Marley Solar Panels Review (2026): Are They Any Good?
Marley is one of Britain’s biggest roof-tile makers, and its solar panel, the Marley SolarTile, is built into the roof instead of sitting on top of it. This review covers the 2026 range including the new 445W all-glass panel, how efficient it really is, the warranty, what Marley in-roof solar panels cost, how they compare with ordinary panels, and who should and shouldn’t choose them.
Want a price for Marley in-roof solar on your home?
We match you with one vetted, MCS-certified installer who’ll price in-roof and on-roof side by side, with every part named in writing. It’s free, with no obligation.
Get My Marley Price →★★★★★ Trusted by UK homeowners
What are Marley solar panels?
Despite the name, the Marley SolarTile isn’t a small tile. It’s a full-size solar panel in a frame designed to be fixed straight to the roof battens, in place of the tiles or slates that would otherwise cover that part of the roof. Flashings around the edges lap into the surrounding tiles to keep the weather out. The result sits level with the roof, with no rails, brackets or gap underneath. This is usually called in-roof or integrated solar.
Marley has made roof tiles in Britain since 1924. It began selling the SolarTile in 2020 through a partnership with Viridian Solar, the Cambridgeshire company behind the Clearline Fusion in-roof system, and bought Viridian outright in 2021. Marley itself was then bought by Marshalls plc in 2022. So the Marley SolarTile and Viridian’s Clearline Fusion are the same family of products under two names. Marley sells it mainly as part of a complete roof, and you can read about the Viridian-branded version in our Viridian review.
That backing matters. In Marshalls’ results for the first half of 2026, its roofing division turned over £97.1 million, and solar was the part that grew. A panel that becomes part of your roof needs a maker that will still be around, and this one is on firm ground.
The Marley SolarTile range in 2026
| Model | Power | Cells | Stated efficiency | Size and weight | Power guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SolarTile 445Wp All Glass (new, June 2026) | 445W | N-type TOPCon, glass front and back | 23.6% | 1,722 × 1,134 × 70mm, 28.3kg | 95% at 10 years, 87% at 30 years |
| SolarTile 410Wp (M10, also listed at 405Wp) | 405–410W | Monocrystalline, 108 half-cells | 21.5% | 1,722 × 1,134 × 70mm, 25kg | 90% at 10 years, 80% at 25 years |
| SolarTile 335Wp | 335W | Monocrystalline | 20.7% | 1,686 × 1,000 × 69mm, 21.7kg | 90% at 10 years, 80% at 25 years |
The 445Wp All Glass is the one to ask for. It uses the same N-type TOPCon cells as today’s mainstream Jinko and JA Solar panels, and it swaps the usual plastic backsheet for a second sheet of glass, which resists moisture and UV better and is why its power guarantee runs to 30 years. The 410Wp is the previous generation and still widely stocked. The smaller 335Wp panel is useful where a narrower panel fits the roof better, such as between roof windows or on a small extension.
All three are black and can be fitted portrait or landscape, and there’s a conversion kit for fitting them alongside VELUX roof windows. Marley also supplies the rest of the system: string and hybrid inverters, a battery from GoodWe’s Lynx Home U range, EV charging and its ArcBox enclosures, which contain the cable connectors in a fire-resistant box under the panels.
Our scores
Our rating
Marley SolarTile
★★★★☆ Excellent on a new roof, a premium on an existing one
The bottom line: a well-certified in-roof panel from a company that knows roofs. Choose it when the roof is being built or replaced. On a sound roof, on-roof panels are cheaper.
Get my Marley price →Efficiency and output
Marley quotes 23.6% efficiency for the 445Wp panel. That figure is worked out on the panel’s aperture area, the part inside the frame, which is 1.885m². Most on-roof brands quote efficiency on the whole panel including the frame. Measured that way, the 445Wp comes out at about 22.8%, and the 410Wp at about 21%. So the new panel is level with a good mainstream on-roof panel at 22–23%, and a step behind premium panels such as Aiko at around 24%. See solar panel efficiency for why the two measures differ.
