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mySolar Roof Tiles Cost
At a Glance
- The average installation of solar shingles costs around £13,000.
- Fitting solar roof tiles will take approximately 2 weeks to complete.
- A closer look at how much different types of solar roof tiles cost in the UK.
- Things you need to consider, details if you're considering a DIY installation, and expert advice from tradespeople on MyJobQuote.
- How to find and hire a solar tile installer near you.
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Looking into solar roof tile prices in the UK?
Supplying and installing solar roof tiles costs around £13,000 for a typical household in 2026. However, there are a number of factors that impact the prices you're quoted.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know. This includes what your options are, the expected costs you'll need to budget for, expert advice from tradespeople on MyJobQuote, and much more!
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Get free, no-obligation quotes from solar roof installers near you who can advise and handle the fitting process. It's fast, easy, and connects you with professionals in your area.
Want to find out more before you start comparing prices?
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£13,000
Table of Contents
- How Much Does Solar Roof Tiles Cost to Install?
- How Long Does Solar Tile Installation Take?
- What Solar Tile Power Output Do I Need?
- Things To Consider With Solar Tile Installations
- What's Better: Solar Panels or Solar Roof Tiles?
- Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Solar Roof Tiles
- Can You Install Solar Panel Tiles Yourself?
- Checklist: Hiring a Solar Roof Tile Installer
How Much Does Solar Roof Tiles Cost to Install?
Solar roof tiles are growing in popularity in the UK as an alternative to regular solar panel installation.
Similar in appearance to regular roof tiles, solar roof shingles are less obtrusive than solar panels. Up close, they don’t look identical to slate (there’s normally a slight bluish, glassy finish). But they’re still far less “in your face” than panels.
As a result, they can be a good option for homeowners who want renewables on listed buildings or in conservation areas, as they’re more likely to be approved by planning authorities.
So, how much does solar roof tile installation cost in the UK?
The average solar roof tile installation costs £13,000, including supply and labour.
Solar tile prices vary depending on:
- The solar tile's power output
- Your house size
- Your energy use
Let's take a closer look at solar tile costs...
Solar Roof Tile Prices
| Job Description | Supply Cost |
|---|---|
| 1kW Solar Tiles | £6,250 |
| 2kW Solar Tiles | £8,000 |
| 3kW Solar Tiles | £10,500 |
| 4kW Solar Tiles | £13,875 |
| 5kW Solar Tiles | £15,000 |
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Do I need planning permission to install solar panels on my roof? I have a semi-detached house and plan to fit four panels in total.
"You need to ask an MCS installer. Solar panels MUST be installed by a registered MCS installer this is NOT something a DIY person should undertake as you will eventually be connecting to the national grid. There are a lot of safety issues, signage, and specialist cables for the panels that must be used."
Solar Roof Installers Cost
This table separates solar roof installation costs from the base solar tile supply prices:
| Job Description | Labour Cost |
|---|---|
| 1kW Solar Tiles | £2,200 |
| 2kW Solar Tiles | £2,200 |
| 3kW Solar Tiles | £2,300 |
| 4kW Solar Tiles | £2,575 |
| 5kW Solar Tiles | £2,750 |
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How Long Does Solar Tile Installation Take?
Once your site survey, design, and planning permission (if required) have been secured, solar tile installation should take around 2 weeks.
The exact timeframe will depend on your solar tile system and power output (the larger the output, the longer the installation process), and how accessible your property’s roof is.
| Power Output | Time Required |
|---|---|
| 1kW | 1 week |
| 2kW | 1 - 2 weeks |
| 3kW | 2 weeks |
| 4kW | 2-3 weeks |
| 5kW | 3 weeks |
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How long does it take to add solar tiles to a bungalow roof?
"Solar tiles take longer to install than solar panels, with installation time being approximately one week."
What Solar Tile Power Output Do I Need?
The solar tile system size you need depends on your property's size, the number of occupants, and your typical electricity use.
To put that into context:
- 1kW - Suitable for small 1-bedroom homes or flats
- 2kW - 1 and 2 bedroom properties with low energy use
- 3kW - Most average 2-bedroom homes will suit a 3kW system
- 4kW - For 2 and 3-bedroom homes with moderate energy use, 4kW is best
- 5kW - Larger homes of 3+ bedrooms with high energy demands will need 5kW output
I'm considering adding solar panels or tiles to my home. Can any home have solar panels or solar tiles added to them?
"For solar tiles and solar panels, the best thing is to have a survey done. There isn't any point in having them if the sun is not hitting the roof, as the installation depends on whether the roof is facing towards the sun."
Things To Consider With Solar Tile Installations
Although solar panels are still the most popular form of renewable energy in the UK, solar roof tiles are slowly gaining traction.
Here are the solar tile manufacturers available in the UK in 2026:
- Marley - UK-based and MCS-certified, good for new builds and re-roofing projects.
- GB-Sol - Welsh MCS-certified manufacturers of PV Slate, which is close in appearance to traditional slate roofs.
- Solecco Solar - Created in Leeds, Solecco specialises in low-voltage solar tiles for domestic and commercial use.
Do I need a battery storage system when I get solar panels? If so, where does this get fitted and how much space does it need?
"It’s most definitely the best option to have battery storage when having solar panels fitted. For the hours of darkness, you can then use the stored power for consumption before reverting back to the grid.
Your solar supplier should be able to show you examples of the size and space needed for the batteries. They are approximately 600x400x200mm in size and mostly 2 batteries are mounted side by side or on top of each other."
