In-roof PV installation - just starting out.

k6chris

We are starting to look at PV for our 1850s cottage.  It has a 55 sq m south-facing roof (not sure if that is big enough??).  We like the idea of in-roof PV panels, for the aesthetics. Are there any gotchas we should be aware of?  What are the recommended makes, and indeed which should we avoid? All advice and input welcome.

 

Thanks

Verdigris

The main gotcha is that it is more expensive. The cost of panels, inverters etc is exactly the same but stripping the roof covering and weathering in the perimeters takes a lot of labour and the actual mounts cost more than simple aluminium rails.

Your roof sounds big enough for a decent size array. If you use a cost of £1/Wp for a no-frills system, installed on rails, you'll get an idea of the premium for in-roof.

Another thing to bear in mind is the current condition of your roof. You may end up re-doing the whole roof, or at least the side the panels are going on.

Exiled_Tyke

And in addition, in-roof tends to be less efficient than on-roof because the panels get hotter (not benefitting from airflow underneath them) which increases resistance, reducing electricity generation. 

Spies

Makes sense if you're having a re-roof I guess?

EVandPV

One advantage of in-roof that springs to mind is no need for bird proofing.
We had an influx of pigeons this year and had mesh fitted. We had various quotes from £600 to £1200.
That said, I dare say it would come in cheaper to have the mesh fitted while your panels are installed if you go for rail mounted.