Complete guide to the Tesla Solar Roof: is it better than installing solar panels?
Tesla and SolarCity announced the launch of the Tesla Solar Roof in 2016 with the expectation that it would become the solar system of the future. Fast-forward six years, and people are still confused about what exactly it is and how much it costs.
The confusion is warranted. Tesla changes their minds about the Solar Roof more often than Elon Musk tweets.
We’re removing the mysterious veil that hangs over the Tesla Solar Roof and explaining everything from how it works and how much it costs to whether or not it’s even worth buying.
Find out how much a solar system would cost for your specific home
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Tesla Solar Roof at a glance:
- The Tesla Solar Roof integrates solar panels into regular roof shingles so homeowners can generate solar power on their roofs without having to worry about the look of their home being tainted by solar panels.
- A 6.14 kW Solar Roof will cost a total of about 51,000 before incentives for an average-sized roof, but the price can vary depending on the roof’s complexity.
- Tesla estimates that a 6.14 kW Solar Roof will cost a total between 39,800 and 48,700 before incentives for an average-sized roof, depending on its complexity.
- Tesla charges somewhere around 20 per square foot of total roof space for non-solar roofing materials, but the final rate will vary depending on your roof’s pitch, how many obstructions there are, and how many mountain planes your roof has.
- Tesla charges between 13.30 and 18.54 per square foot for non-solar roofing materials.
- While the Solar Roof looks nice, it won’t give you as much savings as traditional solar panels, and you have to deal with Tesla’s unreliable service for 25 years.
What is the Tesla Solar Roof?
One of the biggest issues homeowners have with solar panels is how they look. As a response, in 2016, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced Tesla Energy’s new product. the Tesla Solar Roof. on the set of the then-popular television series Desperate Housewives of all places (that should have given us some sort of indication that the Tesla roof was probably going to be all for show).
The Solar Roof was designed to function like photovoltaic solar panels while seamlessly integrating into a roof. This way, homeowners could still enjoy the benefits of solar energy, like electric bill savings and using clean energy, without having to sacrifice their home’s aesthetics.
In order to get a uniform look, a home’s entire roof is replaced with Tesla shingles. Not all of these shingles will generate electricity (we get into that a little later), but the whole roof will be covered in Tesla-brand shingles.
Tesla Solar Roofs generally include three pieces of equipment: active solar shingles, inactive shingles, and a Tesla solar inverter.
You can watch SolarReviews founder Andy Sendy give his expert opinion on the Tesla Solar Roof:
How much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost?
You can expect to spend anywhere from 35,000 to upwards of 70,000 for the installation of a Tesla Solar Roof. With that said, there’s a lot that goes into the cost, making it a bit complicated to figure out what exactly you’re being charged for and why.
And if we’re being honest, the way Tesla displays the pricing line items can be a bit tricky to navigate. That’s why we’ve broken down what factors influence the price and explain what exactly you’re paying for.
Breaking down the price of Tesla’s Solar Roof
Tesla Solar Roof systems are designed entirely with Tesla-exclusive equipment. The total cost of a Solar Roof installation consists of three main components:
Here’s the breakdown of how each one of these contributes to the final price:
Active solar shingles
Cost: 1.80 per watt
Tesla’s active solar shingles are tempered glass shingles that contain solar cells and generate electricity.
It costs about 1.80 per watt to install the active Solar Roof tiles. If you installed a 7 kilowatt (kW) Tesla Solar Roof, the active shingles alone would cost 12,600 before any incentives are considered. The bigger the solar system you need, the higher the total price will be.
Regular solar panels cost around 3.00 per watt on average, so the solar portion of the Tesla roof is technically cheaper than solar panels.
Each active shingle is 15” by 45” and is designed to have a similar look to slate shingles. Tesla’s solar shingles are 72 watts in size, meaning you’d need about five shingles to produce the same amount of power as one 370-watt solar panel.
