The rarest (on existing buildings, but becoming super common on new builds) of the three installation methods, the most labour intensive for existing properties, and the most costly.
Often reserved for new builds, installing solar panels is a huge driver for builders small and large alike. Installing solar panels is a great way for builders to meet their SAP regulations (Standard Assessment Procedure), a rule that says builders must meet a minimum EPC rating to build new builds. To enhance the aesthetics of their new builds, and make sure they open the market for the most buyers, builders are opting to install solar panels in-roof.
Installing in-roof is a method of reducing the number of roof tiles needed for each new build, and replacing the sq. foot of the roof with solar panels. It reduces waste and costs.
Benefits also include;
- The solar panels are less at risk of being obstructed by debris from leaves and other organic material.
- A quicker installation for new builds as there are no rails that need installing, that said for existing properties there is a significant effort required to remove roof tiles in order to install.
- Low interference from pigeons.
Unfortunately, this can be the most profligate installation method as the solar panels are flush with the roof tiles so don’t benefit from cooling as with rail-mounted systems. Thus, the KwH output is slightly reduced compared with installing solar panels on rails. According to reports, efficiency can be up to 50-10% less than roof-mounted.
There is a possibility that retrofitting can be more difficult with in-roof systems.
Depending on your situation, it could be worth exploring the two other installation methods; on roof rails and ground-mounted.