The other thing to know about any in-roof panel is heat. With no air gap behind them, integrated panels run a few degrees warmer than panels on rails, and warm panels generate slightly less. Expect roughly 2–5% less output over a year than the same panel mounted above the tiles. On most roofs, an installer allows for that by adding a panel if there’s room.
| System size | 445Wp panels | 410Wp panels | 335Wp panels | Typical yearly output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| About 3kW | 7 (3.1kW) | 8 (3.3kW) | 9 (3.0kW) | 2,500–2,900 kWh |
| About 4kW | 9 (4.0kW) | 10 (4.1kW) | 12 (4.0kW) | 3,300–3,800 kWh |
| About 6kW | 14 (6.2kW) | 15 (6.2kW) | 18 (6.0kW) | 5,000–5,700 kWh |
Outputs assume a south-facing roof in England and allow for the in-roof heat effect. Each 445Wp or 410Wp panel covers just under 2m² of roof, plus the flashing around the edge of the array. See how many panels fit your roof.
Building, extending or re-roofing?
That’s when Marley in-roof solar makes most sense. A vetted local installer will design the layout and give you a fixed price to pass to your builder or roofer.
Get My Marley Price →Warranty and certifications
| Cover or approval | Marley SolarTile |
|---|---|
| System warranty | 15 years, including when fitted as part of a full Marley roof system |
| Power guarantee | 445Wp: 95% at 10 years, 87% at 30 years. 410Wp and 335Wp: 90% at 10 years, 80% at 25 years |
| BBA certificate | Yes, for the 410 and 445 panels and their flashings |
| MCS 012 | Yes, the standard for weathertightness, wind and fire on roof-integrated solar |
| Fire rating | Broof (t1 to t4), the highest external roof fire classification |
| Wind resistance | 4.65kPa (445Wp), 4.24kPa (410Wp), 5.32kPa (335Wp) |
This is where an in-roof panel has to earn its place, because it’s doing two jobs: generating power and keeping the rain out. Marley’s approvals are as strong as any on the UK market. The BBA certificate and MCS 012 testing are what building control officers, warranty providers and housebuilders look for.
The 15-year system warranty is the weaker point. It’s reasonable, and it covers the panel and flashings as a roofing system, but mainstream on-roof panels now commonly carry 25 or even 30-year product warranties. The power guarantee on the 445Wp is competitive. One advantage on a new roof is that Marley can supply everything from the underlay to the ridge, which puts the whole roof, solar included, under one 15-year warranty with one company to call. More in solar panel warranties explained.
Marley solar panels cost
Marley sells through roofing merchants and installers and doesn’t publish a simple price per panel. Its own online shop lists the SolarTile 445Wp “from £2,064”, without making clear on the listing how many panels and which flashings that covers, and it was out of stock when we checked. In practice, you’ll be buying a fitted system, so these are the figures that matter:
| System (fitted, 0% VAT) | Standard on-roof panels | Marley in-roof, existing roof | Marley in-roof, new build or re-roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | £4,500–£6,000 | £5,200–£7,500 | Close to the on-roof price |
| 4kW | £5,500–£7,500 | £6,300–£9,400 | Close to the on-roof price |
| 6kW | £7,000–£9,500 | £8,000–£11,900 | Close to the on-roof price |
The 15–25% premium on an existing roof comes from the flashing kits and the labour of stripping tiles and re-laying them around the array, which needs roofing skills as well as electrical ones. On a new build, an extension or a re-roof, most of that disappears. The scaffolding is already up, the roofer is already there, and every panel replaces about 2m² of tiles you would otherwise pay for. These are typical 2026 estimates, and your quote will depend on your roof. See solar panel cost UK.
Are Marley solar panels easy to install?