Your solar supplier should be able to show you examples of the size and space needed for the batteries. They are approximately 600x400x200mm in size and mostly 2 batteries are mounted side by side or on top of each other."
Solar tiles make the best financial sense for new builds and properties needing a new roof.
This is because solar tiles are built into the roof just like normal tiles, so the best (and cheapest) time to install solar tiles is during the construction of the new roof.
What's Better: Solar Panels or Solar Roof Tiles?
It inevitably comes down to what you want most. Perhaps it's the price. Or maybe it's what it looks like, or squeezing out the most electricity.
Solar panels win on value. They’re more affordable to buy and fit, and they tend to produce more power for the space they take up. So, if your main aim is to diminish bills as fast as possible, go for panels.
Solar roof tiles win on appearance. They sit flush and blend in, which is why they’re the sought-after option for smarter-looking roofs (and sometimes where panels would be frowned upon). But you do pay for that. Plus, the output per tile is a little lower. So, you may need more coverage to get the same result.
Already planning a re-roof? Or maybe you're building from scratch? Solar tiles can start to make a lot more sense because you’re combining two jobs into one. If your roof’s still in good condition and you just want solar, panels are probably the easier, less expensive route.
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Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Solar Roof Tiles
If you’re fitting solar roof tiles, be super clear on the planning permission side of things. Also you need to know about the building regulations essentials, too.
Here are the main points:
- In England, roof-mounted solar is permitted development (so long as it’s positioned to reduce the impact on how the building and area look).
- On a pitched roof, it shouldn’t sit above the highest part of the roof (chimney aside), and it shouldn’t stick out more than 200mm from the roof slope.
- Solar equipment can’t be installed on a building within the grounds of a listed building, or on a site classed as a scheduled monument.
- If you’re in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site, extra rules can apply. This is particularly the case if anything is on an elevation that faces the road.
- Building regs apply too (mostly), including checking the roof can bear the extra load and making sure the electrics are properly signed off.
If you’re not 100% sure what applies to your home, the easiest next step is to speak with a local solar roof tile installer who can check it over and keep everything on the right side of the rules.
Can You Install Solar Panel Tiles Yourself?
No - solar roof tile installation must be done by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer, and isn't something you can DIY.
To be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your installer and solar tile system must be MCS-certified.
Without this certification, you can't earn money for the excess electricity you generate.
How do I know that a roof can manage the weight of solar panels? Is there a way I can do this DIY or should I hire a professional?
"I would definitely hire a professional for this and any type of work on a house roof. Accidentally damaging your roof can quickly become expensive. A professional will have liability insurance for any potential issue/damage as a result of carrying out the work.
A professional will also have the correct equipment (and PPE) to ensure that the job is carried out with no intentional disturbance to your roof structure."
A professional will also have the correct equipment (and PPE) to ensure that the job is carried out with no intentional disturbance to your roof structure."
Checklist: Hiring a Solar Roof Tile Installer
Consider these key points before hiring a local solar tile installer for this job:
- Does your roof suit solar tiles? They work best on a solid roof with decent sun exposure (heavy shade can really limit what you get back).
- Are you re-roofing anyway? Solar tiles stack up best when you’re already replacing the roof covering, because you’re combining two jobs.
- Have you budgeted for the “hidden bits”? Scaffolding, electrics, and any roof preparation can make more difference to the final price than people expect.
- Are you using an MCS-certified installer? It’s the most common route if you want the system installed properly and to qualify for SEG export payments.
- Is planning likely to be a thing for your property? Most installs are easy, but listed buildings and conservation areas can mean extra checks.
- Do you know where the inverter (and battery, if you’re getting one) will go? You’ll need a sensible indoor spot, plus space for cabling and switches.
- Is the quote clear on what’s included? Make sure it covers roof work, electrical sign-off, removing old tiles, waste disposal, and warranties (for both product and install).
FAQs
How do solar slates work?
Solar slates (solar tiles) have small photovoltaic (PV) cells built in. They generate electricity from daylight, just like standard solar panels. The power then feeds into an inverter, where it’s turned into usable electricity for your home. Any spare can be sent to a battery (if you have one) or exported back to the grid.
Do solar tiles need any upkeep?
Not much, which is part of the appeal. Nothing is spinning or “wearing out” day-to-day. So, mainly, it's about keeping them clear and checking they’re still performing as expected. In real life, that tends to mean: keeping an eye out for heavy moss, leaf build-up, or bird mess, and giving everything a brief once-over after storms.
How long do solar roof tiles last?
If they’re fitted in the right way, your solar roof tiles will last long-term. It’s typical to see warranties running for decades (with separate cover for product vs performance). For example, numerous systems come with around a 15-year product warranty and roughly a 25-year performance warranty. That said, it varies by brand and installer.
Can you replace a single solar roof tile if one breaks?
Mostly, you can. Your local installer should be able to exchange a damaged tile without ripping up the entire roof. Although, in truth, it’s not a snappy DIY swap like a standard roof tile. Because there are electrical connections involved, it’s a job for a trained installer who knows the system.
Do solar roof tiles work on cloudy days and in winter?
Most definitely. They’ll still generate in daylight when it’s overcast (you just won’t get the same output as you would on a bright summer day). In winter, the shorter days are the bigger issue (less daylight means less generation). That being said, if your roof gets decent light and the tiles stay clear, they’ll still contribute.
