In-Roof solar panels

 Integrated Solar Panels or In-roof Solar Panels are designed to sit flush with your roof. Unlike on-roof Solar Panels, which are installed on top of your roof tiles, integrated Solar Panels remove the roof tiles. This way the Solar panels can be embedded. Integrated Solar Panels are designed to behave as a roof tile would, they are 100% waterproof, yet also able to generate solar energy for your home! 

In most instances, there is no need to alter the underlying roof structure with integrated Solar Panels. Simply, the roof tiles are removed to expose the felt and batten roof and the plastic trays are fitted to this existing structure. Conventional framed Solar PV modules are then mounted into these trays and slates or roof tiles are used to fill in around the trays for a seamless finish.

• AESTHETICS - Where as on-roof solar panels are known to be an eye sore, integrated solar panels are the modern-day solution. As the Solar panels sit in-roof, they appear more streamlined and blend in more seamlessly, making integrated solar panels the more attractive option. Furthermore, In-roof Solar Panels can even be retrofitted to modernise your home.

• LIGHTWEIGHT AND ROBUST - As in-roof solar panels replace your roof tiles and don’t require a mounting frame, they are a lighter option than traditional Solar Panels. As integrated solar panels are flush with the tile, they are also more wind resistant. As there are no gaps under the PV panels for the wind to get underneath, in-roof solar panels are safely secured even in the highest of winds.

• COST - As integrated Solar Panels have become more of an industry standard, the costs have been reduced considerably. When installed on a new-build project or during roof replacements, integrated Solar Panels can be very cost-effective. This is because the Solar Panels can be fitted instead of the roof tiles, meaning the roof tiles won’t have to be purchased.
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• PLANNING PERMISSION - Due to their lightweight and streamlined nature, integrated Solar Panels are more likely to gain planning permission approval, especially for listed buildings. This is because in-roof solar panels can provide a cleaner finish and also not add any extra weight onto structures that may have a limit.

• REDUCED MAINTENANCE - As integrated Solar Panels run flushed, they do not provide any space for birds or pigeons to nest under. This means you won’t have to worry about having to bird-proof your solar panels. As there are no visible fixtures, there is nowhere for debris to build up either, making it easier to maintain a clean look with in-roof panels. 

• PANEL EFFICIENCY - Whilst Integrated Solar Panels are more attractive, they are usually 5-10% less efficient than on-roof solar panels. Unlike on-roof solar panels, integrated panels sit snugly within a tray, resulting in less air ventilation to cool down the Solar panel itself.
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• RETROFITTING - While retrofitting integrated solar panels is possible, this is more complex and more costly than on-roof panels. Ideally, you would want to install in-roof solar panels when you are building a new home, or re-roofing. It’s for this reason that so many new builds have integrated solar panels.

There are a variety of integrated Solar Panels to choose from. In-roof frames such as a GSE system or EasyRoof Evolution are the least expensive option. This is because any industry-standard Solar Panel can be mounted to them.

Alternatively, there are bespoke in-roof systems which come at a price. For example: Viridian, SolFit and GB-Sol. These integrated systems use Solar Panels which are made specifically for in-roof systems.

Of course, our team only installs the best in-roof Solar PV systems. Here at Wave Renewables we install GSE Integration systems.There are several benefits to GSE In-roof solar panels including:

• Firstly, GSE in-roof systems are lightweight, watertight and affordable.
• GSE in-roof systems are one of the most commonly used in-roof systems, able to fit around 90% of the Solar PV Panels in the UK.
• They are designed to be installed in either portrait or landscape and can easily fit all roof types with pitches between 12°– 50° and also with wood or metal structures.
• As GSE systems are certified to MCS012, your Solar Panel system will still qualify for export payments.
• GSE Systems are extremely well manufactured. Formed out of 100% recyclable  polypropylene, they are flexible, resilient to shock and temperature variations.
• What’s more, GSE In-roof systems offer a 10 years guarantee.

Solar power works by harnessing energy from the sun using photovoltaic (PV) panels. These panels contain cells that convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power your home.

