What is the Tesla Solar Roof?
The Tesla Solar Roof is a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system that serves as both a roofing material and a solar energy generator.
Tesla's system is one of many "solar panels" currently available on the market. These products are alternatives to solar panels that are similar to traditional roofing materials, but still produce clean energy. (It's important to note that the Tesla Solar Roof is different from Tesla solar panels, which have a more conventional design.)
» LEARN: How do solar panels work?
Tesla's solar roof, in particular, has garnered media and consumer attention since its introduction by the Texas-based auto and clean energy giant in the late 2010s. However, a March 2023 study he estimated that only 3,000 Tesla rooftop solar systems were installed nationwide. (Tesla Energy responded to a report about the study, calling it "largely false.")
To learn more about Tesla's solar rooftop, we spoke to Casey Swyers, a solar contractor and electrician in Takoma Park, Maryland. "People like solar roofs because they look like a regular roof, but they also produce electricity," he explained. "Up close you can see that it's different, but to the untrained eye you may not notice it at first."
Robin, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from New Jersey, agrees: “I finally settled on the Tesla solar roof (brick, no panels) and I couldn't be happier. …The product looks great and in my opinion is the best sunscreen product currently available on the market. You can't even say you have solar panels. From a distance it looks like slate. If you want to see what a solar roof looks like outside of Tesla's marketing materials, check out this review by Ken, a reviewer for ConsumerAffairs in New York.
Physically, Tesla's solar roof consists of energy-generating glass solar panels and premium-grade steel plates designed to provide protection from all weather conditions. Once installed, the roof and energy-generating materials of a Tesla solar roof are warranted for 25 years.
Most new solar panels are expected to produce energy efficiently for 25-30 years.
Tesla solar roof buyers must also install at least one Powerwall battery on their solar roof. While energy storage isn't always necessary with other brands of solar panels and solar shingle products, a mandatory energy wall ensures that your solar roof will operate without grid in the event of a power outage.
» LEARN: What is an off-grid solar system?
Tesla solar roof cost
Since every project is different, the price of your Tesla solar roof will depend on:
- The size and features of your home.
- How many Powerwall batteries do you need?
- Availability and pricing of installation services in your area.
For a more accurate estimate of rooftop solar costs, contact the source directly and visit the Tesla website to schedule a virtual consultation with a consultant. During this meeting, the consultant can provide you with an accurate quote for your individual project or refer you to a local specialist.
Tesla previously offered price estimates directly on its website, but that functionality has been removed, allowing consumers to self-gather pricing information if they're not yet ready to schedule a consultation. That's why we've rounded up a few testimonials from Tesla customers and other trusted sources below to help you understand how much a solar roof can cost.
When we asked solar entrepreneur Swyers how much Tesla's solar roofs cost, he said it was “hard to say because we're all so different. He added: “I have seen quotes of over $100,000. However."
Swyers data can be compared with various online reports. Rebecca, a reviewer for ConsumerAffairs in New York, said her solar roof cost five times what it would have cost for a regular roof, a $600 monthly payment. A traditional roof replacement typically costs around $10,000. So a five times more expensive solar roof seems to confirm Swyers' price range.
Bob Villa and Home Guide also estimate that Tesla solar roofs cost between $60,000 and $150,000 before filing for tax credits (with a national average of $105,000). However, the last point is important.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit can reduce the net cost of your Tesla solar roof by up to 30%. It does this by providing an income tax credit based on the full value of the green energy components in your system. This narrows the range these sites report from $60,000 to $150,000 to $42,000 to $105,000, with an average of $73,500.
Residential solar systems typically cost between $3 and $5 per watt.
Again, these savings are not just theoretical. For example, we found a March 2023 post on Reddit showing a solar roof project proposal from a certified Tesla installer near Seattle that is very close to the high end of this price range. The estimated cost of the system was approximately $156,000, with a tax credit of nearly $47,000, for a total investment of $109,000 and $11.20 per watt.
While we were researching this article, technical YouTuber Marques Brownlee posted a video where he claims to have spent approximately $93,000 on a large (~29 kilowatt) rooftop solar system using three Powerwall batteries. Brownlee's gross would have been about $121,000, but he got a smaller tax credit (only about $28,000, or about 23.5% of his total) because he placed his order before the tax credit expired. This brought Brownlee's final cost per watt to a significantly lower $3.17.
MORE: How Much Will Solar Panels Cost in 2023?
Is Tesla's Solar Roof Worth It?
So far we have found that a solar roof is a significant expense and we understand that many people simply cannot afford the $60,000 to $120,000 for a solar energy system. Assuming you can foot the bill, is it worth installing a solar roof? It really depends what you compare it to.
| option | Is a solar roof economically viable? |
|---|---|
| without solar energy | Maybe, but it depends on the power consumption. |
| conventional solar panels | Probably not, but it might come in handy if you need a new roof. |
| Solar panels from other manufacturers | Maybe if you want battery conservation and premium features |
Tesla's solar peak versus grid power
Using electricity directly from your solar roof or Powerwall instead of utility power can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills, especially in areas where peak hours depend on energy demand. However, if you don't use a lot of electricity to start with, the high cost of a Tesla solar roof may not be worth it.
Let's say you and your partner already drive two Tesla electric vehicles. However, recharging your EVs at home can add a large portion of your home's front-of-house electrical consumption, powering your high-energy appliances through your solar home to other operating expenses each month.
Typically, it takes about 10 years for a residential solar system to show a positive return on investment.
