Scenario : Youre Interested In Going Solar But Dont Need To Replace Your Roof
This is the most common scenario for the vast majority of homeowners in the U.S. today. Youve been interested in installing solar panels for a while, and realize that costs have come down enough for it to be an achievable home upgrade. Youve also heard a lot of media buzz around the Tesla Solar Roof lately, but arent sure if its worth the cost. Most importantly, you dont need to replace your roof in the next three to five years.
If this description sounds like you, we typically would recommend that Teslas Solar Roof wont make financial sense for your home. Heres why: it is both a new roof and a solar installation. If you dont need a new roof, you risk getting upsold on a product that you werent even shopping for in the first place. And the price tag of this upsell is considerable. However, in November 2021, electrek reported that Teslas new tile datasheet mentions that the solar tiles can now be installed over existing roofs, which might be a game changer for the cost-effectiveness of this system. Because these details have not yet been released, for our example, well assume youre replacing your full roof.
Roof complexity
Roof size
While the cost of your new solar panels will roughly stay the same at $23,400 regardless of your roof size, the cost of a Tesla Solar Roof will vary significantly. The table below shows estimated quotes for you based on your roof size :
| Roof size | |
|---|---|
| $53,000 | 126% |
Tesla Solar Installation And Services
Tesla handles every part of your solar systems installation, from site inspection to Permission to Operate . Learn about the installation process with Tesla here:
When Will The Tesla Solar Roof Arrive In North Carolina
A few installers have started to offer Teslas solar roof in North Carolina. Right now, NC homeowners who are getting solar shingles installed are paying a price premium to be in the front of the line.
As a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer, weve talked with Tesla about the solar roof and previewed the product. At this point, were continuing to offer Teslas traditional PV panels, but not their shingle roof material. We love the Poweralls, solar panels, and solutions Tesla continues to put out, but since their solar roof product is still so new, with such complex technology behind it, we dont want our customers to be first in line to experience the kinks of a first gen product. We know the Tesla solar roof is going to be a game changer and well be on board as soon as we feel that this product has proven long term success for our customers.
If getting Teslas solar roof is make or break for you on your solar journey, we have good news there are other solar companies in NC that have taken on rolling out this product! Tesla is also currently taking $100 refundable deposits to hold your place in line through their online ordering portal. That being said, there is no guarantee for when your solar roof will be installed .
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How Long Does A Tesla Solar Roof Last
Since Tesla has only been producing and installing its solar roofs since around 2018, there are no real-life statistics for the longevity of the solar tiles. However, Tesla offers a 25-year tile warranty as standard. This is also the standard warranty length for a traditional solar array.
Tesla feels confident in offering such a long warranty as they have engineered their tiles to be, and we quote, “durable, strong and engineered for all-weather protection.”
Each tile is 15 inches by 45 inches and has met a suit of industrial standards. They meet the requirements of ASTM D3161 Class F for Wind resistance, ANSI FM 4473 Class 3 for hail, and have also achieved the highest fire-resistance rating of Class A.
Getting Started With Solar
If you are concerned that you may need roof repairs but are also looking to have solar power added to your home, contact us today. POWERHOME offers a simple three-step solar installation process to get started.
First, we will determine if your home qualifies for solar power. Next, we will schedule an on-site inspection to evaluate your familys power needs and usage. From there, our solar experts will draft a customized proposal for the type of solar panel installation you will need. That way, you will know how much your solar roof will cost.
Before the installation process begins, our solar experts will carefully examine your roof, identifying any damage that may need to be fixed to avoid any need for solar panel removal in the near future.
If repairs are needed, we will schedule a time to get started before we begin the solar panel installation process. Our GAF-certified team can complete roof repairs in a timely fashion. Once any needed repairs have been completed, we will schedule a day for solar panel installation.
With the 100% solar financing options and $0 money down2 deal available to qualified homeowners, theres no reason that you shouldnt get started with solar today.
