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Tesla’s Solar Roof: A High-Tech Solution for Energy Independence
Tesla Solar Car Roof
Tesla’s solar roof is a specialty product that replaces your existing shingles with tempered glass panels that capture and convert solar energy. It can be paired with Powerwall units for home energy storage.
The installation process for solar roofs and Powerwalls is largely the same, with some differences. It starts with a home assessment, design proposal, and permits.
How it Works
Tesla solar roofs are a lot like the company’s electric cars. They are an ambitious side project that aims to bring the engineering acumen of Tesla and their slick branding to clean energy consumer products.
Unlike a traditional solar panel, a Tesla solar roof is built with solar cells seamlessly integrated into the shingles. The shingles are designed to look like regular roofing materials and come in different styles. Tesla also offers different color options for the shingles.
However, you will need to have a Powerwall battery installed to use the solar energy generated by your roof. This makes the system expensive and limits its availability.
To get started, you’ll need to create an account on the Tesla website and upload satellite images of your home. A Tesla agent will then visit to design a system and provide an estimate. Once installed, you’ll start producing energy and saving money on your electricity bills. You can check your progress in the Tesla app.
Installation
Unlike solar panels that bolt on to your existing roof, the Tesla Solar Roof requires a full roof replacement. Although the company has said it can install the solar tiles over some newer, single-layer roof structures, most homes will need to replace their entire roof. The installation also requires at least one of Tesla’s Powerwall batteries to provide energy storage and backup.
You can request an estimate by entering your address at Tesla’s website. Keep in mind, though, that the company’s service area for its solar roof is limited.
The estimate includes the cost of removing your existing roof, and it depends on the complexity of your roof. The more complex a roof is, the higher the price, which is determined by the number of mountain planes, pitches and obstructions like skylights and vents.
If you live in an area with homeowner’s association (HOA) rules, you’ll need to get the board’s approval before scheduling your solar roof. If you need help navigating this process, contact your project advisor from the Question Center in your Tesla Account.
Warranty
Tesla’s solar roof consists of sleek, solar-powered shingles that integrate into your home design. The shingles are more durable than traditional roofing materials and feature built-in energy storage. The solar roof is compatible with Powerwall battery installation, which allows homeowners to achieve energy independence from the grid.
Unlike other solar companies, Tesla solar offers its customers an extensive warranty, including 25-year product, weatherization and module warranties. The shingles also come with a lifetime guarantee against hail damage and have an excellent performance warranty that guarantees the shingle’s output capacity will decline by no more than 0.5% per year over 20 years.
Several car manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai, are developing solar panels that can be integrated into the cars’ windows, roofs, hoods or tailgates. But Tesla’s unique offering may be the most useful. Its solar roof can be added to a Model 3 or its upcoming Cybertruck, as well as the company’s existing Roadster and SUVs.
Maintenance
While solar shingles have minimal maintenance needs, Tesla recommends you have your roof professionally cleaned every few years to prevent dust accumulation. This will typically cost around $765.
If you choose to install a Powerwall with your solar roof, the system will be covered by a 25-year warranty, which covers the product and its components, as well as the battery’s power output capacity. However, many solar customers report that they have had to deal with poor customer service from Tesla.
It’s not clear what’s happening with Tesla’s solar roof production, but the company has paused scheduling new installations in most markets in the US and is way behind its original goal of 1,000 roofs per week. That’s a shame, as the Tesla solar car roof is a compelling product for homeowners looking to add energy independence to their electric vehicles. However, most people will find that installing traditional solar panels is far more affordable. If you’re looking for a great deal on a traditional solar installation, contact local installers.
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