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Who Installs Tesla Solar Roof

Tesla Cost And Payment Options

How to Install a Tesla Solar Roof 2022 Review

Tesla has a calculator on its website to help you determine how much its solar power system may cost you.

For example, a standard 12 kilowatt system for a home in Austin with roughly $200 in electric bills each month, and around 2,700 square feet of roof space costs an estimated $30,120. Adding one Powerwall to this system would cost an additional $11,000. Though this makes the system $41,120, Tesla estimates that tax incentives would reduce that price to $30,429.

Tesla offers two payment methods for its solar energy systems:

  • Solar loan: Solar loans work like any other loan. Based on your credit score, you pay a monthly fee to own the solar panels and benefit from local and federal solar incentives. However, this is not as cost-effective as a full-on purchase because interest rates mean you pay more in the long run.
  • Full purchase: You may also purchase a Tesla solar system at an up-front price. This is the most cost-effective option because your solar investment is completely paid off, and you can take full advantage of any tax incentives and rebates.

You can make your solar panel system even more affordable by taking advantage of the federal tax credit and other local tax incentives. We suggest using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to see what rebates and credits you might receive for a Tesla solar installation.

Additional Costs And Upgrades

Depending on the current infrastructure present in your home, Tesla mentions that it may be necessary to perform additional upgrades during installation. This includes services such as extra electrical work or installation of a Solar Roof on a shed or deck. Prices are quoted directly to you upon inspection, but it is important to note that they are not included in the Solar Roof calculator estimate.

Using your home’s equity is an easy way to fund your new roof!

Get prequalified in minutes by clicking on your state.

Is The Tesla Solar Roof Better Than Asphalt Shingles

According to the Tesla website, the warranty on the tiles , power output, and weatherization is for 25 years. By comparison, many asphalt shingle roofs are guaranteed for 25-30 years, but some are good for 50 years.

Incidentally, a metal or slate roof may last 50 years or more.

Tesla has not officially stated what the power output or the PV panel efficiency is, or even the current manufacturer of the panels.

According to a , Tesla installs Hanwha Q G6 solar cells in its rooftop solar projects, listed on the company website as having a > 19% efficiency. It is not clear from the Tesla website if Tesla uses these for all its solar roof projects.

Here are the weatherization ratings for the Tesla Solar Roof followed by brief explanations of what they mean.

  • Wind rating: ASTM D3161 Class F highest rating out of three levels will withstand winds at 110 mph for 2 hrs.
  • Fire rating: Class A highest rating out of three classes, providing best performance in fire
  • Hail rating: ANSI FM 4473 Class 3 up to 1.75 hail the highest impact resistance is designated class 4

These results are comparable to those for asphalt shingles with 30-year limited lifetime warranties.

Tesla guarantees the inverter for 12.5 years and states its efficiency is 97.5%. These values are typical in the solar industry.

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Tesla Solar Roof Cons

  • Lower efficiency than traditional systems
  • Long wait period prior to installation
  • Unknown maintenance costs

Expensive Option vs Traditional Solar Panels

Tesla solar roofs are among the most expensive solar shingles on the market, so many budget-conscious homeowners choose to go another route. Even though the roofs PV will help to offset future energy costs, the upfront cost can come as quite the sticker shock.

Efficiency Lower Than Traditional Systems

As seen in the tables above, the efficiency rating for Tesla solar roofs is lower than some of the other industry leaders. This does make most homeowners question whether these solar tiles are worth the extra cost, especially if the tiles are intended to offset energy costs, not just look stunning on a roof.

Long Wait Period for Tesla Products

If you have decided to install a Tesla solar roof, then you better plan well ahead of time because the current lead times for roof installation are between one and six months. But, the wait period tends to lean more towards the three to six month timeline. Homeowners who want to get their solar roof installed more quickly will need to choose another provider.

Unknown Maintenance Costs

Does Teslas Solar Price Include Installation

MAKING PROGRESS! One more solar roof installed in Connecticut in 2020 ...

Yes, Tesla does consider the installation price of the roof in the final cost online. The installation process is where things start to get expensive.

The cost of the Tesla Solar Roof depends on how much energy your home uses, the size of the roof, the complexity of your roof, and sometimes even the age of your roof.

Teslas design team determines these details and may have you purchase other roof upgrades.

Read Also: How Much Does A Steel Roof Cost

What Makes The Tesla Solar Roof Different

Solar shingles on an un-shaded south-facing shed roof will capture solar radiation the whole time the sun is up. But, most houses arent built like that there are various roof styles with north-facing pitches that collectively mean perhaps as much as 70% of a roof surface will never see the light of day, so putting solar panels on them would be a waste of time, money and resources. This is where Tesla starts to stands out from the pack in a detailed comparison.

Tesla has developed an integrated active / inactive roof-tile system, so you dont end up paying for solar panels that wont generate power, and you dont have visible junctions between active and inactive shingles and tiles. The other providers listed above also provide active and inactive components, but you know exactly which are which because they look so very different â and as a home is typically the most expensive purchase and investment we will make, we tend to be quite fussy about the aesthetics.

