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Tesla Solar Tiles

May 10, 2017.

Solar Roof.

Solar Roof. © Tesla.

Elon Musk announced on Twitter that its solar roof tiles were available for preorder as of today, May 10. Two types are currently available: smooth and textured. Roman and imitation slate tiles are not yet in production. If our math is correct, a 75m2 roof made up entirely of solar tiles would cost US$46,500, or US$620 per square metre (optional battery pack an extra US$7,000). Tesla’s marketing strategy consists in providing a cost per square foot based on 40 to 70% coverage of solar tiles, on the grounds that roofs with 100% solar tiling are rare. While this trick brings down costs dramatically, a per-tile price would have been much more transparent. The tiles’ electricity production capability is guaranteed for 30 years. Tempered glass, the material the tiles are made of, is at least three times stronger than traditional and slate tiles, meaning that Tesla Solar roofs are much more resistant to hailstorms. Tesla manages the entire roofing process: permits, old roof removal, complete installation and maintenance. There are no plans to sell just the tiles; this is a complete service package available on quotation only.

Electrek, “Tesla releases details of its solar roof tiles: cheaper than regular roof with ‘infinity warranty’ and 30 yrs of solar power.”