ELI5: what is the difference between solar panels and solar tiles

Solar panels sit on top of your roof, while solar tiles are your roof.

Think of it like this: Imagine you're building a LEGO house.

• Solar panels are like extra LEGO blocks you stick on top of the finished roof. They are separate pieces that you add later. They are usually big and rectangular, and everyone can see them.

• Solar tiles are like special LEGO roof tiles that are the roof itself. You build the roof with these special tiles. They look much more like regular roof tiles and blend in better.

• Solar panels are attached to your existing roof. They are often cheaper to install initially.

• Solar tiles replace your existing roof. They are more expensive and need to be installed when you're building a new house or replacing an old roof. They look nicer and more integrated into the roof, but they may not produce as much electricity as solar panels for the same area.