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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.
Looking into solar roof tile prices in the UK?
Supplying and installing solar roof tiles costs around £13,000 for a typical household in 2025. 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.
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£13,000
Table of Contents
How Much Does Solar Roof Tile Installation Cost?
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.
As a result, they can give homeowners wanting to install renewable energy systems in listed buildings or conservation areas a welcome solution 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 installaton 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 Tiles 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 Tiles Labour 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) has 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 Tiles
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 2025:
- Marley - UK-based and MSC-certified, good for new builds and re-roofing projects.
- GB-Sol - Welsh MSC-certified manufacturers of PV Slate, which is close in appearance to traditional slate roofs.
- Solecco Solar - Created in Leeds, Solecco specialise 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.
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."
Solar Roof Tile Installation Checklist
- Solar roof tiles are as much as double the price of solar panels.
- Solar roof tiles are also less efficient with an efficiency rating between 10% and 20%.
- Tiles are more complex than panels to install, so they are not considered suitable for DIY installation.
- The small size and discreet appearance of solar tiles means they look just like conventional tiled roofs.
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FAQs
Do solar tiles look just like slate tiles?
They do not have quite the visual appearance of slate, as solar tiles still have a blueish crystalline surface, but they do look much less conspicuous than solar panels.
Will I be better off with traditional solar panels?
Whether solar tiles or solar panels are best for you depends on your circumstances and budget. If you are replacing your roof, you should consider solar roof tiles, as the cost will be comparable to having the roof replaced.
How do solar slates work?
Solar slates (aka solar tiles) work just the same as traditional solar panels, they are made up of photovoltaic cells that produce electricity when exposed to light. Electrical leads attach the solar shingles to a connection point where the electricity is stored. They're essentially small solar panels which look like roof tiles.
Do solar tiles need any maintenance?
There are no moving parts and nothing to rust or wear, so solar tiles require minimal maintenance. They must be kept clean and clear to keep them in good working order.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar tiles?
Advantages of solar tiles are that they look better and can be installed in listed buildings and conservation areas. The disadvantages are that they are more expensive and less efficient than solar panels.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-planning-rules-to-boost-solar-rollout-and-slash-energy-bills
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/solar-panels/planning-permission
