Whos The Market For Teslas Solar Tiles
At such a high cost, whos the market for Teslas solar shingles? $40k for a 2,000 square foot home? Thats quite an investment. At such high cost, youve got yourself a niche product, at least until the price comes down a bit.
Obviously people buy cars that cost $30k to $40k, typically by taking out a loan. Were sure the same thing will happen with these solar shingles as well. However, with the majority of the population having less than $1,000 in their bank account, a $40k investment in roof shingles is a longshot for most of the population.
Instead, just like Teslas incredible automobiles, the well-to-do are the likely early adopters of Teslas shingles. This isnt such a bad thing though. The same thing happened with traditional solar panels as well: they were expensive at first and only a handful of wealthier homeowners could afford to install them. However, as more people jumped on the trend, panel production increased, prices dropped, and more and more people could go solar.
In fact, this was Elon Musks exact plan with their own electric vehicles: make a high-end product while the technology is expensive, then produce cars for the masses once the technology drops in price. This is a plan he adopted at the very outset of Tesla and made public back in 2006. Talk about vision!
Images Courtesy of Tesla
Option #: Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla solar has their own solar panels, which are designed to be more pleasing to the eye. The concealed edges make the Teslas panels look more natural as a part of the roof, and they help prevent debris and animals from getting under the panels. Tesla panels also have no visible grid on the panels themselves, giving them a smoother, more minimalist look. Perhaps the biggest difference, however, is their ability for Tesla panels to be connected to the Tesla Powerwall, their energy storage technology. This allows a Tesla home to be powered by stored energy, even when the grid power is out and the sun is down!
Tesla Solar Roof Cost: Is It Worth It
That depends on the situation! While Tesla claims its third-generation tiles are competitive with the cost of a roof plus solar, it’s still a big ask to replace the roof. If you don’t need to spend the money it might be worth looking at alternatives like a retrofit. There’s also a number of competitors on the market like Luma Solar, which may be worth exploring before taking the plunge.
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Solar Panels Vs Tesla Solar Roof: Which One Is Better
Generally speaking, on a per watt average cost, Tesla’s Solar Roof is actually pretty reasonable, all things considered. According to some estimates, in the United States, Tesla’s come in at around $1.80 per watt. Traditional solar PV panels tend to cost around $3.00 per watt.
However, any direct comparison between the two is complicated by a few factors. The first is that Tesla’s Solar Roof is not just some PV solar panels but actually a new roof and some PV panels in one package.
Traditional solar PV panels are where your roof can handle it, simply mounted to an existing roof without needing to replace it. So, in order to provide a fair comparison, we’ll need to do a like-for-like summing up.
For the second example we gave above, a similar install would require the old roof to be removed and replaced with new roofing. This would cost around $935 for the tear-down and $11,900 for the new roof. If a 6.14 kW solar panel array was then also added at a cost of $3.00 per watt, the total cost for all works should be in the order of $18,420, give or take.
Based on this kind of comparison, the Tesla Solar Roof is clearly quite a bit more expensive – just under 40% more in fact.
However, remember a large part of this additional cost is Tesla’s relatively higher rates for roof tear-downs and disposal. Additionally, the replacement roof material is much more expensive than something like asphalt shingles.
sl-f/iStock
So, how do they stack up on the payback front?
Frequently Asked Questions About The Tesla Solar Roof
While the cost of switching to solar is high, and the news and information surrounding Tesla Solar Roofs can be confusing or nearly obsolete, its important to research each product, company, and topic before making a decision. Learn more about the Tesla Solar Roof by reading these commonly asked questions:
Is Tesla currently installing solar roofs?
Depending on your location, Tesla will send its own installers or contractors to set up your system after purchasing a Solar Roof.
Are Tesla roofs durable?
Tesla claims that their shingles are three times stronger than the average roof tile and are built to endure all weather conditions. They have the highest fire rating and are built to withstand 110 mph winds , so you can feel confident even in extreme weather conditions.
How long will a Tesla Solar Roof last?
Tesla offers a 25-year warranty on the systems tiles, power, and weatherization. Plus, its inverter has a 12.5-year warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind regarding their investment.
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Tesla Solar Roof Cost: Is It Worth The Premium
To best explain Teslas Solar Roof cost and price premium, well provide an example of a household shopping for a traditional solar panel system. Well use this example to show how the cost of the Tesla roof compares to traditional solar panel systems based on the roofs complexity and size. Well explore four different scenarios based on what this household is seeking read on to see which describes you best!