That means that, aesthetically speaking, Tesla is the clear front-runner, and aesthetics are very important to designers, architects, homebuilders and homebuyers.

Costs & Warranty comparison for the Tesla Solar Roof tiles

  • Install price: Tesla claims $1.99 per Watt
  • Product warranty: 30 years.
  • Power output warranty: 30 years.
  • 130 mile per-hour wind warranty: 30 years.

How Does Tesla Design My System

After your home assessment has been completed and utility bill submitted, we use a combination of high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery to create a layout of your solar system. Our designers will optimize the solar panels for highest production and arrange them for the best aesthetic based on the useable roof space. Obstructions such as trees, vents, chimneys or other structures that block exposure to the sun are avoided.

Recommended Reading: Generac Solar Power Cell Cost

Read Also: Why Is Metal Roofing So Expensive

Can The Tesla Solar Roof Work With A Flat Roof

Unfortunately for homeowners with flat roofs, the Tesla Solar Roof will not be an option for you and your home. The minimum roof pitch eligible for a solar roof installation is 3:12 . This puts the Tesla solar roof at a disadvantage considering solar panels can work on all roof types. All it takes for solar panels to be effective on flat roofs is a tilted racking system.

Solar aside, tiling is not recommended for flat roofs due to leaking potential. This is a very real risk considering the wiring components located inside the solar tiles.

Introducing The Tesla Solar Roof

Tesla Solar Roof V3 Installation

Like classic solar panels, it generates renewable energy from the sun to power your days from your morning coffee to Friday movie nights. But unlike classic solar panels, it has the aesthetic look of a sleek, seamless roof.

We install Tesla Solar Roofs for homeowners replacing their roofs or building a new home who want to:

  • reduce electric bills

  • and join the climate revolution

with the most leading-edge technology

The members of the staff are friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to explain the ins and outs of system needs and installation. All options are laid out with pros and cons to help the consumer make an informed decision. I highly recommend Sugar Hollow Solar to all of my friends and colleagues.

Read Also: How Much Does A New Roof Cost In Texas

The Biggest Tesla Solar Roof

Considering its mostly a residential product, we have seen some surprisingly big solar roof installations.

We previously reported on a 24 kW Tesla solar roof installation in Florida that was the biggest we have heard about at the time.

Now, weve learned of a new system that is dwarfing this Tesla Solar Roof.

The ChoZen Retreat, also in Florida, just received a 44 kW Tesla Solar roof installation:

I just installed the largest solar roof in Florida @teslaenergy @ ChoZen Retreat @livechozen, Thank you @elonmusk for creating this game changing product! Everyone should have one and now the 26% fed tax credit has just been extended! #teslaenergy#gosolar#elonmusk

Tony Cho

Cho says that the system provides 80% of the retreats energy needs along with a home battery system powered by what looks like 4 Tesla Powerwalls.

Tesla used its own Tesla-branded underlayment for the project.

Underlayment was an issue with the previous 24 kW Tesla Solar Roof installation we talked reported on.

The company was trying a new underlayment, but it now seems to have settled on a different one that is branded Tesla:

Cho also said that his solar roof installation is Teslas 26th in the state, though its unclear how he got the information.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the project, saying that its one of the best Tesla Solar Roof installations.

Gaf Timberline Solar Installation

Roofing contractors install GAF Timberline Solar Shingles. Using only GAF-certified roofing contractors means you can match your warranty options with the lifespan of the entire roof.

Using roofing contractors means installation costs for the whole roof will typically be lower than the other options.

Read Also: Where To Buy Rubber Roofing Membrane

Who Installs Tesla Solar Panels Tesla As A Company

Tesla does not pay for direct advertising. As such, the companys products are its claim to fame. Because of that, they have a very stringent licensing and certification process. Tesla doesnt simply rubber stamp any applicant to become a licensed installer the applicant must provide a significant amount of data to demonstrate their expertise.

Tesla Angers Customers With Last

Tesla Installs Its First Solar Roofs, as SolarCity Disappears ...

Tesla has been in the solar roof business since 2016, but it has not been a smooth road. Customers who signed up for Elon Musks spendy solar solution have been popping up online alleging substantial price increases after theyve already signed contracts. In some cases, the price increases are more than double what the customer originally agreed to pay. While Tesla isnt commenting on the reason for the price increase, changes to its website suggest this is thanks to the cost of installing on complicated roofs.

Adding solar panels to a homes roof is an easy way to take advantage of all that free energy the sun drops on us, but the panels themselves are far from free. Teslas pitch with the solar roof is, yes, its expensive, but you also get a new roof. Anyone whos ever had to replace a homes roof can tell you its not cheap. A solar roof could actually be an attractive deal if youre in the market for both a roof and solar panels, but the value isnt quite as generous with Teslas new pricing.

It would be nice if Tesla stuck with the deals it made before it decided to change its pricing, but this comes after several years of slashing prices in an attempt to get more customers to take the plunge. Tesla has been crowing about growth in its solar deployments but has not provided any specifics. It may simply have figured out how much it really costs to install these systems.