Inactive shingles / non-Solar Roofing materials
Cost: About 20 per square foot of total roof space
The next portion of your Solar Roof cost is kind of a mashup of “general roofing materials” like underlayment and inactive shingles. When we say “inactive shingles”, we’re talking about all of the shingles on the roof that don’t produce electricity. The inactive shingles are designed to look just like the active solar shingles, so you can’t distinguish one from the other when they’re on your roof.
Tesla doesn’t provide the exact pricing for these roofing costs, and it can vary depending on how complex your roof is, how big your roof is, and the number of solar roofing tiles you have.
Tesla also doesn’t let you select the complexity of your roof on their estimator, so you can’t gauge exactly how they’re classifying your roof and what price they’re using for the estimate. Because of this, we give a ballpark figure of around 20 per square foot of total roof space, but it could be more or less.
Based on the average roof size of 1,700 square feet, you can expect the inactive shingles and roofing materials to cost around 34,000. The price you pay will depend on the size of your roof and how complex it is.
That’s quite a high price for a roof replacement. Typically, you can replace an asphalt shingle roof for around 7.00 per square foot. There are even metal roofing options that are cheaper than what Tesla’s charging. The roofing material might be so high because Tesla’s pushed some of the installation labor and materials that technically go with the active solar shingles onto the inactive materials to allow them to advertise a really low price per watt of solar.
What is roof complexity? Tesla looks at three things to determine how complex your roof is: The number of mountain planes, the pitch, and the number of obstructions like skylights and vents. The more mounting planes and obstructions, the more complex the roof is. If your roof has a steep pitch, it will also be considered more complex.
Roof tear-off
Cost: About 2.00 per square foot
Tesla also charges for the removal of your existing roofing material. For an average-sized roof, Tesla will charge you about 3,500 for the tear-off. The price may vary slightly.
This price is a little high for a roof tear off; asphalt shingles typically cost about 1 per square foot to remove and dispose of.
You might be able to skip the tear-off cost if your existing roof is made of 3-tab asphalt shingles that are less than 3/8 inches thick and are in good condition. If this is the case, the solar shingles can be installed right over the shingles already on your roof.
But other types of roofing materials like architectural asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or concrete tiles need to be completely removed before Tesla can install their solar shingles.
Does the Tesla Solar Roof qualify for the federal solar tax credit? Yes! Costs associated with the active solar shingle portion of the roof qualify for the 30% solar tax credit. So, if your total roof installation is 40,000, but only 10,000 of it went towards the installation of the active shingles, the tax credit would only apply to that 10,000.
See what solar incentives and rebates you qualify for
How much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost compared to solar panels?
The total installation cost of a Tesla Solar Roof is going to be much higher than that of a traditional solar panel installation. However, the Tesla Solar Roof also includes a roof replacement. So, when you factor in the price of both a roof replacement and regular solar panels, the totals come out to be closer than you might expect.
The easiest way to compare these costs is with an example. Let’s say you own a home in Florida that has 1,700 square foot roof and uses about 12,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in a year.
The Tesla Solar Roof, in this example, will cost 64,200 before incentives, whereas the conventional solar installation and roof replacement will cost 43,900.
To cover that electricity usage, Tesla recommends installing a 9.00 kW solar roof system that would cost 64,200 to install before incentives. Of that cost, 16,200 would be for active solar shingles, 3,500 would be to tear off your existing roof, and 44,500 would replace your roof.
Installing 9.00 kW of regular solar panels would cost about 25,200 before incentives. Tearing off your existing roof, assuming it was asphalt shingles, would cost just about 1,700. Replacing your asphalt shingles would cost around 17,000. That brings the total cost for a traditional roof replacement and solar installation to 43,900 before incentives.
For this example, you would save a little over 20,000 by going the traditional route as opposed to opting for the Solar Roof. Of course, there are a ton of factors that go into this, like what type of roofing material you’re using, your electricity usage, and the size of your roof.
Do you have to install a Tesla Powerwall with the Solar Roof?
Yes, you have to install a Tesla Powerwall battery with the Solar Roof. The cost of the Powerwall home battery will be included in the initial estimate you see on Tesla’s website.