Is The Tesla Solar Roof Worth It
Were going to cut to the chase – for most homeowners, the Tesla Solar Roof isnt a worthwhile investment. Installing traditional solar panels is going to be cheaper, no matter how you slice it. Even if you also need a new roof, Teslas roofing material and removal costs are so high that unless you were already planning on getting a premium roof installed, its going to be more expensive than it needs to be.
Even in scenarios where the price of a Solar Roof is competitive, were not so sure its the right way to go solar. For one thing, Tesla is notorious for having subpar customer service when it comes to their energy division. You can see for yourself in Teslas customer reviews here on SolarReviews. People have reported waiting weeks to hear back from their Tesla advisors if there is an issue with their system.
Tesla is also extremely unreliable. Despite being introduced in 2016, Tesla didnt start installing Solar Roofs until 2018, and its still unknown how many have actually been installed. Then in mid-2020, Tesla started canceling Solar Roof preoders after homeowners had paid their deposits – claiming the sites werent within their service territory. And not long after, Tesla changed the prices of Solar Roof installations for homeowners who already signed contracts. If you cant even trust that theyll honor their contract – what can you trust them about?
Calculate how quickly a solar installation would pay for itself after rebates
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How Long Is The Installation Time For A Tesla Solar Roof
Exact installation time depends on the size of your roof and how difficult the installation process is. However, Tesla states that most installations take approximately one week to complete. Keep in mind that the entire process may be delayed if there are issues with third-party authorizations, financing or even the weather.
How Teslas Calculator Works
Tesla eventually plans to offer four styles of tile, but currently, only two are available: smooth glass, for a contemporary look, and textured glass, which is designed to mimic the look of asphalt shingles. Each style of glass tile comes in both solar and non-solar tiles, which have different prices .
Teslas online cost calculator uses your address to determine the ratio of solar to non-solar tiles your house would need to get 100 percent of your energy from solar . The calculator deducts the upfront cost of the roof and the Powerwall battery from the cost of what youd otherwise spend on energy over 30 years. That estimate is based on the price of electricity where you live, assuming a 2 percent increase in your utility bill each year.
The 30-year timeframe matches Teslas warranties both on power generation and weatherization for the Solar Roof the company claims that the tiles themselves are guaranteed for the life of your home.
Teslas calculator factors in a 30 percent Solar Investment Tax Credit, but not the incentives and credits that are available from various states and local utilities.
A financing option in the solar calculator uses the same ratio of solar to non-solar tiles and divides the cost, with interest, into payments over 30 years. It then compares those monthly payments to your hypothetical savings in electricity to calculate the net cost or savings per month when Solar Roof is financed.
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How Accurate Is Teslas Solar Roof Cost Estimator
What makes the Tesla Solar Roof bidding process so convenient is the instant price estimate from their website. When you go to the Tesla Solar Roof website you can get an instant quote by inputting your address and average electricity bill amount. Out pops a detailed quote.
For my project, the initial quote stayed the same throughout the project.
Tesla uses satellite imaging to determine the complexity and size of your roof. They use the local electricity rates for your zip code to calculate the size of the solar system.
A Tesla Site Inspector will visit your home to take accurate measurements when they are preparing for the install.
I was impressed with this level of accurate quoting. Or, they lost money on my project. Either way, the quoting process was simple and transparent for my project.
Tesla does specify the solar roof cost may change if the roof is deemed to be more complex than they first recognize. Based on the satellite imaging, they apply a roof complexity factor to your quote. This complexity factor reflects a roof with more gables, valleys, and other roof shapes to work around.
See the print on their website, it is part of the quote and they dont hide the reasons why the cost may change.
When Will The Tesla Solar Roof Arrive In North Carolina
A few installers have started to offer Teslas solar roof in North Carolina. Right now, NC homeowners who are getting solar shingles installed are paying a price premium to be in the front of the line.
As a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer, weve talked with Tesla about the solar roof and previewed the product. At this point, were continuing to offer Teslas traditional PV panels, but not their shingle roof material. We love the Poweralls, solar panels, and solutions Tesla continues to put out, but since their solar roof product is still so new, with such complex technology behind it, we dont want our customers to be first in line to experience the kinks of a first generation product. We know the Tesla solar roof is going to be a game changer and well be on board as soon as we feel that this product has proven long term success for our customers.
