Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar tiles cost?
It will depend on the layout of each roofing project, but Solex solar tiles cost approximately £95 / sqm (winter offer valid until April 2025), which also includes the neccesary mounting equipment and delivery. Delivery is included for UK customers only.
Do Solex install?
We only install projects within Dorset but for nationwide and international projects, a qualified electrician must be found. In the UK, we refer to “qualified” as an MCS accredited solar installer.
Do you provide inverters & batteries storage solutions?
For projects within Dorset, storage solutions and the larger electrical system for your installation can be discussed, however for projects outside of Dorset, this must be obtained through a qualified electrician.
Who do you supply to?
Solex Energy Ltd supply direct to the trade and to the public. We do not have a third party distribution partner.
How can I get a quote?
For a quote please get in contact with us using the details on the Contact page of our website. If you do not require technical sales advice, our tiles can be purchased directly from Amazon or eBay.
How long will the tiles last?
With each sale we give a construction and electrical guarantee of 25 years, but will last longer due to the materials used. These being principally toughened glass, stainless steel, and aluminium.
What generation can solar PV tiles provide?
Our current model range can provide 170 Wp / sqm. However this will depend on the layout of the roof.
How do solar tiles compare to normal solar panels?
PV roof tiles give slightly less generation per square meter when compared to normal solar panels. However, due to the smaller size of our pv roof tiles compared to normal solar panels, greater roof coverage can be achieved, consequentially greater overall roof performance is possible.
How big are solar roof tiles?
We currently have a range of tile sizes, these being:
1200x600mm, 1200x340mm, 900x600mm, and 600x600mm. We also supply our ACP fill-in tiles where a whole solar tile would not fit.
Do solar tiles only work on a sunny day?
Although solar tiles will generate more electricity on a sunny summer day, energy will be generated no matter the weather, even in snow!
Do solar tiles need maintenance or cleaning?
Solex solar roof tiles do not need scheduled maintenance, but they will require cleaning. This is because over time, pollution from the atmosphere (such as pollen, sand, water marks and dust) settles on the surface of the solar tiles, causing a small amount of shading for the panels, and reducing efficiency. How often they require cleaning depends on the environment they have been installed in, but the good news is that any window cleaner would be able to perform this task, as solar roof tiles have a toughened glass surface, and many window cleaners now incorperate solar panel cleaning into their repertoire.
What happens if a solar roof tile breaks? Will it stop the whole system from working?
It is extremely unlikely that a solar roof tile will break, as they use toughened glass in their construction. However, if an individual tile was to break, this would not bring the whole solar array from working, as every tile has a bypass diode in their junction box. Using optimisers or micro-inverters every 4-5 tiles will also allow to quickly identify the faulty tile, and replacement is as simple as removing the 3 stainless steel cllips at the base of the tile, and sliding the faulty panel out of the column. The new panel can be replaced just as easily and free of charge.
Will solar tiles be able to provide me with all of my energy needs?
This is quite unlikely, as energy is produced most effectively when it is needed the least (such as a sunny day, at high noon), but is needed the most at low, or no-light levels (such as a cold winters evening). So solex solar tiles will make a strong supplement to grid-drawn energy (especially with batteries), but cannot manage all of a property’s energy needs indepently.
Are there grants available in the UK for solar tiles?
There are several grants that can be accessed in the UK for solar tiles. These include the Energy Company Obligation, the Home Upgrade Grant, the Warm Homes Plan, and solar panel installation also can benefit from 0% VAT.
I’m a solar installer, can you train me to install solex solar tiles?
Absolutely, get in contact with our team and we’d be happy to organise training for you.
Will I need planning permissionto install solar tiles?
Solar panel (including tiles) and reroofing projects are classed as permitted development under the General Permitted Development order, and so do not require planning permission generally. However, there are a few exceptions, such as: listed buildings, buildings in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, Conservation Areas, the Broads, or World Heitage Sites.
Can you supply solar tiles to overseas?
Absolutely, no matter where you are based, we are happy to help with your roofing project.
What are solar slates made from?
Solex solar slates are currently made from a toughened glass superstrate, polymer backsheet, and EVA encapsulation. Our mounting equipment is made from aluminium and stainless steel.
Where is Solex Energy Ltd based?
We are based in Weymouth, on the south coast of England.