Eventually, these savings add up, and if your lifetime savings are more than what you spent on the system, your solar roof essentially pays for itself. YouTuber Brownlee, for example, reported a 9.6 year ROI based on how well his system performed in the first year he owned it.
On the other hand, if your electricity consumption is low, it may take much longer for your solar roof to generate a net benefit. Think of it this way: Your solar roof comes with a 25-year manufacturer's warranty, and if your total energy bills over the next 25 years are less than you'd spend on a solar roof, it's unlikely you'll save any money. . in this period.
Speaking with Swyers, the DC-area solar entrepreneur summed it up well, saying, “Because (rooftop solar) is so expensive, you have to give it your all. It works best for people with high electricity consumption and very large utility bills.
MORE: Are Solar Panels Worth Using?
Solar roof Tesla vs solar panels
When deciding between a Tesla solar roof and traditional solar panels, your decision may depend on how old your home's roof is. For example, if you've invested more than $10,000 in a new roof in the last five years, there's no point in replacing it with hundreds of new solar shingles when you can install solar panels (at the same electricity output). capacity) at a lower price.
MORE: Should You Replace Your Roof Before Going Solar?
However, if a new roof is needed, the value of the sunroof increases significantly. Robin, the reviewer from New Jersey mentioned above, found himself in such a situation: “I needed a new roof anyway, so I went for [a solar roof] with 2 spare PowerWall batteries.
However, it's worth doing the math and getting quotes to see if a new roof made of asphalt shingles and traditional solar panels will end up being cheaper than a solar roof. Swyers told us: “Things can change, who knows, but in most cases regular solar panels are 9 times out of 10 cheaper than rooftop ones. »
Such was the case for reviewer Joseph of New York ConsumerAffairs, who said, “I've turned to solar energy primarily for a tax credit, but also as a backup power solution. SunPower panels offered the best in high-performance panels. relation. Tesla's solar roof was very nice, but expensive and offered little for future expansion. »
Of course, if the difference in overall performance is small, most people would prefer the Tesla solar roof look to the stark aesthetics of solar panels. Lenford, a reviewer for California ConsumerAffairs, reported that "after I install a Tesla solar roof, people come up to me asking about my new roof, and I always get compliments."
» OTHER: Solar panels or solar panels
Tesla solar roof versus solar shingles
The Tesla Solar Roof is probably the most popular solar panel product, but that doesn't mean it's your only option. Numerous other national and international manufacturers offer similar roof tiles, shingles and solar facades.
Tesla's solar panel market segment is likely to appeal more to people who are looking for a premium product and are willing to pay for it. For example, a powerwall can add about $10,000 to overall costs, so solar roofs are often more expensive upfront than alternatives that don't require battery storage. With the Tesla app, you can also easily monitor and control your roof and other Tesla products from your smartphone.
As with most good purchases, it's helpful to read reviews and get ratings on different options so you can compare before making a decision. The opinions on our site that mention the sunroof are mixed. Some users report good results and good customer service, others report extended periods where their solar roofs have been unable to produce electricity.
Keith, a Utah-based ConsumerAffairs reviewer, reported some setup issues with his sunroof: “I really wanted to like the system. I think it's a great product. But because their customer service is bad, unhelpful, and even rude, I can't recommend Tesla for home solar power.
MORE: Is It Worth It?
Frequent questions
How does installing a Tesla solar roof work?
Unlike traditional roof-mounted solar panels, the Tesla Solar Roof actually replaces the shingles or shingles on your home. For this reason the Tesla solar roof installation process begins with the tearing down of the existing roof.
According to the company's support forum, installing a Tesla solar roof takes five to seven business days, but the time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the project. Once your system is installed and the project has received an Operating Permit (PTO) from the local utility company and building authority, you can officially start using your solar roof.
Depending on where you live, Tesla may not install your Tesla roof directly. Instead, the company has a growing network of “Tesla Certified” companies and contractors who can design, install and connect Tesla solar roofs.
Is a Tesla Solar Roof Eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit?
All photovoltaic components and batteries in Tesla solar roofs are eligible for the federal solar energy tax credit. At the time of this publication, the federal solar tax credit aims to reduce the total capital cost of solar energy and battery systems by up to 30 percent by 2032.
How long does a Tesla solar roof last?
While the product is too new for actual case studies, Tesla's solar roof comes with a warranty that guarantees reasonable performance for 25 years. This roughly corresponds to the expected lifetime of conventional solar PV modules.
the net result
If you want to discover and explore your options beyond the Tesla solar roof, you'll want to contact some of the best solar companies in your area. With a variety of options, you can compare proposals and quotes to make the best decision for your property's renewable energy project.
- article sources
- The authors of ConsumerAffairs base their work primarily on government data, industry experts, and original research from other reputable publications. Resources specific to this article include:
- CNBC: “Tesla has installed just 3,000 rooftop solar systems in the United States, far below projections, according to study. Accessed August 11, 2023.
- Bob Villa, "How Much Does a Tesla Solar Roof Cost?" Accessed August 11, 2023.
- Getting Started Guide, Tesla Solar Roof Cost. Accessed August 11, 2023.
- Tesla, "sunroof". Accessed August 21, 2023.
- Marques Brownlee, "Tesla Solar Roof Review: Was It Worth It?" Accessed August 11, 2023.
- Tesla Energy: “This is absolutely false. Accessed August 21, 2023.
1 year with the Tesla solar roof: answers to the 11 most frequently asked questions + current production data and electricity bills.