If you do choose to install the Tesla Powerwall, it will cost an additional 11,500, but it will be covered by the federal tax credit.
Find out if solar battery storage is worth it where you live
How long does the Tesla Solar Roof last?
Tesla’s solar shingles are designed with durability in mind and have a Class 3 hail rating, the second-highest rating available, as well as the highest fire rating possible.
Plus, the Tesla Solar Roof is covered by a 25-year product warranty, a 25-year module warranty, and a 25-year weatherization warranty. So, just like traditional solar panels, you can expect the Tesla Solar Roof to last at least 25 years.
The 25-year product warranty exceeds solar industry standards, with most solar panels offering between 10 and 12-year product warranties. The 25-year module warranty covers the active solar shingles and gives you an idea of how much power the shingles will provide you as they age. This warranty falls right in line with solar industry standards. it’s not bad, but it’s nothing impressive either.
The weatherization warranty is designed to cover the ‘roofing’ aspect of the Solar Roof. Like most shingle warranties, it’s prorated, meaning how much is covered depends on how long you’ve had the roof. You can probably find shingle warranties out there that provide a little more coverage than Tesla’s, but it’s not horrible.
The Tesla Powerwall is covered by a separate 10-year warranty.
What size Tesla Solar Roof do you need?
The size of the Tesla Solar Roof you’ll need depends on your energy usage and where you live. The characteristics of your roof will also play a role in how much solar you’ll need.
The following table gives a rough estimate of how much homeowners in different states could pay for a Solar Roof in order to cover the average electric bill in that state:
| California | 130 | 5.69 kW | 47,742 |
| Texas | 140 | 12.10 kW | 59,280 |
| Florida | 140 | 10.30 kW | 56,040 |
| North Carolina | 120 | 8.50 kW | 52,800 |
| Arizona | 140 | 8.64 kW | 53,052 |
| Nevada | 120 | 7.78 kW | 51,504 |
| Georgia | 130 | 9.72 kW | 54,996 |
| New Jersey | 110 | 7.70 kW | 51,360 |
| Virginia | 130 | 12.89 kW | 60,702 |
| Massachusetts | 150 | 8.14 kW | 52,152 |
Based on a 1,700 square foot roof before incentives and a roof replacement cost of 20 per square foot of total roof space. Includes roof tear-off.
How much can you save on electricity bills with the Tesla Solar Roof?
You can eliminate all or most of your monthly electricity bill with a Tesla Solar Roof, just like you can with solar panels. There may be some stipulations though, like what kind of net metering program your utility offers and the size of your roof.
Even though you can potentially get rid of your electricity bill, you also have to think about how much you’re saving compared to how much you paid for the system. Consider the example from earlier. the 6.14 kW Solar Roof in California, which would save you a little over 50,000 over its 25-year lifespan, which would just break even.
The traditional 5.55 kW solar system, on the other hand, would save you 64,000 over 25 years and have a payback period of around 5 years.
The Tesla Solar Roof payback period takes the entire installation into account, including the non-solar portion, because you have no choice but to get the entire roof replacement. But even if you looked at just the solar portion, the active shingles would break even after 7 years. 7 years is a great payback period, but it’s still longer than it would be if you just got regular solar panels.
Is the Tesla Solar Roof worth it?
We’re going to cut to the chase. for most homeowners, the Tesla Solar Roof isn’t a worthwhile investment. Installing traditional solar panels is going to be cheaper, no matter how you slice it. Even if you also need a new roof, Tesla’s roofing material and removal costs are so high that unless you were already planning on getting a premium roof installed, it’s going to be more expensive than it needs to be.
The Solar Roof can be a good option if you’re building a new, high-end home. The sleek design will match the aesthetics of modern homes, and those in the luxury market will probably like the idea of having a high-tech roof. Because costs for building new homes will already be high, the additional costs of the Solar Roof likely won’t break the budget.