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Lower Productivity Lower Power Generation
Due to how the tiles need to be installed, Tesla solar tiles do not produce electricity across 100% of its surface. This is because there is tremendous overlap across all of the tiles. Besides, Tesla solar roof tiles are installed to match the existing slope and angle of the roof. If a section of the roof does not get a lot of sun, the solar tiles are less efficient. In comparison, solar panels are individually placed and installed to ensure that they capture the maximum sunlight for 365 days a year. Also, solar panels do not interfere with the roofing material below and can be installed without altering your existing roof tiles. The maximum amount of solar energy output generated from the Tesla solar roof tiles covering an entire 1,500 sqft roof is about 10kWh. A 10kWh system size is the equivalent of 28 360w solar panels.
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The Tesla Solar Panel: Cost Installation And Powerwall
Solar panels are becoming more and more popular. What started out as a trend in places like Florida and California has spread all over the country. Solar panel energy is popular, not just because solar power isclean or green but also because solar panel technology provides safety, security, and comfort.
Tesla has long been known for being at the top of the electric vehicle market. In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity, which was the nations leading installer of solar panel systems. Since then, Tesla solar has consistently been among the leaders in the solar power market with products such as the Solar Roof and the Tesla Powerwall.
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Lets Examine The Estimates Found On The Internet
1. Motley Fool
A columnist for Motley Fool has made calculations to predict how solar shingles compare to a traditional roof. He estimates that based on a manufacturing cost of $ 0.30 per shingle is comparable to ceramic or concrete tiles. But be aware that the installation costs are extra: Tesla says that the cost price is $ 3 per watt installed (meaning $ 5880 per 100 square feet or $ 176,400 for a standard 3,000 square feet house.
2. Consumer Reports
Have developed a calculation including anticipated savings in electricity in order to be competitive with a traditional roof they determined that a maximum expenditure of $ 73,500 would be necessary in order to be competitive with asphalt shingle roofing, one of the least expensive solutions. According to information provided by roofing installation associations, and assuming an average house with a 3,000 square foot roof, the total cost of this asphalt shingle roof would be approximately $ 20,000. They then added an annual cost invoice of $ 2,000 in their calculation , and the life of the shingles being 30 years as stated by Tesla. After thirty years, savings are expected to rise to around $ 60,000. When the Powerwall, which is part of the installation of the electricity storage system for non-solarized moments, and which costs $ 6,500, the savings would be reduced to $ 53,500.
3. Energysage
How To Really Tell What Solar Would Cost For Your Home
The best way to get a good idea of what solar would cost for your home, regardless of size, is to reach out to trusted solar installers and get competitive quotes. While a quote from Paradise Energy Solutions is always obligation-free, and our solar consultants wont take a pushy, high-pressure sales approach, we understand you may not be ready to take that step.
While we may not be able to give you a good idea of the cost of solar panels for your home based on size, you can get a general idea based on how much electricity you use.
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Is Solar Power Right For You
Though youll see great savings in the long run, its still a pretty hefty investment upfront. Before you make a decision, take the time to calculate the costs of your current electricity usage. Compare that to any savings you might gain by switching to solar power, taking into account your location and any government incentives for which you may be eligible too!
If youre a homeowner, then youre likely aware that traditional electric power costs are rising. The grid is based on outdated technology thats more than a hundred years old, and the infrastructure definitely needs an eco-friendly update. With the environmental and monetary costs of fossil power, making a move toward solar power just makes sense.
Editorsâ Recommendations
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Tesla Solar Roof Tiles Cost Benefits And Reviews
When the concept of the Tesla solar roof was first announced, it was hailed by some as the future of environmentally conscious construction and home design. Why add solar panels to a roof retroactively when the roof itself could include the solar PV technology to generate electricity? Unfortunately, it seems that the challenge is more complex than even an engineering giant like Tesla can handle.
As a result, Tesla solar roof tiles arent yet available to buy. However, this doesnt mean that you have to rule out generating your own renewable energy as solar panels are an efficient and accessible alternative.
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Tesla Solar Panel Warranties
All Tesla solar panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee and a 10-year comprehensive warranty. The comprehensive warranty covers repairs and replacements of any solar system components.
The 25-year performance guarantee states that the panels will perform for at least 80% of the manufacturers nameplate power capacity for at least 25 years. Other solar providers tend to offer performance guarantees with no power capacity conditions.
