Cost to install solar panels on a concrete tile roof

Concrete tiles are a common sight on Australian homes and are quite compatible with solar installations. They are durable, but the installation process requires precision. Installers need to lift individual tiles to attach mounting brackets directly to the roof rafters. This process is more time-consuming than drilling into a metal roof.

The additional cost for a concrete tile roof installation is largely due to the extra labour and the specific mounting hardware required. These brackets are designed to hook under the tile and secure to the rafter, with a flashing plate to prevent any water ingress. Expect this to add a premium to the standard installation price, often in the range of several hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of your roof.

Cost to install solar panels on a clay tile roof

Clay (or terracotta) tiles are more fragile than concrete tiles, and this brittleness is the main reason for a potential increase in installation costs. Installers must exercise extreme caution to avoid cracking the tiles while moving around on the roof and during the installation process itself.

• Higher Labour Costs: The delicate nature of clay tiles means the installation process is slower and requires more experienced installers. This increased time and required expertise translate to higher labour charges.
• Breakage Costs: It’s common for a few tiles to break during installation, even with the most careful professionals. The cost of replacing these tiles will be factored into your quote. It’s a great idea to have some spare tiles on hand if possible.
• Specialised Equipment: Similar to concrete tiles, clay tiles require specific non-penetrative mounting brackets and flashing to ensure the roof’s integrity is maintained.

For these reasons, the surcharge for installing solar on a clay tile roof can be slightly higher than for concrete tiles.

Factors affecting the cost of solar installation on a tile roof

Several variables can influence the final price of your solar panel installation on a tile roof:

• Roof Complexity and Pitch: A steep or complex roof with multiple angles and gables will always cost more to work on, regardless of the material. This is due to the increased safety equipment required and the additional time needed to complete the job.
• Condition of the Roof: An older roof may need repairs or reinforcement before it can safely support the weight of solar panels. An installer will assess the condition of your tiles and the underlying structure and advise if any remedial work is needed, which would be an additional cost.
• Single vs. Double Storey: Accessing a double-storey roof is more challenging and requires more extensive safety precautions. This will naturally increase the labour costs compared to a single-storey home.
• Hardware Quality: The quality of the mounting hardware, racking, and flashing used will affect the price. While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper components, high-quality, durable materials are essential for a long-lasting, leak-proof installation.

Solar panel installation tile roof vs asphalt shingle cost

In Australia, tile and metal roofs are far more common than asphalt shingles. However, it’s useful to understand the comparison. Installing solar panels on an asphalt shingle roof is generally the most straightforward and, therefore, the least expensive option. The process involves drilling mounts directly through the shingles into the roof rafters and sealing them.

Installing on a tile roof is more complex and therefore more expensive. The key difference lies in the labour and specialised hardware required to work with the tiles without causing damage or future leaks. While a shingle roof allows for direct attachment, a tile roof requires each mounting point to be individually prepared by removing a tile, fitting a bracket and flashing, and then replacing the tile. This meticulous process accounts for the price difference.

Cost of tile roof mounting hardware for solar panels

The specific hardware for a tile roof is a critical component of the overall cost. Unlike metal roof mounts, which are relatively simple, tile roof mounting kits are more specialised. A typical kit for a tile roof includes:

• Mounting Feet or Brackets: These are typically made of stainless steel or aluminium and are designed to be fixed to the roof rafters, hooking out from under the tile.
• Flashing: This is a crucial weatherproof seal, often made from aluminium or a flexible material like EPDM rubber, that prevents water from getting under the tiles where the brackets are installed.
• Rails and Clamps: The panels themselves are attached to a railing system, which is secured to the mounting feet.

The cost for these specialised tile mounting kits is higher than for standard tin roof kits. For a typical 6.6kW system (around 16-18 panels), the mounting hardware alone can cost a few hundred dollars more than the equivalent for a metal roof.

Solar panel tile roof flashing cost

Flashing is non-negotiable for a tile roof solar installation; it’s your primary defence against leaks. Each penetration point where a mounting bracket is fixed to your roof rafters needs a dedicated flashing. These are specifically designed to slide under the tile above the penetration and create a watertight barrier.

The cost of flashing itself is relatively low on a per-unit basis, but when multiplied by the number of mounting points required for an entire solar array (often 30-40+), it contributes to the overall hardware cost. Quality flashing is made from durable materials like lead-free aluminium or high-grade flexible polymers designed to withstand Australia’s harsh weather for decades.

Average labour cost for solar panel installation on a tile roof

Labour typically accounts for a significant portion of the total solar installation cost, often around 15-20%. For a tile roof, this percentage can be slightly higher due to the increased complexity and time required.

Installers must carefully lift tiles, precisely place mounts, and ensure perfect weatherproofing, all while navigating the fragile surface. This skilled work commands a higher price. The additional time can add several hundred to over a thousand dollars to the final bill compared to a simple metal roof installation. Always ensure your installer is a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited professional, as this ensures they are trained to handle these specific challenges safely and effectively.

Ready to find out exactly what solar would cost for your home? I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert who can provide a detailed quote based on your specific roof. Just fill out the form below.