Tesla Solar Roof: Everything You Need to Know
The world is shifting to a green revolution and adopting eco-friendlier approaches for a clean future, and Tesla’s solar roofs are an outstanding breakthrough in this green movement. Tesla, known for its top-notch electric cars, announced these solar roofs in 2016, creating a real buzz in the solar markets.
If you want to know more about Tesla’s solar roofing before investing in them, we have covered you with our in-depth blog. So, without further ado, let’s read on further.
What are Tesla Solar Roofs?
Tesla’s subsidiary company, SolarCity manufactures Solar Roof Tesla. These roofs are distinctive because they replicate the appearance of traditional roofs. Many solar users often overlook the drawback of conventional solar panels is their lack of aesthetic appeal.
Tesla solar roof installations cater to aesthetic concerns and give roofs an appealing and modern look. Instead of multiple solar panels on a single roof, solar users can cover their entire roof with specially designed solar panel tiles.
These solar tiles, however, are not merely tiles; they are photovoltaic shingles that efficiently generate solar power just like standard solar panels. Moreover, these panels are crafted from tempered glass to safeguard the photovoltaic solar cells.
Since Tesla solar roofing is a relatively new technology, many solar users wonder how these innovative solar panels function. The short and simple answer to this question is that they work on a similar principle of converting sunlight into electricity. Tesla solar roofs also include a Powerwall battery for storing excess energy, ensuring a continuous power supply even during grid outages.
Tesla Solar Roof Tiles
A Tesla Solar Roof has a unique dual purpose. The tiles look like regular roof tiles but are made of strong glass and have solar cells that collect sunlight and turn it into electricity for your home. It fully replaces your existing roof and protects your home just like any other roof.
The Solar Roof system includes several parts: solar tiles, regular tiles, metal flashings to make the roof look good, a solar inverter, and a Tesla Powerwall battery.
Tesla Solar Roofs come in four styles: Textured Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Tuscan Glass Tile, and Smooth Glass Tile. Each style is designed to match different types of homes.
Tesla Solar Roof Tiles Warranty
Tesla offers three types of warranties, each lasting 25 years:
- Tile Warranty: Covers the glass tiles.
- Power Warranty: Covers the solar energy output.
- Weather Warranty: Ensures no water leaks or weather damage from the installation.
Is Tesla Solar Roof Worth It?
It’s essential to understand that a Tesla solar roof doesn’t consist entirely of solar tiles. The roof comprises both active and inactive shingles. Active shingles, as previously mentioned, function like regular solar panels, while inactive ones protect installation places; homes, or commercial buildings.
Despite not generating electricity, the inactive shingles are exceptionally durable and can withstand various weather conditions due to their tempered glass composition, making them sturdier than conventional roofing tiles.
Thankfully, Tesla customers have flexibility in choosing the ratio of active to inactive tiles they want. Generally, a Tesla solar roof can include between 40-70% solar tiles, with more tiles resulting in increased energy generation for solar consumers’ homes.
Although the two types may appear indistinguishable, a keen eye might spot the difference when standing on the roof. So, all in all, it’s a complete package and worth investing in.
Cost
Tesla is known for its premium products and usually costs a higher price for its solar roofs as compared to traditional solar panels. The overall cost of a Tesla solar roof is primarily determined by the size of the place it will be installed.
Other factors that play a role in the cost determination include installation expenses, necessary structural enhancements, desired energy output, and solar user location. For more precise cost estimation, it’s advisable to reach out to professional solar installers or Tesla for a quote. Generally, the cost of a Tesla roof can vary between $70,000 and $250,000.
Tesla Solar Roof Tiles vs. Solar Panels
Before comparing Tesla’s Solar Roof to traditional solar panels, it’s important to note their fundamental differences. The Solar Roof combines a roof, solar system, and Tesla powerwall battery storage, making it a unique product.
That said, here are some key differences:
- Cost: Tesla’s Solar Roof is much more expensive than traditional solar panels, even when factoring in the cost of a new roof and battery storage.
- Aesthetics: Tesla’s Solar Roof has a sleek, unobtrusive design that enhances your home’s appearance. Traditional solar panels can be more noticeable, though newer designs offer sleeker, more attractive options, including black panels that blend in better with your roof.
- Efficiency: Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles are less efficient than traditional solar panels. However, their design allows for more coverage on your roof.
- Maintenance: Tesla’s Solar Roof is low-maintenance, with self-cleaning tiles. Traditional solar panels also require minimal maintenance but may need occasional cleaning.
- Warranty: Tesla offers a 25-year warranty on the Solar Roof. Most traditional solar panels come with a 20-25-year warranty.
| Specifications | Warranty/Ratings |
| Tile Warranty | 25 years* |
| Power Warranty | 25 years* |
| Weatherization Warranty | 25 years* |
| Roof Pitch | 2:12 to 20:12 |
| Hail Rating | ANSI FM 4473 Class 3* |
| Wind Rating | ASTM D3161 Class F* |
| Fire Rating | Class A (highest rating)* |
* denotes the warranty or rating duration.
The Bottom Line
The technological advancement as in Tesla solar roofs is relatively new in solar technology compared to conventional solar PV systems. Therefore, the cost of these roofs is a significant barrier for new and existing solar consumers. We hope that as adoption rates rise, similar to other innovations, the production cost will decrease, making these technologies more accessible to the broader consumer base.
At Ultimate Solar Energy, we make your decision-making process so simple. We design customized solutions based on your requirements, using only the most premium products.
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