In-Roof Solar Panels
In-roof solar is a mounting method where the panels integrate flush with the roofline, replacing the tiles within the panel footprint instead of sitting above them on rails. The result is an architectural, designed-in look — no protruding hardware, no visible brackets, no above-roof profile. It suits new builds, full re-roofs, and properties where appearance carries weight: premium developments, plots adjacent to conservation areas, and homes where homeowners or planners want the array to read as part of the building rather than bolted on.
Manchester Renewables has installed solar across 2,000+ new-build homes in Greater Manchester, which means our team is used to coordinating in-roof PV with the roofing programme during the construction phase. We are MCS certified and NIC/EIC approved, and we deliver the PV side of the install while the roofer is working through the tile area — minimising rework and keeping the weather-tight detailing tight. In-roof works best when planned at construction or re-roof stage; it is rarely the right call on an existing intact roof.
What Is Included?
Site & Roof Survey
We assess pitch, orientation, available area, and structural suitability for tile replacement before specifying the array.
Coordination with Roofing Trade
Installation is phased with the roofer's programme on new builds and re-roofs, so the PV and the tiling progress together.
Flush Integrated Mounting
Panels replace tiles within their footprint — no above-roof rails, no exposed mounting hardware.
Weather-Tight Detailing
Flashings and seals around the array are detailed to prevent ingress at the panel perimeter.
MCS Certification & Handover
Per-property MCS certificate, system commissioning, and owner walk-through on completion.
Part L Building Regulations 2021: 31% Carbon Reduction
The 2021 update to Part L of the Building Regulations (effective June 2022) requires new dwellings to achieve a 31% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2013 standards. Solar PV is the most common and cost-effective way for developers to meet this target, with the Future Homes Standard (expected 2025) set to increase the requirement to 75-80%.
Why It Matters
- Flush profile reads as architectural design — no protruding rails or panel edges
- Best installed at new-build or re-roof stage; planning roofing and PV together saves cost
- Reduces shadow lines and water-pooling points compared to above-roof mounting
- Particularly relevant where planning constraints or aesthetic requirements rule out conventional on-roof
Cost Guidance
In-roof solar typically costs 10-25% more than equivalent on-roof installation due to the tile-replacement labour and the integrated mounting hardware. The premium is materially smaller when the installation coincides with a new-build construction phase or a planned re-roof — the roofer is already on-site and the tile area is already open. For a typical 3-4kW domestic system installed in-roof during construction, expect £4,500-£6,500 against £3,500-£5,000 for equivalent on-roof. Fixed-price quotation provided per property.
