What are Tesla Solar Roof Tiles
The Tesla Solar Roof is a seamless way of integrating Solar PV technology into homes across the globe. Available in 4 different styles (Textured, Smooth, Tuscan or Slate), Tesla have cleverly manufactured a Solar Panel, that looks exactly like an ordinary roof tile. Each roof tile includes a highly-efficient solar cell, which has been developed in partnership with Panasonic, to work just the same way as a Solar Panel does.
In the long run, Tesla declares that their solar roof will work out cheaper than a regular roof. Due to its ability to generate electricity from a free energy source (the sun). This makes the Tesla solar roof tile perfect for homeowners who want to power their home using solar energy in style.
Tesla Solar Roof Tile Specs
- Textured effect glass tile.
- Dimensions per Solar Tile: 15 inches (H) by 45 inches (L).
- Suitable for Roof’s of a pitch between 9.5-59°
- Leading fire, wind and hail ratings.
- Able to withstand winds up to 166 miles per hour.
- App Monitoring and Powerwall Solar Battery Pairing.
- Tile warranty: 25 years (covers the tile glass).
- Power warranty: 25 years (covers the output).
- Weatherization warranty: 25 years (covers water leaks).
The Advantages Of Tesla Solar Roof
- Durability. Manufactured from tempered glass, Tesla's Solar Roof tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles. Engineered for all-weather protection, meaning no water leaks. Furthermore, a Solar tile Roof can last longer than an average roof and has been designed to protect your home for decades to come.
- Perfect For Listed Buildings. Many listed properties aren't allowed to have solar panels due to their aesthetic impact. However solar tiles may be a viable alternative, as are integrated Solar Panels.
- Powerwall Compatibility. The Tesla solar tiles have been designed to work hand-in-hand with Tesla Powerwall 2.
- Remote Access. With the Tesla app, you can monitor your energy production in real time. Control your system from anywhere with instant alerts and remote access.
- Lifetime Guarantee. There is a lifetime guarantee that comes with the solar tiles and also a 30 year guarantee on both the power technology and against weather damage.
Discover more about Solar Roof tiles, including alternatives to the Tesla tile.
The Disadvantages Of Tesla Solar Roof
- An Expensive Solar Switch. The Tesla roof tiles are a hefty solar investment. Especially when considering you have to tile your entire roof. The typical homeowner can expect to pay $21.85 per or £16.71 square foot for Solar Roof. Working out to £38,300 for a 3,000 sf home. Nevertheless, Tesla believes the increase in property value and decrease in energy bills makes it worth the investment.
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Increased Installation Times. Solar roof tiles can only be fitted if the entire roof is replaced. Even if you only want a portion to be covered with solar tiles. Not only is this a costly inconvenience, but it also means installation times are much longer compared to a standard Solar Panel installation.
For example, when San Jose resident Tri Huynh had a Tesla solar roof installed in 2018, it required 10-15 people and took a fortnight. In contrast, Solar Panels can be installed in just one or two days. - Low Efficiency. Solar roof tiles are also less efficient at producing electricity than solar panels, which means homeowners and businesses would be paying more for a less effective product simply because they look nicer.
- Limited Warranty. For now, all warranties and ratings apply to the United States only.
- Limited Availability. Telsa Roof tiles aren't available to buy just of yet! In May 2017, the Tesla Solar Roof Tile became available to preorder in the UK, however ever since launch has continuously been delayed. Leaving many solar tile fans skeptical whether or not Tesla have the ability to make their dreams a reality.
Alternatives to A Tesla Solar Roof
For now the Tesla Solar roof appears to be on hold. However, this doesn’t mean you still can’t generate your own solar energy in style. Integrated Solar Panels are a great alternative to solar roof tiles, with far less drawbacks. To find out if integrated Solar Panels are the right solar solution for your home get in touch on 01322 479369. Alternatively, simply click enquire now to fill out our short form, to get connected to a Solar Energy advisor.
If it’s updates on the Tesla Solar Roof you are after, make sure to follow us on our social media channels. We are on the case, and will be the first to let you know when the solar tiles are finally available in the UK.
