What is the Tesla Solar Roof, how does it work and how much does it cost?
The Tesla Solar Roof was first announced in 2016 by CEO Elon Musk. It is a roofing system consisting of glass tiles installed with photovoltaic cells that are used to generate electricity from the energy emitted by the sun.
With its sleek design, this system is both aesthetically pleasing and efficient without sacrificing the aesthetic integrity of your home. Here’s everything you need to know about Tesla’s Solar Roof, along with additional products that can improve the efficiency of the Solar Roof.
What does the Tesla Solar Roof look like?
One of the main advantages of the Tesla solar roof is that it is virtually indistinguishable from the traditional tiles and shingles that many homes already have. Unlike traditional solar panels that are typically mounted on a roof, Tesla Solar Panels are designed to look like classic shingles or roof tiles.
As they blend seamlessly into the roof, homeowners can harness solar energy while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of their home. Conversely, those who use traditional solar panels sacrifice a bit of their home’s exterior because they extend above the existing roofline.
The Tesla Solar Roof works differently than a traditional solar panel, although it is relatively more efficient than any traditional solar panel. In addition, the tiles are extremely durable and long-lasting thanks to the construction of tempered glass tiles. Because this material is highly resistant to cracks and breaks, tempered glass is commonly used for mobile phone screen protectors.
In addition, the photovoltaic cells are designed to withstand the most extreme weather conditions such as hail, strong winds and temperature fluctuations. This is important for those who live in areas that experience all types of climates. Best of all, each tile comes with a 25-year warranty that backs up its durability claims.
Tracking regeneration and usage is as easy as navigating the Tesla app. Navigation in the Tesla app allows you to track the recovery and use of your fireplace, while giving you full control and immediate alerts of any violations.
Do you need a Tesla Powerwall to use the solar roof?
The Tesla Solar Roof is a product on its own, but when paired with the right products, it becomes a force to be reckoned with. If the solar roof is responsible for the regeneration process, Tesla’s Powerwall is responsible for the storage aspect of the solar system. So every solar roof purchase includes Tesla’s Powerwall to take full advantage of the system.
The Tesla Powerwall is an integrated battery system that stores your home’s solar energy for backup protection in the event of a power outage. Since the Powerwall has a built-in solar inverter, the system automatically kicks in to keep your appliances running as soon as it detects a fault in your power supply. This differs from Tesla’s Solar Inverter, which mediates the energy your roof gets when using traditional solar panels.
The two Powerwall models available (Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+) have an energy capacity of 12.5 kWh, which is highly dependent on the amount of solar energy available. As expected, winter months and cloudy days are least effective and vice versa. At its highest efficiency, a Powerwall unit can power your home for 2.5 days. It is possible to combine multiple Powerwall units to have more spare capacity, but most will be satisfied with two units.
How efficient is the Tesla solar roof?
The energy efficiency of the Tesla Solar Roof really sets it apart from other units on the market. The on-board photovoltaic cells can convert sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of up to 22%, which is significantly higher than the typical efficiency of traditional solar panels of 15%.
Each pebble is rated at about 72 watts of power, and thanks to its small structure, it doesn’t take long to replicate the regenerative capacity of a traditional solar panel. As a result, homeowners can generate more electricity with fewer solar panels, which can help reduce the overall cost of the product. Plus, homeowners who go solar can get a 30% tax credit, effectively increasing the dollar value of their home!
How much does it cost to install a Tesla solar roof?
While the Tesla Solar Roof has advantages over traditional solar panels, it is significantly more expensive than its counterparts. Although the initial investment is larger, the Tesla Solar Roof’s superior energy efficiency and simplified installation process make the initial cost well worth it.
Shingles themselves are cheaper to install at $1.80 per watt, while traditional solar panels cost about $3. Even with cheaper units, it’s the installation process that causes your bill to increase. Removing your existing roof covers a large portion of the cost, around $6,500. All of this is included in the installation process, although you can skip this step if you already have a suitable roof.
Other major costs are other aspects of the installation process, such as electrical work and obtaining permits. This eliminates the headaches and potential hassles of hiring the right contractors for each job. All told, the cost of installing a Tesla solar roof is between $30,000 and $60,000, depending on the size of your home.
Tesla’s solar roof is small and efficient
It is clear that the Tesla Solar Roof is an innovative product that could revolutionize solar electricity. While not for everyone, it offers insight into how solar energy can play a role in our lives as we transition to renewable energy.
Many states and localities offer financial incentives to homeowners who go solar to offset the large initial investment. As part of promoting cleaner energy, there are always ways to save! As the cost of battery materials decreases and their development advances, the true potential of solar energy remains to be discovered.
