Tesla Solar Tiles: Everything You Need To Know

In the solar business, Tesla, Elon Musk's electric vehicle and sustainable energy startup, has been making headlines with its unique Solar Tiles. These tiles mimic the appearance of more conventional roofing materials like slate or clay.

Still, they are solar panels that collect energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity.

Homeowners wishing to harness the sun's power to power their houses now have a more viable choice in Tesla's Solar Tiles, thanks to the rising demand for renewable energy sources and the trend towards sustainable living.

Learn all about Tesla's Solar Tiles, from their functionality to their price and benefits to the installation process, right here.

What is Tesla Solar Tiles?

Tesla solar tiles are a form of solar panel roofing that, despite their solar-powered construction, have the appearance of more conventional roofing tiles. They are extremely long-lasting and efficient due to this feature.

Unlike conventional solar panel systems, they are simple to set up and take down. In addition, they are cheap and provide the same advantages as solar panels without the high price tag or technical difficulty of installing solar panels on a roof.

Types of Tesla Solar Tiles

Tesla currently offers two types of solar tiles:

Solar Glass Roof Tiles- These are tempered glass tiles meant to seem like classic clay ones. There are four distinct looks: textured, smooth, Tuscan, and slate. They are designed to change the whole roof, not just the sunny spots.

Solar Panels- These traditional solar panels can be mounted on existing roofs. They are made of high-efficiency solar cells and are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional solar panels. They come in two styles: black on black and black on white.

How much do Tesla Solar Tiles costs?

Solar Glass Roof Tiles can range from $21.85 to $56 per square foot, depending on the style and complexity of the installation. According to Tesla's website, the average cost of a Solar Glass Roof is approximately $42 per square foot.

The cost of Tesla Solar Panels can range from $2.01 to $2.10 per watt, depending on the style and size of the installation. According to Tesla's website, the average cost of an 8.16 kW Solar Panel system is approximately $24,960.

Features of Tesla Solar Tiles

Solar cells

Tesla solar tiles are currently available in two color options: blue and black. They are made of highly durable tempered glass capable of withstanding the elements and providing superior solar energy capture.

These tiles have the added benefit of being easily replaceable, making them a cost-effective long-term investment. To retrofit your roof with solar tiles, you'll need to remove the existing roofing material and replace it with the solar tile system. This can be a challenging task and may require professional help.

Durability and longevity

Tesla pv solar roof tiles are engineered for durability and longevity. They're three times stronger than standard roofing tiles, and Tesla offers a lifetime warranty on the solar tiles, which should last around 30 years.

These high-performing solar roofing tiles are a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs and promote sustainable energy practices in new and existing buildings.

Aesthetic design options

The Tesla system of solar roof tiles is designed to match the existing style of a home, offering four distinct styles, including textured, Tuscan, smooth, and slate tiles.

These asphalt tiles are designed to look and function like a traditional roofing system, allowing homeowners to maintain the look of their rooftops while reducing energy costs and increasing energy efficiency. The complexity of the roof tiles also features an integrated solar panel that can power homes during peak sun hours.

Additionally, the solar panel automatically adjusts its output according to the sunlight in the surrounding area. This allows the tile solar system to generate power even with little or no direct sunlight.

Performance efficiency

Tesla solar shingles are solar panel systems made of tempered glass. They are designed to be efficient and cost-effective, with the ability to capture up to 71.67 watts of maximum power output.

In addition, these conventional solar panels are made of high-quality material three times stronger than standard roofing tiles, making them durable in all weather conditions, including snow and ice.

Tesla solar tiles were originally developed by Tesla as part of the company's solar roofing tile product line.

How to install the Tesla Solar Tiles?

Site assessment

If you're interested in solar power, a good place to start is by assessing your solar potential and the options available. Tesla offers virtual consultations with advisors to assist you in making an informed decision about solar power.

Retrofitting a roof with solar tiles requires the existing roof to be removed, so it's best if the roof is replaced. If you're considering solar panels as an option, they have a good return on investment and offer flexibility in energy production.

However, improperly installed solar panels require regular maintenance and can pose safety hazards.

Design

Tesla Solar Roof is designed to be installed on existing roofs and is made with tempered glass for all-weather durability. In addition, the installation of the tiles is more efficient due to Tesla's tweak of the product in October 2019.