Setting cost aside, we’re still not so sure the Solar Roof is the right way to go solar. Despite being introduced in 2016, Tesla didn’t start installing Solar Roofs until 2018, and it’s still unknown how many have actually been installed. From the numbers we’ve seen floating around, it doesn’t seem like the Solar Roof is a profitable product for Tesla, so we wouldn’t be surprised if they decided to stop selling it together.
Because there aren’t a ton of Solar Roofs out there (from what we know), we also can’t be sure how Tesla handles repairs and servicing of this product. If it’s anything like how Tesla Energy usually deals with customer service, though, it doesn’t seem promising. Tesla is notorious for having subpar customer service when it comes to its energy division. You can see for yourself in Tesla’s customer reviews here on SolarReviews.
People have reported waiting weeks to hear back from their Tesla advisors if there is an issue with their system. In mid-2020, Tesla started canceling Solar Roof preorders after homeowners had paid their deposits. claiming the sites weren’t within their service territory. And not long after, Tesla changed the of Solar Roof installations for homeowners who already signed contracts. If you can’t even trust that they’ll honor their contract. what can you trust them about?
The bottom line is even if the Tesla Solar Roof can seem like a competitive option for those looking to switch to solar in theory, in reality, it raises some pretty big red flags. Before you dive headfirst into a 50,000 deal with Tesla, you should consider getting quotes from solar installers in your area for conventional solar systems. You can even consider other solar shingle brands, like the new solar roof product from roofing giant GAF.
Reputable local solar installers will be able to provide you with a more personalized installation experience and will be there to support you for the 25-year lifespan of your system.
Missouri’s Premier Roofing Solar Company Tesla Solar Roofing
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We are Tesla Installers in Missouri
Now you can access solar power and have a beautiful roof. Tesla’s Solar Roof brings you energy savings and the visual appeal of a modern-looking roof. When your neighbors have lost power, your lights will still be on thanks to your Tesla Solar Roof and Powerwall.
Why a Tesla Solar Roof?
Solar Roof is arguably the most beautiful, durable, clean energy generating roof ever made. It refuses to compromise on quality, functionality, or aesthetics. They just work, allowing you to live a more sustainable independent lifestyle without even thinking about it. Solar Roof Powerwall gives you control over your energy, automatically adjusting to optimize your sustainability, economics, and security.
Want to invest a Solar Roof? Here are some questions to consider:
What if you could invest in a home improvement project that not only pays for itself, but also generates positive value over its lifetime?
How would you feel to pay yourself for your own electricity, rather than throwing it away money after month?
How would it feel to know your Solar Roof and Tesla Powerwall can make your family more resilient during blackouts?
It becomes most feasible to install Solar Roof when you’re considering installing solar panels on a luxury roof, such as Slate, Tile, or Metal. The cost can range from between 30-50/ sq. ft, depending on roofing surface area (Sq ft.), complexity of the roof (pitch number of roof planes), size of the PV system and number of inverters, number of Tesla Powerwalls, added energy management integration with SPAN, location, and more.
Tesla Solar Roof Benefits
Longevity
Tesla Solar Roofs are long-lasting and durable. They don’t break down as quickly or easily as shingles. They will continue to protect your home against storm and water damage for years to come. plus Tesla offers a 25-year warranty.
Building Equity
You were probably advised to buy a home rather than rent because when you buy, you are building equity. When you rent, you’re just paying out money you’ll never get back. The difference between installing a Tesla Solar Roof and paying for electricity is similar.
Offsetting Electric Bills
A Tesla Solar Roof will soon pay for itself by offsetting your electric bill. Once the roof has paid for itself, you’ll be saving money each month. A home with a roof that saves you money each month is definitely valuable!
Self-Sustained Power
Self-sustained power is another huge advantage of installing a Tesla Solar Roof. Any extra electricity generated during the day is stored in a battery –the Powerwall– so you can use it at night. If the power grid goes down, you will still have electricity.
Tesla cares about the quality of your roof. Only an Authorized Installer can purchase and install Tesla roofs. Kelly Roofing is proud to be an authorized Tesla installer for Tesla Solar Roof, Tesla Solar, and Tesla Powerwalls.6
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“A A Quality Roofing receives my highest recommendation. I have worked with countless contractors in my industry and Al and his team are by far, the best!”
