producing more electricity per square metre.
Visual Appeal:
Solar Tiles: Integrated into the roof, providing a seamless, subtle appearance preferred in heritage or conservation areas.
Solar Panels: Mounted externally and more visible, which may not suit all aesthetic preferences.
Durability and Maintenance:
Both generally have lifespans exceeding 25 years.
Damaged solar tiles can be individually replaced like conventional tiles, while panel-mounted systems require maintenance of the panels and mounting structures.

Suppliers of Solar Roof Tiles in the UK Market 2025

Several manufacturers offer solar roof tiles tailored to different needs and preferences:

GB Sol (Wales)
MCS-certified PV slates resembling natural slate roofs.
Cost: Approximately £225/m²; 4kW system around £6,520 (excluding installation).
25-year product and weatherproofing warranty.
Locally manufactured with a focus on durability.
Solecco (Leeds)
Solar tiles made from recycled plastics.
Efficiency: Approximately 17.4%.
Lifespan: Around 30 years.
4kW system costing about £12,000.
Available in multiple colours and designs.
XO Edge (London)
Lightweight solar tiles using recycled plastic with UV resistance.
Efficiency ranges from 10 to 20%.
Offers sleek black or silver finishes for aesthetics.
Tesla (International)
Solar Glass Roof combines solar energy with architectural-grade steel tiles.
25-year warranty.
Compatible with Tesla battery storage and energy management.
Styles range from slate to Tuscan tile appearances.
Energy monitoring available through the Tesla app.

Installation Costs and Important Factors

Installation Duration: Re-roofing with solar tiles commonly takes over a week, while solar panel mounting typically requires 1-2 days.
Labour Costs: Solar tile installation involves higher labour costs due to complexity and roofing replacement.
Planning Permission: May be necessary, particularly for listed buildings or conservation areas, although integrated solar tiles can ease approval.
Roof Suitability: Best suited to roofs with appropriate pitch and orientation (mainly south-facing), including features such as dormers or skylights.
Insurance: Solar tiles are generally covered under standard home insurance policies; homeowners should consult their insurers for details or additional coverage.

Government Grants and Incentives in the UK for Solar Installations (2025)

While no grants are exclusive to solar roof tiles, many government incentives for solar energy apply equally to tiles and panels installed by MCS-certified professionals.

Key Available Incentives

Zero VAT Rate on Solar Equipment and Installation (Until March 2027)A 0% VAT rate reduces upfront costs by about 5% for solar installations.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)Enables export of surplus electricity to the grid, with payments averaging around 10.8p per kWh and some tariffs reaching up to 30.3p. Homeowners may earn approximately £100–£170 annually from exports.
ECO4 Scheme (Until March 2026)Offers grants for low-income, fuel-poor, or vulnerable households, possibly covering part or all installation and equipment costs based on eligibility.
Warm Homes Plan (Starting 2025)Provides grants up to £30,000 for eligible low-income households and renters in England and Wales for renewable energy solutions.

Subsidised and Supported Solar Installations

While free solar roof tiles are rare due to their cost, subsidised or free solar panel installations may be available for qualifying low-income pensioners or households via means-tested schemes like ECO4.
Regional programmes, such as the Welsh Warm Homes Nest scheme, also provide free solar panel installations for eligible people.

Expected Payback Time and Potential Savings

Solar Roof Tiles:The larger initial investment and lower efficiency usually result in payback periods of around 22 to 36 years. Potential savings over 25 years range from approximately £11,000 to £16,500.
Solar Panels:Typically offer shorter payback periods near 5 years, benefiting from lower costs and government support. Estimated annual savings and export income can total £730 to £900.

Considerations for Choosing Solar Roof Tiles

Solar roof tiles are best suited for homeowners placing a high value on aesthetic integration, often during new builds or full roof replacements, particularly in areas with strict visual requirements. However, they come with higher upfront costs and longer installation times compared to traditional solar panels.

For those seeking cost-effective and efficient solar energy, panels remain a practical choice benefiting from government incentives, zero VAT, and export tariffs. Exploring options from suppliers such as GB Sol, Solecco, XO Edge, and Tesla can provide further insights into available solar tile technologies.

Sources

GreenMatch - Solar Roof Tiles in the UK: Costs & Benefits, May 2025 GreenMatch - Solar Panel Grants and Funding UK, May 2025 SolarAdvice.co.uk - Solar Roof Tiles UK: Price & Pros

Sources

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