Solar pv panels

[mansea]

I'm thinking of installing solar pv panels. But I have a few concerns, firstly the longevity with potential from water ingress on the roof from any holes created and seals/cauking failing in 10-20 years plus. Secondly being unable to perform maintenance or repairs to roof, like being unable to easily get under solar panels to clean moss or to reseat a slipped tile from storm damage etc. I am also a bit ocd and like clean lines, I don't like the way conventional solar panels look as if they screwed and bolted on as an afterthought and not flush with the roof.

I am thinking also about a roof replacement in the near future, so are there better options available? Is there a neater option such as being able to do away with the tiles and just having a system of interlocking solar panels for a flush neat finish? I have heard about the shingle type but I don't know if these are past kickstarter stage, plus theres got to be a lot of wiring with all those small panels and more potential for failure. It would make more sense to me to have the large format pv panels interlock if there is such an option on the market? Is anyone with experience of solar panels able to comment on any of the above please?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[motorbiking]

You can have recessed panels or integrated panels. I've had panels on a house I own for around 15 years without any problem. The original inverter is still working.

Today though, with the lack of grants, you need to look at a power wall if you are considering anything over 4kw. Frankly anything under wont have a good pay back.

 

[mansea]

Thanks with the recessed panels or integrated panels are these in lieu of traditional tiles underneath? Ie just a breather membrane then the panels for a flush clean look? Or do they still go on a frame on top of the tiles? Please can you point me in the direction of the system?

Not so bothered about the feed in tariff, my property is off grid so no gas, I'm currently using night storage, but thinking of configuring them to operate as day storage to take advantage of the free electric generated, for me they should pay for themselves in a few winters.

Cheers

 

[motorbiking]

https://www.energymyway.co.uk/products/roof-integrated-solar-panels/

no tiles needed.

btw conventional panels are hung on rails that slot under your tiles, not holes drilled in the tiles.

 

[mansea]

That looks like a perfect system for me, just what I'm looking for, many thanks!!

And thanks for correcting me on the rail system, I thought they just drilled through the tiles and put rubber gaskets on lol, that makes sense as I was worried about water ingress/failure...