If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bills, then you should consider installing solar roof tiles.
This is especially true if you live in a location that gets a lot of sunlight. However, before you make your final decision, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
These include the cost, fire rating, and the capacity of the system.
Before we learn about Tesla™ solar roof tiles, please be aware this article is for research and discussion only, we do NOT offer this system.
Thank you, now let’s read on….
As the cost of living keeps rising, are TESLA solar roof tiles a worthwhile investment?
If you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, you may want to consider installing Tesla solar roof tiles.
It’s an integrated system, which combines a new roof with a solar panel system. These tiles come with a 25-year warranty. They also look nice, a plus if you’re looking for something to add to your home.
While it costs more than conventional solar panels, the system has many benefits but at present due to it’s high cost, the return on investment is poor.
TESLA panels are not yet available in the UK at the time of writing, however a similar system is available in the UK called PV Slate.
How much do solar roof tiles cost in the UK?
They are made in Wales, and made from toughened glass and aluminium, and according to gb-sol.co.uk
The standard 500×250 PV Slate unit has a peak output of 28W and an ex-works price of £59.50.
Each 500×250 unit replaces four natural 500×250 slates, covering an area of 0.2sqm.
That gives PV Slate an overall roof kit price of £294/sqm or £8,449.00 for a 4kW system.
That price is for a very small roof by the way.
So, just as with traditional solar panels, an up-front investment is required and may take many years to recoup the costs so this product is very much a long term investment.
Purchasing PV slate in the UK for your home is zero vat rated so at least that is one benefit.
There may be government schemes on the horizon for homeowners to help with the cost of buying this.
One major benefit of installing this system is the fact that it looks like a traditional roof, you do not have ugly solar panels, meaning that in theory it could be installed on a house in a conservation area or a listed building, without falling foul of planning laws.
Solar roof tiles appear to have an expected lifespan of around 25 years, so careful thought is needed if considering this system, although expect electricity bills to carry on going up each year so something worth thinking about.
It’s also possible to store excess energy from your solar system, which can help provide backup power in case of blackouts.
TESLA does this with a backup battery system called PowerWall™
The technology isn’t perfect yet, but it shows promise. As technology advances, the cost of harnessing solar energy will become more affordable.
The cost of a Tesla solar roof depends on the size of your home.
You can expect to pay between £30,000 and £50,000 for an 8-kW system. For comparison, a 2,000-square-foot roof will cost about £50,000.
Depending on the design, and square meterage of your roof, the cost may vary.
There are many reasons why a homeowner might want to install a solar roof.
Some of the benefits include reducing your carbon footprint, enhancing the kerb appeal of your property, and lowering your utility bills.
A solar panel system can be taken with you if you move, although a bit petty to the new owners, however solar tiles generally cannot and should not be removed when moving.
Come on you tight fisted people, let the solar tiles be a selling point for your home.
The cost of a Tesla Solar Roof can be determined with the help of a calculator, but be warned it will not be cheap.
The cost depends on the size of your home, the number of square feet of roofing, and your current electricity usage. However, the calculator doesn’t account for incentives, which could boost the cost.
Having a solar roof is a smart idea if you’re building a new home.
However, it’s not as practical if you’re upgrading an existing home.
Nevertheless, it’s a great option for homeowners who are shopping around for a new roof.
If you’re considering installing a Tesla solar roof, you may want to factor in the power of storage.
This option is gaining popularity because it can help you store excess energy from your system. And it’s an easy way to have back-up power if you experience frequent blackouts.
I would suggest only high-end new builds would benefit from this as any developer has to recoup the cost of having this system fitted.
What is the fire rating for solar tiles?
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy bills, consider a solar roof system.
This system allows homeowners to take advantage of the benefits of solar power without sacrificing their aesthetic appeal.
A solar roof consists of a set of tempered glass shingles or tiles. These tiles are durable, lightweight, and can withstand hail nearly two inches in diameter. In addition, the product is indistinguishable from regular roofing materials.
Although Tesla’s solar roof is expensive, it does come with a warranty of 25 years (Source:tesla.com/solarroof)
Additionally, it has the potential to save a homeowner a substantial amount of money on their energy bill.
When you buy a Tesla Solar Roof, you’ll also receive a compact home battery, known as the Powerwall.
This device can store energy for use during off-peak hours. For more information on the product, visit the Tesla website.
Unlike other solar panel systems, the Solar Roof is a single integrated system. It includes PV cells, power electronics, and tiles, which are custom-fitted to the roof of your home.
Installation is a relatively simple process. The company’s installation team will keep you informed and answer any questions you may have.
The system comes with a 25-year warranty. You can upgrade your system to include a Powerwall for $7,000 if you live in the USA, though it is not necessary. A similar system is available in the UK however as yet we do not have prices for it.
There is a risk of hail damage, though, so be warned, it’s not all plain sailing.
While the roofing tiles are designed to withstand 110-mph winds, they are not made to withstand hurricane-force gusts.
The average American Tesla customer is paying about $35,000 for their new solar roof. The cost of a similar system here in the UK is a bit more expensive.
But the company is also encouraging customers to add a Powerwall, which will make the system even more cost-effective.
Ultimately, you will need to decide if the solar roof is right for you.
In the long run, you will benefit from a lower energy bill and a cleaner, greener environment.
However, you will need to sign a contract and pay a deposit, and we said previously, this is definitely a LONG TERM investment, as short term you will certainly be out of pocket.
Is the environmental benefit worth the financial outlay?
Tesla Solar Roof tiles are an innovative way to reduce your energy bills.
They can be installed on your current roof and offer a better ROI than traditional solar panels.