“Great job at a great price. Al was always very prompt to resopnd to questions and very helpful. Will definitely use again and recommend to friends.”
“Great crew with strong work ethic. Excellent quality and great attention to detail. Superb post project customer service. Highly recommend!
“The best roofing company around, hands down! Very professional company, fantastic quality product, fast and super efficient roofing installment team, price was very fair and the most fantastic clean-up I have ever seen!
“Excellent roofing work, outstanding job building two new porches and extended overhang. Kept excellent job site and left totally clean. Last but not least, very friendly and professional to work with.
“Very pleased with the gutters A A Quality Roofing put on our home. The employees were all very friendly professional. We had a request for the work to be done sooner than planned they were very quick to help accommodate to our needs.
“A A Quality Roofing receives my highest recommendation. I have worked with countless contractors in my industry and Al and his team are by far, the best!”
“Great job at a great price. Al was always very prompt to resopnd to questions and very helpful. Will definitely use again and recommend to friends.”
“Great crew with strong work ethic. Excellent quality and great attention to detail. Superb post project customer service. Highly recommend!
“The best roofing company around, hands down! Very professional company, fantastic quality product, fast and super efficient roofing installment team, price was very fair and the most fantastic clean-up I have ever seen!
“Excellent roofing work, outstanding job building two new porches and extended overhang. Kept excellent job site and left totally clean. Last but not least, very friendly and professional to work with.
“Very pleased with the gutters A A Quality Roofing put on our home. The employees were all very friendly professional. We had a request for the work to be done sooner than planned they were very quick to help accommodate to our needs.
How Does It Work?
Step 1: Estimate Tool
Request a free estimate for the price of a Solar Roof on your home. Our Sales Representatives will review your submission to ensure your estimate accurately reflects your project.
Step 2: Design
Based on the initial estimate, if you decide Solar Roof could be right for your home, you can move into the formal design phase. We work with you to more thoroughly evaluate your solar energy goals, project requirements, and production potential for different solar roof configurations.
Step 3: Order Install
Before the final installation, we prepare all the necessary permitting and documents to make sure your home, city, and electric company are ready for your Solar Roof.
Tesla Solar Roof FAQs
Our wait times to begin installing Tesla Solar Roofs are 2-3 months, depending on the project. Smaller, simpler projects may begin more quickly, while larger, more complex projects may take longer to begin. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can schedule your project and get to work!
Tesla Solar Roof can easily power most homes. AA Quality Roofing will consider several factors to make sure that your solar roof can provide adequate power to your home. Many of those factors include:
Kilowatt Production
We’ll make sure that your solar roof is capable of the kilowatt production (or electricity generation) your home needs. For large homes that have several power hungry appliances, like hot tubs and large HVAC systems, your kilowatt needs will be larger. Smaller homes with fewer appliances will need less kilowatt production.
AA Quality Roofing will perform an energy audit during the design phase of your Solar Roof, so we’ll know exactly how much kilowatt production your home will need.
Roof Design
Not all roofs are capable of the same solar capture. Complicated roofs may need more photovoltaic tiles capable of solar capture compared to simple, flat roofs. Our design experts will make sure we know how many photovoltaic tiles are needed, and even if your roof design works with Solar Roof.
Energy Independence
Many of our solar product customers want to be as independent from the electric grid as possible. While not all municipalities allow for true independence, we’ll make sure you maximize your solar capture and energy production.
Our design experts may recommend Powerwall, a home battery, to store excess electric production for when solar capture is low, like at night.
Solar products in general, including Solar Roof, can increase the value of your home. The reason for that is:
- Carbon footprint reduction
- Energy Independence
- Selling energy to the grid (depending on where you live)
Tesla Solar Roof also offers unique benefits not found with other solar products, like:
- A sleek, modern aesthetic
- A premium, durable roof
- Compatibility with products like Powerwall to aid in energy independence
Getting a Tesla Solar Roof is a great investment into your home. Not only will you get a cutting-edge solar product, you’re also receiving a premium roof.