The new tiles consist of two types of shingles: Active, which are integrated into the main roof surface, and Inactive, which are purely decorative. These tiles are three times stronger than standard roofing tiles, which makes them a cost-effective solution for roofs that need replacing.

Roof Preparation

Tesla roof tiles are three times stronger than traditional ones and are designed for all-weather durability. To install the roofing tile, you must first remove the existing roof. Tesla can do this for you and work with your local solar power installer to streamline the process.

Retrofitting an old roof with Tesla solar tiles in New York involves asphalt shingles of different shapes, sizes, and warranties. The Tesla solar roof consists of two types of tiles: one is purely decorative, while the other is solar panels integrated into the roof.

When installing the solar roof, teams use dummy tiles at the edge of the installation to more easily cut down the tiles for a seamless fit.

Tile installation

Tesla Solar Tiles are solar panel tiles that can be installed on the roof of a building to generate power. They are attractive due to their sleek appearance and high energy output.

However, installation of Tesla Solar Tiles has been limited since they were first released in 2016, and the product is still relatively expensive. In addition, installers must first remove the existing roof.

Electrical work

Tesla Solar shingles are engineered for active snow/ice melting and are three times stronger than conventional roof tiles. These solar power roofing tiles can be retrofitted on existing homes by removing the existing roof and making it practical only when the roof is due to be replaced.

In addition, Tesla solar inverter converts the DC power from solar tiles to AC power for home consumption. This solar power inverter is compatible with solar roofs and traditional solar panels and is designed to integrate with Tesla Powerwall and the Tesla solar app.

This allows homeowners to use their solar energy system whether they have solar roof tiles installed.

Final inspection

The final inspection of Tesla Solar Tiles must include a visual inspection of the entire system. The inspector should look for any signs of damage or defects in the tiles, such as cracks, chips, or discoloration.

The inspector should also ensure all connections are secure and in good condition. The inspector should also test the system to confirm it functions properly and generates the desired energy. If the system is not functioning properly, the inspector should diagnose and repair any issues.

Finally, the inspector should document the condition of the system and any repairs or maintenance that has been done.

Maintenance tips for Tesla Solar Tiles

Keep them clean

Tesla Solar Tiles are made of tempered glass, which is more durable than traditional roof tiles. In addition, they come with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind about the durability of the solar panels.

Regularly cleaning your solar tiles with a soft cloth and warm soapy water is a great way to ensure they stay clean and energy-efficient. Avoid using pressure washers or abrasive cleaning products to prevent any damage to the solar tiles.

To maintain the efficiency of your solar panel system, it's important to clean the solar tiles regularly. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your solar energy system is running at its peak performance over time.

Check for damage

Tesla solar tiles are made from tempered glass and are three times stronger than regular roofing tiles. In addition, these tiles come with a 25-year warranty and are engineered for all-weather durability, including active snow melting and ice clinging.

To ensure the longevity of your solar system, it's important to check for damage and perform required maintenance regularly. If you notice any damage to your solar system, schedule a virtual consultation with a Tesla advisor to get the appropriate repair or maintenance done.

Monitor energy production

Tesla Solar Tiles were introduced in November 2016 and slowly started to be sold in the United States over the following 18 months. The solar roof tiles have a maximum power output of 71.67 watts and are designed to integrate seamlessly with roofing systems.

Tesla's solar roof tiles consist of a tile panel integrated with a solar cell that generates electricity from the sun's energy.

Trim nearby trees

Tesla Solar Tles may require maintenance at some point, and one way to ensure optimal performance is by trimming nearby trees. The solar tiles generate DC power, requiring an inverter to convert the power to AC.

This inverter must be able to handle the power coming from the solar tile roofing system. So, for the best performance of your solar tile roofing system, keep the tree branches away from it.

Trimming the tree branches can help reduce the risk of damage to the solar tile roofing system and also help ensure that the solar energy generated by the system is efficiently used.

Take advantage of Tesla's warranty.

The solar roof system from Tesla offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty on its solar roof tiles. This includes a product warranty, weatherization warranty, and module warranty.