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Are There Any Compelling Alternatives To Tesla Solar Roof

Yes, there are some compelling solar tile alternatives to Tesla Solar Roof. In the US, the top solar tile options are available from Luma Solar, SunTegra, and CertainTeed Apollo.

Luma Solar Tile Roof on a House vial Luma Solar

Luma Solar tiles, for example, present a complete roofing system comprised of heavy 24-gauge galvanized steel tiles combined with monocrystalline solar cells. Luma solar tiles are extremely durable and rated to withstand category 5 hurricanes.

When evaluating which solar system will deliver the best value for the money, its helpful to know upfront that you will be paying a significant premium with a solar tile roof. That said, if you are interested in a slick design, we recommend comparing the price and wait times for a Tesla solar roof to other options like Luma Solar.

Regardless of which option you choose, your installer will need to obtain a building permit and a site plan before the installation can take place. 24hPlans specializes in providing site plans for building permits including solar system designs.

24hplans has team of highly trained, professional architects and drafters who can prepare any kind of site plan in the shortest amount of time possible, so that you can easily obtain that building permit and get on with your project. Use the promotion code: 24hplans-20off to get a 20% discount off any package. Please note this is a limited time offer, exclusive to the readers of our blog. This offer is not being advertised anywhere else.

Tesla Solar Panels Vs Tesla Solar Roof

Tesla Solar Panels can be installed on top of existing roofs and are significantly cheaper than a Solar Roofthough still expensive compared to other solar panels on the market. The same two-story, 2,000 square foot house from the articles introduction would only need to spend $26,900 to have Tesla Solar Panels installed.

However, these panels would only generate 8.16 kW instead of the Solar Roofs 11.28 kW, making it more difficult to be self-powered. Powerwall also comes with the Tesla Solar Panels if you are interested in storing your energy.

Also Check: How Much Is Spanish Tile Roof

How Much Does The Tesla Solar Roof Cost

When you visit Tesla.com, you can enter your address and average utility bill into the online calculator for an instant quote. You can see approximately how much the Tesla Solar Roof will cost.

The price of a Tesla Solar Roof varies based on the size of the system.

  • Small : $10,000
  • Large : $23,500
  • Extra Large : $30,000

In other words, prices range from $2.44 per watt to $1.95 per watt , to $1.93 per watt and $1.93 per watt .

Tesla also recommends buying one or more Powerwalls for your Solar Roof. Each Powerwall costs around $8,000, although Solar Roof customers pay different Powerwall pricing .

All Tesla Solar Roofs also qualify for the federal tax credit. That federal tax credit was initially 30%, then dropped to 26% in 2020, and dropped again to 22% in 2021. By taking advantage of the federal tax credit, you can save thousands of dollars off the prices listed above.

Dont want to pay for your Tesla Solar Roof upfront? Thats okay! You can use Teslas solar subscription service to pay for your Solar Roof over time. For as little as $50 per month, you can start saving on your electricity bills immediately. Tesla will come to your house and install a Solar Roof. You pay a monthly subscription fee, although Tesla owns the system on your roof similar to the subscription services provided by other solar panel companies.

So Is The Tesla Solar Roof Worth It

Tesla Solar Roof Install | Ep2

A Tesla solar roof is worth it based on the current cost of electricity and the initial upfront cost. This is for a homeowner staying in the property for 20 or more years in a location suitable for the roof.

The return on investment depends on each potential buyers circumstances.

Study after study shows that installing a solar panel system increases home value, saves large amounts of money on energy, makes selling your home easier, and provides users with generous tax incentives.

Remember, solar panels rely on sun exposure, and if you live in a region that does not receive much sunlight and shading trees cover your home, it may not be a good investment for you.

A huge appeal of installing solar panel systems is the tax incentives. All homes receive some type of federal tax credit if they have solar panels. Some cities, power companies, and states offer even more incentives.

However, some do not offer any sort of financial incentive, reducing the amount you benefit from a solar roof.

Read Also: How To Fix Car Roof Lining Without Removing

Tesla Solar Panels: What You Need To Know

In addition to their various electric car models, Tesla offers solar panels for installation on your property. The company offers solar installations of their low-profile panel option in sizes ranging from 4 kilowatts to 16 kW, in increments of 4 kW. That comes out to between 12 solar panels and 48 solar panels, in increments of 12 panels. Going through the solar panel buying process on Teslas website, youll also encounter a recommended number of Tesla Powerwalls to add to your solar installation.

Does Tesla Install On Flat Roof Buildings

Unfortunately for homeowners with flat roofs, Teslas solar roof will not be an option. The minimum roof pitch eligible for a solar roof installation is 3:12 . This puts the Tesla solar roof at a disadvantage considering standard solar panels can work on all roof types. The most effective solar option on flat roofs is either a tilt rack system or a solar canopy.

Solar production aside, we do not recommend solar tiles for flat roofs due to waterproofing issues.

BSWs solar canopy elevates solar arrays 9 feet above the roof surface, obstructions, fire paths, shade & amenities. This strategy maximizes solar performance on otherwise unworkable or flat roofs.

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