For a roofer, yes. That’s the point of the design. The panels fix directly to standard roof battens and push-fit together, with colour-coded flashing kits for different batten thicknesses. Marley says a typical array takes less than an hour per kilowatt to fit, so around four hours for a 4kW system once the roof is ready. The 410Wp panel is rated for roof pitches from 20° to 60°, and the system works alongside concrete tiles, clay tiles and slates.
Two cautions. First, it’s still an electrical installation. The system must be designed, connected and signed off by an MCS-certified installer, or you won’t get an MCS certificate and can’t be paid for exported electricity. On a new build or re-roof, the usual arrangement is that the roofer fits the panels and flashings and the MCS installer handles the wiring, inverter and commissioning. Second, in-roof solar isn’t suitable for flat roofs or pitches below 20° (flat roof options).
Who Marley solar suits
A good choice if…
- You’re building a new home or an extension
- You’re replacing your roof in the next year or two
- You live in a conservation area or planners want low-profile solar
- The roof faces the street and looks matter to you
- Pigeons nesting under panels are a problem locally
Look elsewhere if…
- Your roof is sound and you want the lowest cost per kWh
- You want a 25 or 30-year product warranty
- You need the most power from a very small roof
- Your roof is flat or under 20° pitch
The pigeon point is often overlooked. Birds nest in the gap under on-roof panels, and proofing an array costs £300–£900 (pigeons under solar panels). An in-roof array has no gap to nest in. On planning, most roof solar in England is permitted development, including in conservation areas, but listed buildings need consent and a flush array is far easier to get approved (conservation areas, listed buildings). And for new homes, the Future Homes Standard makes solar a requirement on most new houses in England from March 2027, which is why in-roof panels like this are becoming standard on new estates (solar on a new build).
Marley vs on-roof panels and solar tiles
| Marley SolarTile (in-roof) | On-roof panels | True solar tiles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looks | Flush with the roof | Raised on rails, visible gap | Closest to an ordinary roof |
| Efficiency | About 22.8% (445Wp, whole panel) | 22–24% | Lower |
| Yearly output | About 2–5% below on-roof | Highest | Lowest per m² |
| Cost on an existing roof | 15–25% more than on-roof | Lowest | Two to three times on-roof |
| Cost on a new roof | Close to on-roof | Lowest | Still much higher |
| Product warranty | 15 years (system) | Often 25–30 years | Varies |
| Birds nesting underneath | Not possible | Common without mesh | Not possible |
| Best for | New build, re-roof, sensitive areas | Sound existing roofs | Heritage and high-end projects |
If you’re retrofitting and value comes first, look at Jinko, JA Solar or Trina, or Aiko for top efficiency. Our best solar panels guide ranks them all, and solar tiles vs solar panels covers the tile option in detail.
Ordinary panels on a Marley tile roof
Some people searching for Marley solar panels simply have a Marley roof and want to know whether normal panels can go on it. They can. Marley’s concrete interlocking tiles, such as the Modern, Ludlow and Anglia, are among the easiest roofs to fit on-roof solar to. The installer lifts a tile, screws a stainless-steel hook to the rafter, and refits the tile over it, trimming the tile slightly so it sits flat. Plain tiles and slates take a little longer and use different fixings (slate roofs, how panels are installed).
You don’t need Marley-branded panels to match a Marley roof, and fitting other brands doesn’t affect the tiles themselves. If the tiles are old or brittle, have the roof’s condition checked before fitting, because taking panels off later to re-roof costs money (removal and refitting).
Not sure whether in-roof or on-roof suits your home?
A free survey prices both for your roof, so you can see the real difference before deciding.
Get My Marley Price →Pros & cons
Pros
- Sits flush with the roof, with no gap for birds to nest in
- New 445Wp all-glass panel uses N-type TOPCon cells
- BBA certified, MCS 012 tested, top Broof fire rating
- Costs about the same as on-roof on a new roof or re-roof
- One 15-year warranty when fitted with a full Marley roof
- Backed by Marshalls plc, one of the UK’s largest building-products groups
Cons
- 15–25% dearer than on-roof panels on an existing roof
- 15-year warranty is shorter than many on-roof panels
- About 2–5% less output than panels on rails
- Headline efficiency is quoted on aperture area
- No clear public price per panel
Verdict: are Marley solar panels any good?
