Elon Musk’s Solar Roof technology debuted in 2016 and has completely revolutionized the photovoltaic (PV) industry. Tesla’s Solar Roofs are among the most eye-catching ones, even if they are not the only solar roof tiles available.
It provides a green and economical replacement for today’s modern roofing materials. The Tesla solar roof installation has solar-powered glass shingles and a Powerwall battery built right in for energy storage.
Tesla’s goal is to hasten the world’s transition to a sustainable energy future by developing incomparably superior solar roofs on the market.
However, even after six years, nobody clearly understands what it is or how much it costs. So, read further to get a clear knowledge of tesla solar roofs.
What is a Tesla solar roof?
The aesthetics of solar panels are one of the main complaints of homeowners. So, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Energy, responded by unveiling the Tesla Solar Roof in 2016 on the set of the then-popular television series Desperate Housewives of all places.
Like other solar roof tiles, Tesla’s Solar Roof is a cutting-edge system of specifically designed roofing shingles. Traditional solar PV panels are mounted on an existing roof. But, the Tesla roof serves as a direct replacement for current roof coverings.
The Tesla Solar Roof is the foremost of its type and was created to increase your home’s energy output while decreasing your energy costs.
With its Powerwall, a small house battery, the roof is also designed to be energy independent, so it can be used both during the day and at night.
Additionally, each solar tile keeps its integrity in all weather circumstances, protecting your property come rain or shine.
How does a Tesla solar roof work?
Two categories of textured glass tile shingles makeup Tesla’s Solar Roof.
- The first is referred to as “inactive” and is just ornamental.
To guarantee that the final roof has a consistent appearance, inactive shingles are visually identical to the second kind, known as “Active.”
- The “Active” shingles are actually tiny solar panels the size of shingles that are strategically incorporated into the main roof surface to increase their effectiveness.
But, you need to completely remove and replace your existing roof if you decide on a Tesla solar roof installation.
Also read : Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement – What To Choose?
What is the price of a Tesla solar roof?
Tesla has a solar roof calculator on its website that calculates an estimate of the cost to fit a solar roof on your home rather than directly posting prices.
The calculator is based on a number of variables, including the size of your house and your current power use.
Factors affecting the cost of a Tesla solar roof are:
The complexity of the roof
There are varying Tesla installation costs based on the intricacy of your roof. The categorization, which is broken down into simple, intermediate, and complicated, reflects how challenging it is to put a new roof on your house.
- A simple roof has a single level, a shallow pitch, and minimal obstacles
- A multi-level, intermediate roof has a greater pitch and additional obstacles
- A complicated roof has many levels, a steep slope, and numerous obstacle
Roof replacement costs
The Tesla solar roof needs a single-layer 3-tab asphalt or composition shingle roof that is less than 20 years old. Hence, any other roofing material or more complicated buildings require a complete residential roofing replacement.
This will add around $10,000 to $15,000 bucks to your total bill.
Powerwall
You must also utilize the Powerwall integrated battery system from Tesla as part of the Tesla Solar Roof package. Powerwall stores the energy produced by the solar panels throughout the day and utilizes it to power the house.
However, the number of Powerwall devices you need depends on the number of appliances you want to run on it.
The battery portion of a Powerwall now costs roughly $11,500. So, a total cost of $15,500 is reached after an additional $4,000 in installation and setup expenses.
Incentives
Incentives at the federal or state level might significantly reduce your ultimate payment. These incentives are conveniently taken into account by the Tesla Solar Roof calculator.
Installation process
It could take some time to install a Tesla Solar Roof.
- You can purchase a Tesla solar roof directly from the Tesla website by making a $100 down payment to confirm your order and calculator estimate.
- Then, Tesla uses the data you supply and satellite pictures to construct a solar roof system precisely for your home.
- But, the installation will take place after the approval and grant from authorities, which will also follow local authorities’ inspection.
- Then, they will connect Powerwall to your utility grid. However, these steps will add to your costs, so remember to consider them.
What do you need? Solar panel or Tesla solar roof
All things considered, Tesla’s Solar Roof is generally rather affordable on a per-watt average basis.
However, a few things make it difficult to compare the two directly.
For example, Tesla’s Solar Roof combines a new roof plus some PV panels in one bundle rather than just some PV solar panels. On the contrary, where your roof is capable of supporting them, traditional solar PV panels can be easily attached to an existing roof without replacing it.
You could, of course, have your old roof taken off and replaced for far less money than Tesla charges, but you wouldn’t receive the full benefits of the Solar Roof system.
However, both a conventional PV panel array and a Tesla Solar Roof will provide “free” electricity for multiple years, permitting you to save money on your electricity costs, which is the basic purpose of installation.
Conclusion
A solar roof converts sunshine into power while enhancing the aesthetics of a house.
But, before deciding to go with the Tesla solar roof installation, you should also acquire a couple of quotations from solar providers.
Nevertheless, in the end, the decision is entirely up to you.