Can you go off-grid with a Powerwall and Tesla Solar Roof?
It is possible to go off-grid with a Powerwall and a Tesla Solar Roof, but going off-grid requires more than just having these two products. If you want to be completely off-grid, you’ll need to have all of the following:
Sufficient Kilowatt Production (or Solar Capture)
If your roof isn’t capable of capturing enough sunlight for your electric needs, then you won’t be able to go off-grid. AA Quality Roofing will perform an energy audit of how much energy you currently use. Depending on the layout of your roof, it may not be possible to be completely off-grid, though our technicians will be able to determine this during your free consultation.
Living in a Municipality or Having a Utility That Allows You to Be Off-Grid
Unfortunately, even if you have the hardware and kilowatt production required to be off-grid, sometimes it’s simply not allowed. Local municipalities and utility companies often require you to be connected to the energy grid. Some will even cap how many kilowatts your roof is allowed to produce.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re allowed to go off-grid, our Certified Installers will let you know about energy regulations specific to your location and electric utility.
Do I get a tax credit with Tesla Solar Roof?
In 2022, your Tesla Solar Roof will be eligible for a tax credit equal to 26% of the total cost of the project. This includes the material costs and the installation costs. We guarantee we’ll get you the best tax credit available for your solar project.
How much energy can Tesla Solar Roof generate?
A Tesla Solar Roof can generate an enormous range of energy, starting from very low production for small homes to large production for larger homes or businesses. The lowest kilowatt roof we have installed was a 4KW roof, while the highest we have installed is a 51KW roof. Those aren’t lower and upper limits, it’s just the range of what our customers have needed!
How much kilowatts your Solar Roof can produce is largely based on the photovoltaic tiles (or PV tiles) used to build your roof. Each tile produces 72W of energy, but your roof will also have basic tempered glass tiles that can’t produce energy. Our Solar Roof experts will determine how many PV tiles are needed to satisfy your energy needs.
Remember, sometimes local regulations will limit how many kilowatts your roof can produce, so it’s possible you won’t have enough PV tiles to meet all of your energy needs and truly go off-grid. We’ll let you know about the specific regulations in your area and how much kilowatts your roof will be allowed to produce.
Does Tesla Solar price include installation?
When you receive a price quote from us, it will include both materials and installation costs. You won’t need to worry about surprise fees or expenses. Remember, the 26% tax credit you’ll receive on your Solar Roof includes material and installation costs.
Once we begin installation, you can expect an average installation time of about a week to complete the project. This is a rough estimate, and there are a lot of factors that can impact your timeframe. When we give you a project quote, we’ll also give you a more accurate estimate of how long the project will take. Here are some factors that can impact installation times:
- The size of your roof. Larger roofs take more time.
- The design of your roof. Steep and/or complex roof designs will take longer to install.
- Required permits. The more permits that are required to be able to begin construction, the longer the overall install time will take.
- Weather. Severe weather (like ice, snow, and thunderstorms) will delay installation times.
Finally, the local utility may delay when you can begin using your Solar Roof. Even after installation is complete, the utility will need to take action to formally connect it to the grid, when required. We’ll give you a rough estimate of how long it will take, depending on your location.
What is the difference between Solar Roof and traditional solar panels?
Traditional solar panels are fixtures that are installed on your roof. Their kilowatt production is comparable to Solar Roof, and sometimes they are a better choice for roofs that have a design that just doesn’t work for the PV tiles used in Solar Roof installations. Like Solar Roof, traditional panels reduce your carbon footprint and are a step towards energy independence.
Solar Roof, on the other hand, is the roof. The PV tiles and non-functional tempered glass tiles replace the shingles used in traditional roofs. They are extremely durable, and also create a sleek aesthetic that makes your roof look amazing. Solar Roof is also designed to easily work with products like Powerwall, a Tesla-branded battery that stores excess electricity.
