Tesla Solar Roof: Is It Worth It? - Gardenista

Tesla Solar Roof: Is It Worth It? - Gardenista
Many homeowners intrigued by the idea of using their roof to generate power are turned off by the look of the ugly black solar panels they’d need to install.
Photography via Tesla.
How does the Tesla Solar Roof Work?
The “Slate” style of solar roof tiles from Tesla.
Tesla’s Solar Roof looks just any other roof, with no hardware to be seen.
Two more styles will hit the market in 2018: “Tuscan” (a terra cotta look) and “Slate.” The solar panel tiles are mixed with non-solar tiles on the roof; while the solar ones cost more than non-solar, the two are indistinguishable from each other after they’re installed.
Tesla is currently taking $1,000 deposits for the first two styles; delivery, which started on June 1, is rolling out from California across the country.
Are Tesla roof tiles available?
The “Smooth” style of solar roof tiles from Tesla is available now.
How long will it take to install a Tesla Solar Roof?
According to the company, five to seven days—about the same as installing a traditional roof.
How durable is the Solar Roof?
The tiles may be made of glass, but they couldn’t be much tougher.
Tesla’s warranty covers them for the lifetime of your house—or infinity, “whichever comes first.” The tiles get the highest possible ratings for hail, wind, and fire; according to Tesla, they’re “three times stronger than standard roofing tiles.”
The “Tuscan” style of Tesla roof tiles will be available next year.
A lot of variables are involved. To determine what percentage of your roof tiles needs to be solar, the calculator considers the size of your roof and the average amount of sunlight your neighborhood gets.
Will I save money with Tesla’s Solar Roof?
The “Textured” style of Tesla Solar Roof is available to order.
Is the Solar Roof really worth it?
According to Tesla, a typical homeowner could expect to pay $21.85 per square foot to replace a 3,000-square-foot roof with a Solar Roof that’s 35 percent solar tiles—for a total of $65,550. As for your own situation, your house’s location and other factors also have a bearing.
Overhanging trees and large adjacent buildings also affect feasibility.
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