4.2 / 5. The Marley SolarTile is a well-made, thoroughly certified in-roof solar panel, and the new 445Wp all-glass version brings it level with mainstream on-roof panels on technology. If you’re building, extending or re-roofing, it’s an easy recommendation: it looks far neater, it costs about the same once you count the tiles it replaces, and the whole roof can sit under one warranty. If your existing roof is in good condition, the sums change. You’d pay 15–25% more for slightly less output and a shorter product warranty, so on-roof panels from Jinko, JA Solar or Aiko are better value unless appearance or planning decides it for you. Either way, the installer matters as much as the panel (how to choose).
Get your Marley in-roof solar price
MCS-certified, HIES/RECC member, insured and reviewed before they can quote through us. You get a free survey, in-roof and on-roof options priced, the exact panel model in writing and no obligation. We’re paid by the installer if you go ahead, never by you.
Get My Marley Price →★★★★★ Trusted by UK homeowners
Marley solar panels: frequently asked questions
Are Marley solar panels any good?
Yes. The Marley SolarTile is a roof-integrated solar panel with BBA certification, MCS 012 testing and the top Broof fire rating, backed by a 15-year system warranty. The new 445Wp all-glass panel uses N-type TOPCon cells. It’s an excellent choice on a new build or re-roof. On a sound existing roof it costs about 15–25% more than on-roof panels and generates slightly less.
How much do Marley solar panels cost?
Marley doesn’t publish a simple price per panel. For a fitted 4kW system on an existing roof, expect roughly £6,300–£9,400, against £5,500–£7,500 for standard on-roof panels. On a new build or re-roof the cost is close to on-roof, because each panel replaces about 2m² of tiles and the scaffolding and roofer are already in place. Solar carries 0% VAT until 31 March 2027.
Are Marley solar panels the same as Viridian?
They’re the same family of products. The Marley SolarTile is based on Viridian Solar’s Clearline Fusion in-roof system. Marley began selling it in 2020, bought Viridian in 2021, and both are now part of Marshalls plc. Marley sells the panel mainly as part of a complete roof system through roofing merchants.
What warranty do Marley solar panels have?
The Marley SolarTile has a 15-year system warranty, which also applies when it’s fitted as part of a full Marley roof system. The 445Wp all-glass panel has a power guarantee of 95% after 10 years and 87% after 30 years. The 410Wp and 335Wp panels are guaranteed to 90% after 10 years and 80% after 25 years.
Are Marley solar panels easy to install?
Yes, for a roofer. The panels fix directly to standard roof battens and push-fit together, with colour-coded flashing kits, and Marley says an array takes under an hour per kilowatt to fit. The electrical design, connection and sign-off still need an MCS-certified installer, or you won’t receive an MCS certificate or export payments.
Do integrated solar panels produce less than normal panels?
Slightly. In-roof panels have no air gap behind them, so they run a little warmer and typically produce about 2–5% less over a year than the same panel mounted on rails. On most roofs an installer allows for this by adding a panel. The trade-off is a flush finish and nowhere for birds to nest.
Specifications, warranties and certifications are from Marley’s SolarTile product page and NBS Source listings, checked in October 2026. Whole-panel efficiency figures are our own calculation from Marley’s published power and dimensions. Company details are from Viridian Solar and Marshalls plc’s half-year results (August 2026). Marley does not publish where its cells are made, so ask for the datasheet if origin matters to you. Prices are typical 2026 UK estimates with 0% VAT, which applies until 31 March 2027, and the in-roof premium and output difference are typical ranges that vary by roof. Always confirm the exact model, datasheet and warranty with an MCS-certified installer.