With in-roof systems, the photovoltaics lie within the roof surface and replace the tiles, instead of lying on the roof. Roughly speaking, there are two paths: systems that integrate standard modules into the roof skin (such as the Swiss Solrif from Ernst Schweizer), and solar tile systems made of many small elements (such as SunStyle). In-roof is visually the most elegant solution and ideal when building a new roof at the same time or for protected buildings – but more expensive than on-roof. Decisive, in addition to the appearance, is the clear responsibility for the tightness of the roof. (As of: July 2026)
Key points in brief
- In-roof means: modules replace the roof covering instead of lying on it – flush and calm in appearance.
- Two basic paths: integrating standard modules (e.g. Solrif) or solar tiles made of many elements (e.g. SunStyle).
- In-roof is particularly worthwhile when building a new roof at the same time, for protected buildings and core zones.
- The surcharge compared to on-roof is real – the cost-effectiveness is calculated against a new covering that is due anyway, not against zero.
- The most important contract question: who guarantees the tightness of the roof?
What differentiates in-roof from on-roof?
With on-roof, the modules lie on a frame above the existing roof skin – the cheaper, more common and more quickly installed variant. With in-roof, the modules become part of the roof surface and take over the function of the covering; the tiles underneath are omitted. The result is a calm, flush surface without elevated rows – aesthetically the best that photovoltaics offers.
The price and principle comparison between the two paths is in the article In-roof or on-roof: the cost comparison. This is about the question afterwards: what in-roof systems are there, and what are they suitable for?
What in-roof systems are there?
| Rate | Principle | typical suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard module integration (e.g. Solrif) | frameless standard modules are embedded in the roof skin | Full or partial surfaces, new build and renovation |
| Solar tiles / solar shingles (e.g. SunStyle) | many small, tile-like elements form the roof surface | demanding architecture, entire solar roofs |
| Manufacturer-specific in-roof kits | Module and frame as a coordinated system | varies depending on provider |
Rough classification, as of: July 2026, without ranking. Systems and providers change; the specific project solution is authoritative.
The most important difference in everyday life: systems like Solrif integrate normal, high-performance standard modules – you benefit from their efficiency and warranty, the system provides the tight integration. Solar tile systems made of many small elements are the most flexible in terms of design and are suitable for entire solar roofs, but entail more plug connections and usually a higher price per surface. The fundamental idea of the tile-like solution is dealt with in the article Solar tiles. The fact that many of these systems come from Switzerland, while the cell is imported, is classified by the article Swiss solar modules.
When is an in-roof system worth it?
In-roof plays to its strengths in clear situations:
- When building a new roof at the same time or renovating: If the roof is being re-covered anyway, the covering that the in-roof system replaces is omitted – the additional costs shrink. You calculate against a new covering that is due anyway, not against zero.
- For protected buildings and in core zones: Where a flush, calm appearance is required, in-roof is often the only approvable variant.
- Where aesthetics count: on clearly visible roofs and for demanding architecture.
What is rarely sensible, on the other hand: uncovering an intact, newer tiled roof just for the appearance. Then on-roof brings the better overall value.
What must I pay special attention to with in-roof?
One point is more important with in-roof than with any other solution: the tightness. The module here is part of the roof – if the integration is untidy, leaks threaten. Therefore, the quote must include a clear answer to the question: who is responsible for the water-bearing layer, and how is this documented? This question of responsibility surrounding the mounting system is dealt with in the article PV mounting system.
Two further points: in-roof modules are less ventilated at the back, therefore become somewhat warmer and lose a minimal amount of yield – not a disaster for most roofs, but needs to be mentioned honestly. And the choice of modules is narrower with some systems than with on-roof. Which standard modules generally serve well is shown in the article The best solar modules 2026.
In-roof is what builders ask for when the appearance is important to them – and we understand that: a flush solar surface is simply more beautiful than elevated rows. But we always add the same honest sentence: in-roof pays off best when the roof is being completely redone anyway. Putting an in-roof system on an intact tiled roof just for the appearance is an expensive pleasure. And we place great value on tightness – that is the point where serious quotes separate from quick ones. In the Zurich region, we combine proven Swiss integration systems with good standard modules; for protected buildings and core zones, coloured or tile-like solutions are often the only approvable choice. The question «who guarantees the tight roof» is written in black and white in every in-roof quote from us.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between in-roof and on-roof?
With on-roof, the modules lie on a frame above the existing roof skin. With in-roof, they replace the covering and become part of the roof surface – flush and visually calm. In-roof is the more elegant but more expensive solution; on-roof the cheaper and more common. The cost comparison is in a separate guide.
Which in-roof system is the best?
There is no single best one. Systems that integrate standard modules (such as Solrif) combine good module quality with tight integration; solar tile systems (such as SunStyle) are the most flexible in terms of design, but usually more expensive per surface. Which one fits depends on architecture, budget and the approval situation.
Is in-roof financially worth it?
Most likely when the roof is being re-covered anyway – then the covering that the system replaces is omitted, and the surcharge shrinks. You calculate against a due new covering, not against zero. Set on an intact roof just for the appearance, in-roof on the other hand is an expensive pleasure. A blanket amortisation period cannot be called serious.
Is an in-roof roof tight?
With neat execution, yes – but tightness is the critical point because the module is part of the roof skin. Ensure that it is clearly regulated in the quote who is responsible for the water-bearing layer and how this is documented. Serious work separates from quick work at this question.
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In-roof – beautiful, but properly planned.
We will tell you honestly when an in-roof system is worth it and when on-roof is the smarter choice – with clear responsibility for a tight roof.
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Swissolar-certified specialist company · ESTI installation authorisation (Art. 14 NIV) · in Zurich since 2017 · over 150 systems completed · a personal answer from the specialist company, no call centre
Sources: Manufacturer information on in-roof systems (incl. Ernst Schweizer/Solrif, SunStyle), Swissolar technical information, empirical values from in-roof projects by ecoEn GmbH (Zurich region). As of: July 2026.
Last updated: 9 July 2026 · Author: ecoEn editorial team
