More homeowners are becoming keen on having their energy produced from a renewable energy source like a solar panel system, and it’s an investment that will not only last for decades – it’s an investment that’s easy to sustain and can provide you with excellent savings. But whilst you can always go for the traditional setup or array, nowadays, you have another choice as well: in-roof or integrated solar panels. These kinds of panel setups are ideal for those who don’t like the idea of disrupting their façade with a traditional array, as integrated solar panels are incorporated right into your roof instead of being installed on top of your roof. But what should you know about in-roof or integrated solar panels? Here’s your updated guide.
What are they?
You may have heard of them but are unsure about what they are or can do. In-roof or integrated solar panels are exactly like standard panels placed on top of the slates or shingles of your roof, but in-roof solar panels will not sit on top – they will replace a roof section, meaning there are no tiles or shingles underneath. It will be just like a solar panel roof, and it can even be more solid than regular tiles or shingles but with the inclusion of PV cells so your home can produce electricity.
Moreover, the world’s first nailable solar shingle has revolutionized the market by simplifying the installation process and allowing for more seamless integration with existing roofing materials. With the additional durability, these integrated solar panels also provide better insulation, potentially lowering your heating costs.
What it can do for your property
- The benefit of aesthetic appeal
A traditional on-roof system is often seen as unsightly and bulky, and even if some recent units have a more streamlined look, in-roof solar panels are even better. Since your installer will put them up as part of the structure of the roof itself, they are even with the tiles or shingles and can more easily blend in. In-roof solar panel installations are a more appealing option than on-roof installations, and it can make a big difference if you decide to sell your property eventually.
- A lightweight option
If you opt for a traditional system where you have to install panels directly on top of the shingles or tiles, this will add more than a bit of extra weight to your roof, and it could lead to various issues in time. But with an in-roof or integrated panel system, you don’t need any mounting frames. The process involves the removal of a section of your shingles or tiles and this is then replaced with lightweight panels, so your roof doesn’t get affected by any extra weight.
- Less likelihood for planning permission
Since an in-roof panel system is designed and built to sit flush with your property’s roof, you can even opt for a similar scheme in terms of colour. There is also less likelihood for planning permission. In other words, your installation can most probably meet the requirements for planning permission, particularly in protected structures/areas or listed buildings. More than this, since the installation isn’t adding additional or extra weight to your roof, it may be a more suitable option for older and more fragile architecture.
The overall cost of such a system isn’t that much different from the traditional installation. But you would have to base your estimate on various factors, such as whether you have a retrofitting project or a new-build, the energy you want the panels to produce, and your selected manufacturer.