The benefits of using a solar panel system in your home are many. This type of technology improves energy efficiency and adds value to your property. However, installing a solar panel is a costly endeavour.
One of the most notable features of a Tesla solar panel is the 25-year warranty that comes with the purchase. It’s also easy to remove the panels and take them with you if you choose to sell your home.
Another benefit of a solar roof is that it can dramatically lower your energy bill.
With solar panels, you’re able to produce more energy than you use, thus lowering your overall energy costs. A solar roof can be a good investment if the price of the tiles is lower than the total cost of your new roof.
In addition to the benefits of a solar roof, Tesla has also made some innovations.
For instance, the company now uses satellite imagery to design a Solar Roof for your home. Using this technology, you can determine your house’s ideal pitch and size.
Another benefit of a solar roof involves installing the tiles on your existing roof instead of drilling holes.
Since it’s a seamless installation, you can skip the headache of dealing with two separate contractors.
As far as we know, the system in the UK is laid on TOP of your existing roof tiles or roofing slates, so your roof needs to be in good condition to start with. It will probably prolong the life of your existing roof tiles.
In addition, if you have a solar roof, in the future you will not be able to buy a decorative roof coating as it will stop the solar system from working.
If you’re still sceptical about a solar roof, it’s a good idea to consider the pros and cons before you make your decision. Tesla’s solar roof is a solid concept that shows promise, but don’t expect to save money right away.
You’ll need to think about it long-term.
While Tesla does provide a calculator for the solar roof, it doesn’t include pricing. Prices will vary depending on the size of your house and the type of roofing materials you decide to use.
Overall, a solar roof will increase the aesthetic appeal of your home. When you’re looking to improve your home’s value, a conventional solar panel is a better choice.
Return on investment. Is it really worth it? Patience is a virtue.
If you are considering purchasing a new roof, consider Tesla solar roof tiles.
They are designed to mimic the look of traditional asphalt shingles or tiles, but are made of solar panels. Depending on your needs, they may even be able to be installed over your current roof.
Although this system is attractive, you need to be ready to invest a large amount of money to install it. This includes the cost of the tiles, the installation and removal, and a premium for the Tesla brand name.
You can choose from four different tile designs. There are smooth, textured, slate, and Tuscan. These tiles come in a variety of colours.
Tesla claims that the tiles will last for decades. However, the company has yet to release any long-term tests, and they haven’t released numbers on the performance of their solar shingles. Nevertheless, they claim the tiles are three times stronger than traditional roofing materials.
While they may not be as efficient as solar panels, the return on investment of these products has been proven by numerous studies.
Solar panels offer an average of 200-300% ROI over a long period of time.
Some homeowners have reported even higher returns. Using a pricing calculator, you can estimate how much you would save over the course of a year or even over a lifetime.
While there are several factors to consider, most homes will experience a significant ROI when installing a solar array. It is important to note, however, that the number you see in the calculator will not take into account the orientation of your roof.
For the eco zealots only?
It is worth noting that you, sat there in your recycled hemp clothing, crouched down in your organic artisan yurt tent, listening to Bob Dylan on your wind-up radio, and eating your vegan tofu, looking out on the drive at your electric car, will NOT SAVE THE PLANET, far from it in fact.
Many electric apparent “eco” devices, such as electric cars are made using LOTS of carbon and in many cases, the batteries are not only not recyclable, but the minerals required to make them are from 3rd world countries who exploit child labour. A petrol (gasoline) vehicle is 100% recyclable.
None of us as individuals can make a jot of difference but if enough people take insulation and solar power seriously, it may make a slight difference
However as long as prices for the system remain high, and as long as China carries on polluting the earth, you’ve a rats chance in hell of making any difference to the planet.
The only clean thing about it is your own conscience and piousness.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
Despite the high price, you might find that installing the tiles is the only way to maintain your roof’s aesthetic. You will also have to spend a significant amount of time on maintenance and repair.
But the benefits of a solar system will outweigh this, some people suggest.
Are solar tiles a good investment?
As we said earlier, it’s expensive to buy.
This is something that will be out of reach for many people until it becomes more popular and prices come down, although the one thing that would do that sooner is if the UK government give grants to have this fitted so we wait and see.
My own domestic energy bills work out around £3,600 per year (2022).
Maybe £2,500 of that is electricity.
Therefore if I had solar tiles on my house, at an estimated cost of around £50,000 so it would take a massive TWENTY YEARS to achieve a return on my investment so sorry but I won’t be signing up for this any time soon!
How popular is the TESLA system in America?
Not as popular as you may think, despite the high profile of the brand.
Their official website say they have installed the system in around 400,000 homes in America, out of 140 million houses, however that represents only 0.0003 percent of US households, so it has a long way to catch up, to say the least.
Reading their official Tesla roof twitter blog, the people who run tesla roof are not so impressed with their Boss Elon Musk, so what the future holds for this technology is anyone’s guess, but hell, it’s still a good idea and we love a good idea!
Remember EV cars were at one point so expensive no one bought them, but with government help, the price came down, plus they are manufactured in greater numbers and are now relatively affordable. Will this happen with solar roof tiles?
Would I buy solar roof tiles for my home?
No, not at the moment, but only due to the high price and a poor ROI.
Do I think they are a good ideas?
Yes, certainly.
What about you?
I hope that you have learned about Tesla™ solar roof tiles, please be aware this article is for research and discussion only, we do NOT offer this system.
Thank you
PS This article is a general product review, we are NOT experts on the system and are still learning about it.
If anyone from the solar roof industry is reading this and wishes to correct something, or even ADD something to this article, we would happy to publish that, along with your contact details.