Solar electricity is suitable for most homes with access to direct sunlight, only thatched roofs are truly problematic. An assessment of your home's location and energy needs can help determine its suitability for solar power. Contact us for a free, no obligation survey.

Most homes purchase between 1.2 kW to 4 kW systems. A typical 4 kW system requires approximately 20m2 roof space. There are different sizes and different shapes of panels and they do not have to be next to each other meaning most roofs are large enough to support your needs.

Solar panels can be installed on various roof types, including slate, tile, metal, and flat roofs. The Ideally, the solar PV installation should receive as much light as possible to maximise electricity generation. Shadows cast by trees and neighbouring buildings will marginally reduce the potential energy generated. The most ideal location for solar in the UK is a south-facing roof at 30° – 40° pitch, although East and West facing roofs work at 85-90% efficiency compared to an equivalent south facing roof.

In England most solar electricity systems don’t need any planning permission. However, we will consult your local planning office if you live in a Listed Building, a Conservation Area or in a World Heritage Area.

There are different types of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Efficiency varies, with monocrystalline panels typically being the most efficient.

Yes, you can add a solar battery system to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during power outages.

Solar panels typically last 25-30 years. Factors like quality, maintenance, and environmental conditions can influence their lifespan.

Solar panels can generate some power on cloudy or rainy days, although their efficiency is reduced. They still capture diffuse sunlight to produce electricity.

Solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and storms. Our high-quality panels are durable and can handle the worst of UK weather.

Solar power can be an investment by reducing your electricity bills, generating income from excess energy sold to the grid, and increasing the value of your home.

Solar power systems have few moving parts, needing very little maintenance. Rain usually cleans rooftop systems, but an annual service visit is recommended for optimal performance.

For issues like dust, debris, snow, or bird droppings, use warm water and mild dishwashing liquid with a telescopic cleaning pole.

Solar power is a reliable technology with 20–25-year warranties on panels. Panels last over 25 years, but the inverter may need replacement (around £750).

Solar panels typically come with performance warranties (guaranteeing a certain level of output) and product warranties (covering defects). What’s more, all of Impact Service’s installations come with a 10-year workmanship guarantee. Contact us for a free, no obligation survey and we can advise on the best panels for your home.

We will notify your Building Control Officer and, if necessary, the District Network Operator that you have installed a solar PV system.

Yes, many regions offer net metering or feed-in tariffs, allowing you to sell surplus energy back to the grid.

Ensure that a certified installer handles the installation, and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents during maintenance.

Ask about their experience, certifications, references, and warranties. Also, inquire about their installation process and timeline.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a government validation to certify both the products that are used in installations, and that the companies and installers are qualified. You can only qualify for subsidies such as the Smart Export Guarantee Scheme, if you use both MCS products and an MCS accredited installer.

The idea is to “evaluate microgeneration products and installers against robust criteria providing greater protection for consumers”. This protects you from shoddy products being installed; and it should prevent unprofessional companies from doing the work.

It is not as easy to become totally carbon neutral; you may be carbon neutral where it comes to your energy requirements but there are many other factors to consider for a household to be carbon neutral.

Carbon neutral means that no carbon is used or your carbon is offset during your day to day activities i.e. you may generate your own electricity to boil a kettle, however there might have been a significant carbon footprint to manufacture and transport the kettle to your home. You need to factor this carbon footprint into account and over generate electricity to become carbon neutral.

Installing solar panels substantially reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in a significant reduction in your carbon footprint. When you generate enough energy to meet your electrical and heating needs, you can effectively offset your carbon footprint.

For instance, a 4kW solar PV system in the UK can reduce your carbon footprint by about 1 tCO2e annually, equivalent to driving approximately 5000 fewer miles per year.

Ownership of the technology is linked to the site and therefore in the case where a building or homeownership changes, the ownership of the technology would also transfer to the new owner.

Solar panels can increase the resale value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers due to reduced energy costs.

The Energy Saving Trust and the Department of Climate Change (Low Carbon Buildings Programme) are two websites which offer very useful information. If you have any specific questions, contact us and we’d be happy to help.

The Energy Saving Trust – http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Department of Climate Change – http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk