Are Integrated Solar Panels Worth It?

Integrated solar panels (also known as in-roof solar panels) have a smaller visual impact in comparison to standard units.

However, due to their higher upfront cost, reduced efficiency and lower lifespan, standard solar panels are still the most popular choice in the UK. 

Brands such as LONGi offer high efficiency (the Hi-MO X6 operates over 23%) and a long 25-year performance warranty. 

A setup using standard panels won’t just cost less than using integrated panels, it will produce more electricity and last longer too!

Our clickable solar panel configuration tool allows you to: 

• Get prices on-screen for the most suitable system for your property
• Quickly compare prices that include a small, medium or large storage battery (improve your energy self-sufficiency!)
• Check self-sufficiency levels and potentially energy bill savings

Jump over to our solar panel quotation tool here. 

What Are Integrated Solar Panels?

Integrated solar PV panels aren't to be confused with solar roof tiles. Solar roof tiles are an integral part of your roof, whereas integrated PV panels are mounted directly onto your existing roof tiles. 

An in-roof solar panel setup uses a mounting system that is minimalist in comparison to traditional panels, meaning they have a lower visual impact. 

Most importantly, as a system using integrated PV panels is mounted onto existing roof tiles, you won't need to alter your roof structure. Any alterations to your existing roof structure can be extremely costly!

Whilst an integrated system has a range of advantages, they're not as common as standard solar PV panels. Simple economies of scale means that if you want integrated panels rather than traditional ones, your system is going to cost more. 

Asides from aesthetics, integrated solar panels work in the same way as any other unit. 

They absorb sunlight, converting that energy to direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts DC electricity to alternating current (AC), so it’s usable in your home.

For any excess electricity generated, you’ll either sell it back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), or store it in your solar battery to use later. 

You can get prices for a solar panel system by using our solar panel quotation tool here. 

The Cost of Integrated Solar Panels

The Cost of Installation

Dozens of variables affect the cost of installing solar panels and the type of panels you choose is one of them. 

Solar roof tiles tend to be the most expensive, followed by integrated panels, with standard solar panels generally being the cheapest. 

So, how much is a solar panel installation likely to cost? 

A basic 5kW system is likely to cost in the region of £6,000. This system is going to be suitable for the majority of 3-bedroom houses in the UK, and is the most popular size we install.

This is a system using standard solar panels and doesn't include a storage battery. 

If you plan to use high-grade integrated solar panels, the cost including installation is likely to spike by roughly £1,000-£1,500. The exact price depends on the quality of the panel you use, as well as labour rates in your local area. 

To get a better overview of what to expect after purchasing a system, read our guides to solar panel installation and specifically, the cost of installing solar panels. 

Or, get prices on-screen within a couple of minutes using our solar panel quotation tool.

The Cost of Solar Storage Batteries

Regardless of the type of solar panel you use, we always recommend using a small solar storage battery as a minimum. 

You can build-up electricity in your battery during the daytime (when solar panels are at their most productive), ready to be used at night (when solar panels won't be producing any energy).

Solar panel batteries aren't exactly cheap. Expect to pay around £2,495 for a 5kW storage battery, with a large 15kW battery costing just under £5,000. 

Put simply, this is going to increase the overall cost of your solar panel installation to just over £8,000 (utilising a small solar storage battery).

However, if you're investing thousands into an integrated solar panel system, it’s worth purchasing a battery as it will provide you with an extra level of self efficiency. 

Without a storage battery and if you're not signed up to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, any excess electricity that your system produces is going to go to waste.

We’ve got a guide covering solar battery costs here, or, jump over to our solar panel system configuration page to get prices for your system (including a solar battery) on-screen.

You can also check the costs of a solar panel system for your property with and without a battery by using our quotation tool here. 

Advantages

The advantages of in-roof solar panels are limited. They offer very little benefit over standard panels. 

Aesthetics

Standard PV panels are bulky and to some, aren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing. Integrated units fit in better with the roof line of a property, so have a much smaller visual impact. 

Use of Existing Roof Structure

Roof tiles are an option, but they replace part of the existing roof structure. 

If you're debating whether to go for roof tiles or integrated panels, integrated units are usually the preferred option as you won’t need to alter your roof. 

That’s going to result in a huge reduction in the overall installation cost. 

Disadvantages

When compared directly to standard panels, any advantages of in-roof solar panels are by far outweighed by their disadvantages.

Lifespan

The likes of LONGi offer a performance guarantee of around 25-years, so you’d expect your panels to last this long (at least). 

Integrated panels generally have a much shorter lifespan, typically in the region of 10-15 years. 

Cost

Not only are you likely to get a reduced lifespan by purchasing integrated PV panels, they’ll also cost more. 

A standard 5kW solar panel system is likely to cost around £6,000 without a storage battery. 

Expect this cost to rise to £7,000-£7,500 for a system that uses integrated panels. 

Efficiency

A high quality standard panel such as the LONGi Hi-MO X6 will operate at above 23% efficiency. And, they have a 25-year performance guarantee. This covers a 1.5% degradation rate in year 1, and 0.4% for years 2-25. 

Expect an integrated panel to have efficiency ratings of 20% or less, with many not including a performance warranty. 

Put simply, over the lifespan of the panel, you’ll generate a lot less electricity, offering much lower value for money. 

Which Type of Solar Panels Should You Buy?

The benefits of fitting integrated solar PV panels is limited to them being more visually appealing than standard units. 

We’d pick standard solar panels as they offer: 

• A lower upfront cost
• Much higher efficiency
• A longer lifespan

Overall, you’ll be getting much better value for money. 

Get quotes on your solar panel system using high-grade panels (such as LONGi, complete with a 25-year performance warranty) by using our clickable solar panel tool here.