The popularity of solar energy in the UK has skyrocketed over the last decade or so, thanks to improved efficiency and a massive 82% reduction in costs. In 2022 alone, solar energy production was up by a whopping 29% on the year before.
This is huge!
As more and more engaged homeowners are waking up to the advantages of a solar roof, manufacturers are coming up with new and improved technologies, such as photovoltaic roof tiles (also known as solar roof tiles).
Leading the way, as usual, is Marley. And at Roofing Superstore, we took a deep dive into the new Marley Solar Tile system, so we can bring you up to speed with its many advantages.
Here’s what we’re going to cover in our guide.
Table of contents:
- What is Marley solar PV?
- What are the benefits of Marley solar tiles?
- How to install Marley solar tiles
- Final thoughts
What is Marley solar PV?
First things first:
What exactly is Marley solar, and what makes it stand out from first- and second-generation solar systems?
Here’s the scoop:
Marley Solar PV is an innovative solar roofing system that combines photovoltaic cells made from monocrystalline silicon with traditional roofing materials to create a roof that generates electricity. Designed to be installed on pitched roofs, it can be integrated seamlessly with existing roofing materials, providing a clean and unobtrusive appearance.
The Marley Solar Tile system consists of a series of PV roof tiles that are integrated into the roof line. Whenever sunlight reaches the cells, it results in an electrical current suitable for powering your home. As a bonus, you can also feed excess energy back into the grid and earn money.
What are the benefits of Marley solar tiles?
There are many benefits to choosing Marley Solar PV for your home or business.
Here are just a few:
Lower energy bills
By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills.
Renewable energy
Marley solar roof tiles generate clean, renewable energy, reducing your carbon footprint significantly and helping to protect the environment.
Seamless integration
Marley solar can be integrated seamlessly with existing roofing materials, providing a clean and unobtrusive appearance.
High performance
The system is designed to perform well in all weather conditions, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. It has exceptional fire performance, wind resistance and weather tightness, all combined with an excellent efficiency of 20.7% and peak power of 335Wp.
Long lifespan
Marley Solar PV is built to last, with a lifespan of up to 30 years or more. In addition, the system comes with a 15-year manufacturer’s guarantee for extra peace of mind.
So, in case you were wondering ‘are solar roof tiles worth it?’, you now have your answer. They most certainly are – and none more so than Marley solar!
How to install Marley solar tiles
The process of installing Marley solar tiles is fairly straightforward thanks to the patented push-together design. Keep in mind that Marley recommends that an installer with roofing experience complete the panel installation.
Having said that, here’s a general overview of the steps:
Site survey
A site survey will be carried out to determine whether the Marley solar tiles are right for your roof. The system is intended for use above a continuous, functional underfelt that ends in a gutter. It’s compatible with Marley concrete and clay plain or interlocking tiles as well as tiles and slates by other manufacturers.
Last but not least:
Marley solar is suitable for a roof pitch between 20° and 60°.
Design
A bespoke design will be created based on the size and shape of your roof as well as your energy requirements. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to fit Marley solar on the part of your roof facing south as it will get the most sunlight.
Installation
The solar panels and mounting systems should be installed one at a time, starting at the bottom left corner. The boxes in your Marley Solar Tile kit are colour-coded, making it easy to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You’ll find that the installation process is really quick thanks to the push-together connection which effortlessly creates water-tight, secure fixing. So, Marley estimates that installation time could potentially take less than one hour per kilowatt-peak. One thing to keep in mind is that each panel should be electrically tested as it’s being installed.
Connection
The panels will be connected to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity produced into AC electricity that can be used to power your home and feed back to the grid.
Testing
The system will be thoroughly tested to ensure it’s working correctly.
Final thoughts
Marley Solar PV is an innovative, cost-effective way to generate clean, renewable energy for your home and reduce your carbon footprint.
With its seamless integration with existing roofing materials, high performance and long lifespan, the Marley Solar Tile is a wise long-term investment that will pay off handsomely for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about Marley solar tiles or would like to get a quote for your home or business, please get in touch with us today. Our team of experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you make an informed decision about whether Marley solar is right for you and your pitched roof.
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