What Is The Cost Of Bundle Of Roofing Shingles
Shingles are sold in bundles and squares. A square equals 100 square feet and costs between $100 and $1,800. A pack is about 1/3 the size of a square and costs an average of $30 to $600. At the bottom of the scale, asphalt averages between $100 and $150 per square, while slate averages around $1,200.
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How We Did The Math
To get there, we pulled together ballpark pricing for the various roofing materials Teslas solar shingles mimic, from sources like the Slate Roofing Contractors Association, the Tile Roofing Institute, and the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report.
There are plenty of variables, of course, including the location of the home and shape and height of the roof. But heres what the installed costs look like for the roughly 3,000 square feet of roofing needed to cover an average size home in the U.S.
Clay Tile: $16,000Asphalt: $20,000Slate: $45,000
So how could a $73,500 roof be considered cost-competitive with a $20,000 asphalt roof? To compensate for the proposed added value of the free electricity from Teslas roof, we added in $2,000 a year, over the lifespan of the roof. Thats a typical electric bill in states where solar is big, like California, Texas, and North Carolina.
Tesla says the life expectancy of its tiles will be 30 years. So that adds $60,000 to the value of the roof.
One final factor: the Tesla Solar Roof will work like any rooftop solar system, connecting to your homes electric panel through an inverter. You could stop there, but the system is being packaged alongside Teslas forthcoming Powerwall 2.0, a battery storage device with a built-in inverter and an installed cost of $6,500. Combining Solar Roof and Powerwall 2.0, Musk promises, will power an entire home with 100 percent renewable energy.
More from Consumer Reports:
Tesla Solar Roof Is Becoming A Legitimate Bargain Against High
Tesla took a while before it was able to start a serious ramp of its Solar Roof tiles, but it appears that the wait will be worth it. As the electric car maker continues to expand its Solar Roof installations in the United States, it is starting to become evident that the aesthetically-pleasing solar shingles are a bargain in its class. At its current prices, Teslas Solar Roof presents savings compared to high-end roof options plus a traditional solar system.
The Tesla Solar Roof is actually one of the least expensive in its class of building-integrated PV options. While its true that the Solar Roofs competitors are fewer than, say, the Model 3s rivals in the EV segment, the flagship shingles do have some competition. These include DeSols Power Tiles, as well as the Luma Solar Tiles, both of whom adopt the same concept as the Tesla Solar Roof. The Solar Roof undercuts both competitors in price.
The Tesla Solar Roof is estimated to cost about $2.11 per installed watt, as noted by Green Building Advisor. This is far more affordable than the price of the DeSol Power Tiles, which stand at about $7 per installed watt. Even the Luma Solar Tiles, which are closer in appearance to Teslas Solar Roof V3, command a price of about $4.50 per installed watt. But this is not all, as the Solar Roof could be a reasonable alternative to a setup that involves traditional roofing materials and conventional solar panels as well.
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Tesla Solar Roof Cost: Is It Worth The Premium
To best explain Teslas Solar Roof cost and price premium, well provide an example of a household shopping for a traditional solar panel system. Well use this example to show how the cost of the Tesla roof compares to traditional solar panel systems based on the roofs complexity and size. Well explore four different scenarios based on what this household is seeking read on to see which describes you best!
How Accurate Is Teslas Solar Roof Cost Estimator
What makes the Tesla Solar Roof bidding process so convenient is the instant price estimate from their website. When you go to the Tesla Solar Roof website you can get an instant quote by inputting your address and average electricity bill amount. Out pops a detailed quote.
For my project, the initial quote stayed the same throughout the project.
Tesla uses satellite imaging to determine the complexity and size of your roof. They use the local electricity rates for your zip code to calculate the size of the solar system.
A Tesla Site Inspector will visit your home to take accurate measurements when they are preparing for the install.
I was impressed with this level of accurate quoting. Or, they lost money on my project. Either way, the quoting process was simple and transparent for my project.
Tesla does specify the solar roof cost may change if the roof is deemed to be more complex than they first recognize. Based on the satellite imaging, they apply a roof complexity factor to your quote. This complexity factor reflects a roof with more gables, valleys, and other roof shapes to work around.
See the print on their website, it is part of the quote and they dont hide the reasons why the cost may change.
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