Our solar product experts will help you to determine which solar product is right for your home or for your energy needs.
Solar energy systems are rated based on kilowatts (kW) of DC power and a Solar Roof system could be designed at almost any level, but generally we see 8-15 kW as a typical range. We have projects planned that will be as high as 50kW. Actual annual production of kilowatt hours (kWh) AC power is dependent on other variables that are carefully evaluated during the design process, such as roof slope orientation, expected hours of sunlight, and shading. Our early experience from the design process suggests that most homes in our markets that are otherwise a good design fit can support enough production to replace 80% of a home’s annual electrical consumption.
Yes! For tax year 2022 there is a 26% Investment Tax Credit available that applies to a large portion of a Solar Roof installation and all of a Powerwall installation when done as part of a solar project. Some states and utilities have other credits available, and we usually can inform you if there are additional incentives in your area.
Pricing is still evolving but our general guidance is that a new Solar Roof is likely to cost between 1500-2000 square before incentives. This figure is highly dependent on the size of the photovoltaic (PV) system chosen (the number of “active” PV tiles compared to glass tiles) and the complexity of the roof design and number of obstructions (skylights, chimneys, pipes) on the roof deck. We are optimistic about developing expertise and methods of installing this more efficiently over time to hopefully bring this price down in the future. We have an online configuration tool to help you estimate the price of your project.
A single Powerwall battery storage system installation runs between 11,000. 13,000 depending on whether other electrical upgrades are necessary. Additional Powerwall units can be added for around 9,000 to increase storage and backup capacity.
Yes! We are pleased to offer a financing program through Sunlight Financial that is designed exclusively for Tesla Solar Roof and Powerwall. The program offers 10 or 20 year fixed rate loans with no prepayment penalty and a one-time optional re-amortization that allows homeowners to apply tax refunds from the Investment Tax Credit to reduce monthly payments for the remainder of the loan. In some cases, our clients have found it even more the current interest rate and property value environment has made refinancing an attractive option for some clients.
The system is designed to be installed on nearly any common sloped roof design in the market today. The system has the best value and most competitive installed pricing when a roof has a few large rectangular slopes with good south-facing exposures. We find that roofs with an excessive amount of hips and valleys or with a large number of dormers or a large proportion of small slopes are extremely labor-intensive leading to an unusually high installation cost.
Don’t worry! Solar Roof is easy to repair in almost every situation. One of the advantages of working with a local/regional company like AA Quality Roofing is that we have a service department that can respond quickly in all of our markets and we have an inventory of spare parts on hand. We use specialized hand tools that allow us to easily remove individual tiles to service cabling or components underneath or to snap in replacement tiles if needed.
energy when you need it most
You likely know Tesla to be one of the leaders in green technology in the automobile industry. Now you can apply the environmentally friendly ingenuity of this company to your home’s energy supply. Tesla Powerwall is a backup battery that can help you achieve energy independence when coupled with solar panels. or energy security for traditional grid-connected homes. The unit is designed to seamlessly integrate into exterior or interior applications, and can be programmed to discharge energy when low-cost, backup energy is most needed, like at night or during grid outages. Whether you’re employing solar energy or not, Tesla Powerwall will keep your lights on during the next storm or hurricane while your neighbors search frantically for flashlights. And it’ll help make your monthly energy bills significantly lower!
tesla powerwall exterior
On the outside, Tesla Powerwall has a sleek, low-profile design that makes it durable yet visually satisfying for residential and commercial applications. It’s water-resistant and dustproof, making it usable in both indoor and outdoor applications. Mount your Tesla Powerwall on a wall or on the floor — whatever works best for your space and needs. It’s completely safe for animals and families — no exterior wires or hot vents to worry about.
tesla powerwall interior
Inside, Tesla Powerwall is made of the best materials to help it run quietly and efficiently. Includes an internal converter, 14 kWh lithium ion battery pack, and liquid cooling system. No maintenance required after installation. Tesla Powerwall runs quietly — no loud humming or buzzing.