The product warranty guarantees that the roof is defect-free and remains intact for 25 years. The weatherization warranty guarantees that the roof is attached to the house and prevents wind or rain damage for 25 years.

Does Tesla operate in my state? How do I order?

To determine if Tesla operates in your state, visit the Tesla website and use their online ordering tool. During the ordering process, you will be asked to enter your address, and Tesla will let you know if they currently operate in your area.

If Tesla operates in your state, you can order its solar products online through its website. To do this, you must provide basic information about your home, such as your address, off-grid roof type, and electrical usage.

Tesla will use this information to design a customized solar system for your home and provide you with a price estimate. Once you have received a price estimate and are ready to move forward with the installation, you can order online and schedule an installation appointment with Tesla.

Alternatively, you can contact a local Tesla Energy Advisor who can help you with ordering and installation.

Pros & Cons of Tesla Solar Tiles

Pros

Tesla Solar Tiles are aesthetically appealing roofing tiles that look like traditional ones. These tiles offer a low-profile solar energy solution, allowing homeowners to generate energy from their solar panels without bulky solar panels.

Tesla Solar Tiles are perfect for existing homes, as the company will remove the existing roof if necessary. They also have a variety of competitors offering similar solutions.

However, Tesla Solar Tiles may be cost-prohibitive for some homeowners. This is due to their high price; other solar panel options are still reliable and cost-effective.

Cons

Talking about the cost of solar panels, it is important to note that they require the whole roof to be replaced, which is an additional cost compared to solar panels. This is because solar panels need space above them to function.

On the other hand, Tesla solar tiles only require a small portion of the roof to be replaced and can be installed on existing roofing. In addition, these tiles are made of tempered glass and are more durable than standard roof tiles.

Besides, the maintenance costs of Tesla solar tiles have yet to be discovered, as no existing studies or reports evaluate their costs.

Thus, it may be difficult for homeowners to predict the maintenance cost for these energy-efficient roofing options. Moreover, not all homes can afford Tesla solar tests due to their high price.

Bottom Line

The solar roof tiles by Tesla are the first roofing system to seamlessly integrate solar power generation, energy storage, and power electronics on your home's roof. Solar roof tiles generate and store electricity from the sun's energy in their battery.

This enables your house to produce electricity even when there's no sunlight or allows you to reduce your electricity bill. In addition, producing solar energy requires very little space and is a sustainable energy source that doesn't pollute the environment.

Besides being cost-efficient, they also look great on your roof and offer protection against weathering and fading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the installation time for a Tesla Solar Roof?

Installation time for a Tesla Solar Roof can vary depending on the roof size and the installation process's complexity. However, according to Tesla, most installations take approximately one week.

The process may be delayed due to third-party authorizations, financing, or weather. However, the tiles come with a 25-year power performance warranty.

Plus, Tesla Solar Roof provides a 10-year comprehensive warranty covering the Powerwall, solar inverter, and any roof mounting and leakage issues.

How long is the warranty on Tesla Solar Tiles?

Regarding warranties, Tesla solar roof tiles have a 25-year power performance and a 10-year comprehensive warranty. Of course, traditional solar arrays have a 25-year warranty as well. Additionally, the inverter has a 12.5-year warranty.

Solar panels vs. Tesla Solar Tiles: which one is better?

Both solar panels and Tesla Solar Tiles have their advantages and disadvantages, and which one is better depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the user.

Solar panels have been around for decades and have proven to be an effective and reliable way to generate electricity from the sun.

They are typically less expensive than Tesla Solar Tiles and are available from many manufacturers, making them a more accessible option for many consumers.

Additionally, solar panels are easier to install and maintain and can be easily replaced if one panel fails or becomes damaged.

On the other hand, Tesla Solar Tiles are a newer technology that combines traditional solar panels' functionality with roofing tiles' aesthetics. They are designed to blend in seamlessly with the roof of a home, making them a more visually appealing option for many homeowners.

Tesla Solar Tiles are also more durable than traditional solar panels, made of tempered glass designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

How long does a Tesla Solar Tile last?

A Tesla Solar Roof tile has a 25-year power performance warranty as standard. Elon Musk designed the roof tiles to last for 25 years. So even if you experience minor roofing issues in the next few years, be reassured that Tesla will take care of them for you.