Radiant heated panels and heat tape are actually the same thing but different! Roofs that utilize only heat tape tend to zig zag the heat tape on the edge of the roof. Roofs with radiant heated panels use a metal panel which conducts the heat from the heat tape throughout the panel on the edge of the roof; the heat tape does not zig zag as it runs straight through the panels, therefore using less cable and less electricity. As well, the panels utilize a greater surface area and are more effective at preventing water from freezing on a surface.