Tesla’s innovative Solar Roof has been all the rage in the renewable energy market. Elon Musk’s company has paved the way for homeowners to upgrade their traditional roofs to solar power units. Yet, how soon can we expect to see the widely anticipated Solar Roof become readily available to the public?
In order to understand when homeowners can expect to install the Tesla Solar Roof, it is important to know what the product is. The Solar Roof essentially replaces a home’s existing roof, acting as a shelter and providing energy needs for the entire home. The roof contains solar tiles in four different designs corresponding to black, tuscan, slate, and smooth. Unlike conventional roof tiles, the Solar Roof has been designed differently to collect and store solar energy.
These tiles have been designed to help homeowners more efficiently switch to solar power and enjoy lower energy costs, while also allowing them to benefit from any federal tax credits currently available. As the Solar Roof’s appeal continues to grow, the key question remains: when can the general public expect to install the new roofing unit on their homes?
According to an official company press release, Tesla plans to begin rolling out installations of the Solar Roof in the U.S. by the end of summer 2019. This being said, Musk has also indicated that the process of getting the Solar Roof installed on interested homes may likely take “a few months” for completion. This includes the process of preparing the roof for the product and conducting home inspections.
Considering the fact that the product is still in its early phase of development, Tesla plans to prioritize customers based on “solar panel production schedules.” While Tesla’s Solar Roof looks to be a viable option for those interested in solar energy, there are still numerous questions about pricing, panel strength, and longevity that need to be addressed.
Cost of Solar Roof
Tesla promises that the Solar Roof will be the most cost-effective option for the average homeowner. The system is expected to run between 10 and 20% cheaper than the traditional installation of both a new roof and solar panel system.
However, since Elon Musk has yet to announce official pricing details for the product, definitive statements about installation cost can’t be made. Musk has noted that the Solar Roof will cost about $21.85 for every installed square foot. However, in order to get the most accurate installation cost estimate, it is best to speak to a local Tesla engineer or installer. A Tesla representative will be able to provide a more detailed cost analysis.
It is also important to note that the Solar Roof may not be cost effective for all homes. Nikki Liston-Bolt, an energy consultant at Bright Energy Solutions, advises potential customers to have an analysis conducted of the home’s solar potential. This analysis will determine the viability of the solar roof installation.
“It’s important to understand the differences between a regular solar installation and a Solar Roof,” cautions Liston-Bolt. “The high up front cost for a solar roof is likely to be suitable for those who plan to stay in their current home for the next 25 to 35 years.”
Durability of Solar Roof
Tesla representatives have noted that their Solar Roof tiles are supposed to last twice as long as a traditional roof, with an estimated lifespan of 50 years. While this has yet to be independently verified, the company currently offers a guarantee covering any broken solar tiles for the life of the roof and the warranty will be transferable to the next owner of the home.
It is also important to take into consideration the actual strength of the solar tiles. According to one report, the tiles experienced slight involuntary cracking in a “certain roof load” test and therefore may be able to safely withstand a limited weight capacity. Again, further testing is needed in order to fully understand the “true weight load” capabilities of the Solar Roof system.
Installation of the Solar Roof also poses certain challenges, including the possible removal of existing roofing materials. This could lead to further complications and costs associated with repairing, replacing or maintaining the underlying roofing structure.
Overall Efficiency
In order for a homeowner to get the most out of the Solar Roof, efficiency needs to be considered. Unfortunately, due to the low profile design of the solar tiles, efficiency might be compromised. Reports indicate that the efficiency of the product is frequently up to 20% lower than a conventional solar panel system.
Some experts have argued that this decreased efficiency could reduce the savings for homeowners. Tesla maintains that, through “focused on-site engineering,” the system should be able to fully replenish a home’s energy demands. That being said, Tesla has yet to offer an independent analysis demonstrating the overall efficiency of the system.
To date, no homeowner has had an opportunity to test the solar roof. This means that several of the key efficiency components, such as power savings and costs to install, are still unknown. It is recommended that potential customers assess their own home’s energy needs before taking any action. Consulting a local electrician or a Tesla representative should provide a more comprehensive analysis.
Weather Considerations
One of the main drawbacks to the Solar Roof is its inability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Reports indicate that under heavy wind and rain, the roof has a tendency to excessively flex, which can lead to an increased risk of debris entering the roof tiles and even eventual damage to the system.
Considering these weather conditions are “becoming more extreme due to climate change,” many experts are concerned that this could create further risks for owners of the Solar Roof. Furthermore, since the Solar Roof has only limited water resistance, it could be difficult to keep your roof protected when it rains or hails.
For customers who live in extreme climate conditions, Tina Cauley, of Renewable Energy Support States, suggests looking into roofing materials that may be better equipped to handle extreme weather. “I would recommend researching rubber tile and metal roofing materials as they are usually more durable and could provide a better layer of protection when exposed to extreme changes in temperature and weather,” explains Cauley.
Verdict on Solar Roof Availability
In short, it appears that the long-anticipated solar roof from Tesla is finally becoming closer to becoming available for the mainstream. While we all wait for the official rollout to begin, it is important for potential customers to remain diligent in their research of the product, including its efficiency, durability, and cost.
The information available to date seems to be promising, but further testing and independent verification is needed in order to gain a better understanding of the product. Tesla representatives have also made it clear that the Solar Roof will have limited availability in the near future, due to production and scheduling constraints.
The allure of the Solar Roof is undeniable, yet since it is still relatively new, it is important for homeowners to do their due diligence and see if the product is a suitable fit for their needs. Those looking to install the Solar Roof should consult a qualified professional and perform a full energy audit in order to see if the product is viable for their home.
