In-Roof vs On-Roof Solar: Aesthetics & Cost

The Difference Explained

When most people think of solar, they picture "On-Roof" systems where rails are bolted above the tiles. "In-Roof" (or Integrated) solar sits flush with the roofline, acting as the roof covering itself.

Aesthetics

There is no contest. In-roof systems like the GSE Integration system look stunning. They don't have visible gaps or rails, and they sit lower, making them less obtrusive. This is the preferred choice for self-builders and architects.

Cost Comparison

If you are retrofitting, In-Roof is more expensive because we have to remove tiles. However, if you are re-roofing or building a new roof, In-Roof is often cheaper! Why? Because you save money by not buying thousands of pounds worth of slate or clay tiles for the area the panels cover.

Heat Dissipation

Critics used to argue that In-Roof panels get hotter and lose efficiency. Modern systems have excellent airflow channels behind the panels, making this efficiency loss negligible compared to the aesthetic gain.