If getting Teslas solar roof is make or break for you on your solar journey, we have good news there are other solar companies in NC that have taken on rolling out this product! Tesla is also currently taking $100 refundable deposits to hold your place in line through their online ordering portal. That being said, there is no guarantee for when your solar roof will be installed .
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Convert Web Visitors Into Customers
With our Tesla Solar Panel Cost Calculator, you can engage with current and new customers on a whole new level.
Our Tesla Solar Panel Cost Calculator provides the following:
- Real-time estimates with dynamic pricing. Adjust your pricing based on distance between you and the customer and more.
- Recommend system power generation size based on roof size.
- Calculate shipping, permitting, and installation.
- Embed on virtually any website: Wix, WordPress, and more.
- Integrate leads into your CRM
- Allow customers to place deposits on their solar panel quote and pay online.
- Offer Tesla Powerwalls and more.
How Long Does It Take For Solar Panels To Pay For Themselves
The short answer is about 6-10 years. However, a lot of factors go into calculating the point at which you will break even for the cost of the solar installation.
- Price of the system This is the price of the solar panels , along with necessary hardware, installation, etc. This amount will depend primarily on the capacity of the solar installation, but also on your location and the solar company you choose.
- Incentives and rebates These can be in the form of federal, state, or local rebates, tax credits, etc.
- Electricity usage The more electricity you use, the bigger the system you will need to offset the costs. At the same time, higher usage will ultimately create more opportunity to save money, and this means less time that it will take for you to break even on your solar investment.
- Electricity generation Ideally, you want a system that matches your usage as closely as possible. If you buy too big a system, it will generate far more solar electricity than you can use. You will pay more for a bigger installation, only to waste a large part of what you are producing. With all this waste, it will take a lot longer for those solar panels to pay for themselves. On the other hand, if your system isnt big enough, you are not saving all the money you could. Your initial investment will be lower, but the system wont be able to generate enough solar electricity to make much of a difference.
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Tesla Solar Panels: Reviews Services And Costs
In this article: History and availability| Pros and cons| Panel options| Installation and services| Warranties| Cost and payment options| Tesla solar reviews | The bottom line | FAQs | Methodology
Tesla may be known for revolutionizing the automotive industry through its economic electric vehicles , but does Elon Musks company do the same for solar energy? Since Tesla acquired SolarCity in 2016, the company has offered solar panel systems, including its unique solar roof, across the United States.
We at the Home Media reviews team know that a solar power system is a serious investment. We determined the best solar companies in the United States through in-depth comparisons of each provider to national averages, customer review analysis and more. We have compiled our findings and recommendations about Tesla Solar in this easy-to-understand review.
Tesla Solar Roof: Calculating Roi For Your Clients
As more integrators engage in offering energy creation, storage and management systems for their clients, they can expect to hear more customers asking about the most recognized brand name in the space: Tesla. Founder Elon Musk has done a great job garnering attention for not only himself, but for his products, from the Tesla high-end electric vehicles to the Powerwall home battery. But what about the new Tesla Solar Roof tiles unveiled by the company last fall?
Integrator Jordan Wills of Cloud9 Smart Home in New York City investigated the costs and return on investment of the Tesla Solar Roof for his clients. His conclusion it takes a leap of faith by clients to make the investment, but it could be worth it.
Here is his review:
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How Much Electricity Does A Tesla Solar Roof Generate
The amount of electricity a Tesla Solar Roof generates depends on the amount of solar shingles that have been installed. Tesla will estimate your energy requirements based on your current electric bill and the size of your home, and provide you with a system that should more than meet your energy needs.
How Long Does The Tesla Solar Roof Last
Teslas solar shingles are designed with durability in mind and have a Class 3 hail rating, the second highest rating available, as well as the highest fire rating possible.
Plus, the Tesla Solar Roof is covered by a 25-year product warranty, a 25-year module warranty, and a 25-year weatherization warranty. So, just like traditional solar panels, you can expect the Tesla Solar Roof to last at least 25 years.
The 25-year product warranty exceeds solar industry standards, with most solar panels offering between 10 and 12-year product warranties. The 25-year module warranty covers the active solar shingles and gives you an idea of how much power the shingles will provide you as they age. This warranty falls right in line with solar industry standards – its not bad, but its nothing impressive either.
The weatherization warranty is designed to cover the roofing aspect of the Solar Roof. Like most shingle warranties, its prorated, meaning how much is covered depends on how long youve had the roof. You can probably find shingle warranties out there that provide a little more coverage than Teslas, but its not horrible.
The Tesla Powerwall is covered by a separate 10-year warranty.
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