Sun-based energy systems are often associated with the classic solar array, which is made up of several large, flat, dark-colored panels that point upward to absorb the sun’s energy and transform that energy into useful electricity. Look closely at some roofs, however, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
As of 2016, Tesla debuted a brand-new product. Yes, it’s that Tesla. Tesla opted to transform every shingle into a solar panel instead of solar panels that sit in your front yard or stand out on your roof. Your home will be powered by sunlight instead of traditional electricity with a Tesla solar roof.
As a result of some hiccups, Tesla has revealed plans to double down on the concept and make what is presently an expensive endeavor into a reality for consumers, according to the firm. If you have a comment, please contact Tesla’s public relations department. As a result, homeowners are faced with a dilemma: Should they choose for the regular solar panel or the less intrusive (but less proven) Tesla solar roof?
Solar panels
In recent years, solar panels have gained in popularity and become more affordable. If you choose, you can install an array on your roof or in your yard. As a renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, there are many different brands and types of solar panels. These panels can be pricey, and some are more difficult to install than others, depending on the manufacturer. There are a few exceptions to this rule: lower energy bills, a less carbon impact, and a rise in home value.
Tesla solar roof
The Tesla solar roof offers all of the tremendous promises that you would expect from the innovative firm created by Elon Musk. Instead of using panels, the notion turns the entire roof into your solar array. The Tesla solar roof uses tempered glass panels that replace your conventional shingles, offering the same protection you’d expect from a traditional roof while simultaneously catching solar energy. The Tesla solar roof is unique but less proven and tougher to transfer to another home if you move because they are custom manufactured for each roof.
Solar panels or a Tesla solar roof?
Pricing
Price is a hard factor when it comes to solar systems since a lot of it is going to be reliant on what your house and property are capable of supporting. There is the cost of solar panels, the infrastructure needed to support them, the installation fees — and you have to account for the actual capacity of the system. In both cases, you can get tax credits and other incentives for installing these systems, so that will help to lessen the expense slightly. Research estimates solar panels cost between $15,000 and $25,000 to purchase and install.
For the sake of simplicity: traditional solar panels are cheaper than the Tesla solar roof in terms of the entire cost. Tesla has also had some issues keeping the price down for its solar roof system, which has been a point of worry for some users. Various media accounts have suggested that pricing can scale from $30,000 to $75,000, with some buyers estimating installation expenses as high as $100,000. The price has also shifted substantially without warning, which has led to individuals feeling caught off guard by the cost.
However, in terms of cost per watt, the solar roof will be more cost-effective than other options. As such, the higher upfront cost — which in some circumstances can be nearly double that of regular solar panels — may not be worth it, especially when coupled with the Tesla Powerwall battery for energy storage, which raises the price even further.
Installation
The installation of solar energy systems can be a difficult and time-consuming operation. They can be installed either on your roof or on the ground depending on how your property is laid out. Because it requires a complete roof replacement, the Tesla solar roof can only be placed on a roof. For this reason, finding a competent installation can be difficult with the Tesla solar roof system.
Solar power capabilities
In terms of the actual ability to create solar power, the Tesla solar roof is more effective than ordinary solar panels. It has a lower cost per watt than conventional solar panels and Tesla’s Powerwall has a better storage mechanism for generated energy. Over time, the Tesla solar roof may justify the steeper up-front cost through these power generation and storage features, but you’ll have to be thinking extremely long term to make the calculation work.
Mobility and longevity
One of the drawbacks of the Tesla solar roof is that you can’t take it with you when you move. The fact that it’s custom-fit to your home’s roof means you can’t move it to another residence. However, you may want to leave your conventional solar panels in place to reap the benefits of the increased property value they give.
For example, Tesla’s solar roof comes with a lifetime warranty. Your shingles can be replaced in the event of a problem. If you’re planning to stay in the same place for a long time, this will provide you some extra peace of mind about your belongings and safety. However, the warranties on solar panels usually only last up to 20 years.
Winner for most: Solar panels
Traditional solar panels are the safer option for now if you’re interested in switching from conventional to solar power. They’re a tried-and-true product. The cost of installing them is usually lower, and they’re more flexible in terms of how you do it.
This product has great potential, but the bespoke tiles can be prohibitively expensive and there have been a number of issues with it so far that it’s hard to recommend at this time. Next-generation versions of the Tesla solar roof could improve on the concept. To save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint, stick with what works for now.