The Tesla app
Like all Tesla products, Tesla Powerwall is compatible with the Tesla app for smartphones. You’ll be able to download the app, register your Tesla Powerwall, and instantly see how your unit is interacting with your home, and also make changes to its operation according to your needs. The app enables a Tesla Powerwall user to monitor energy usage and observe how the unit is functioning within the home. It also allows a user to customize the unit to achieve various modes that determine how and when it will charge and discharge. For example, you can choose to reserve a desired percentage of energy at all times so you’ll always have power available should an outage arise. Settings like this can be controlled easily from within the app and only take about an hour to become effective.
HOW IT WORKS
Tesla Powerwall is cutting-edge energy technology, but the concept is quite simple: it’s an efficient backup battery system designed to store excess energy and to know when you need it most. Tesla Powerwall can be used with or without solar panels.
Tesla Powerwall was designed to work in conjunction with a solar array to help achieve complete energy independence. It works like this:
- Solar panels produce a surplus of energy throughout the day which is stored in Tesla Powerwall during daylight hours.
- Tesla Powerwall discharges this energy when it’s needed most: at night, or during detected grid outages if your home is still connected to the electric grid.
- The unit is able to detect outages and power needs entirely on its own — you don’t have to do anything!
Tesla Powerwall can also provide dramatic energy savings and a clean energy alternative for structures without solar panels.
- The unit is programmed to charge when energy rates are low, storing up excess energy from the grid at a lower rate.
- At peak hours, Tesla Powerwall will discharge and use that stored-up energy to power your home, saving you big on electric bills every month by utilizing only low-rate energy.
You’ll also have a reliable backup during grid outages, too. Tesla Powerwall can detect outages within a fraction of a second and begin to discharge instantly, providing you with a seamless transition to backup power with no interruption whatsoever.
PROSOLAR FLORIDA IS A CERTIFIED TESLA INSTALLER!
We at ProSolar Florida are Certified Tesla Powerwall installers. Our Solar Energy Specialists have gone through the necessary instruction and certification process with Tesla in order to install Tesla Powerwall in your home. You can rely on our skill and experience to make the process seamless from start to finish. We’ll take care of every aspect of the process, from financing, to permitting, to installation. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the savings and peace of mind that will come with complete energy independence using one of the most advanced clean energy products on the market.
The 3 Best Solar Roof Systems for Residents in Maryland
The best solar roof system for residents in Maryland is GAF’s Timberline Solar™ Shingles. The next best system is Tesla’s Solar Roof Tiles, and the third best is traditional solar panels.
Do you want to produce solar energy on your Maryland rooftop? Keep reading because we researched and compared the best solar systems available in the state.
This article will illustrate how these three options rank when compared to one another. See our easy-to-follow decision-making.
The 3 Best Solar Roof Systems
Here’s the ranking for the best systems to add solar generation to your home’s rooftop. We will briefly describe each option and then get down to the factors influencing the ranking.
GAF’s Timberline Solar™ Shingles
These cutting-edge shingles are installed by a roofing contractor using traditional roofing equipment. The shingles blend into surrounding shingles for a low-profile design with better aesthetics than traditional solar panels.
Tesla’s Solar Roof Tiles
Tesla’s solar shingles have been on the market since 2016. These sleek shingles have the advantage of seamlessly integrating solar and non-solar tiles for the most aesthetic design on the market.
Traditional Solar Panels
A variety of solar companies offer traditional solar panels. These panels are mounted onto an existing roof or structure.
Installation Comparisons
Let’s look into how these systems compare to one another in the installation process.
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.
Tesla Solar Tiles
Tesla Solar Tiles are installed by Tesla’s in-house crews using specialized equipment. Even though the final appearance is top-notch, installation for the tiles is usually the most expensive.
Traditional Solar Panels
To install traditional solar panels, you will need the services of a solar company. The solar company isn’t a roofing contractor. You can also install these panels on top of an existing roof.
Not redoing the roof means that short-term costs for panel installation are the lowest cost solar system.
However, any major roof repairs will require labor from two different crews in the future. You will have to hire both roofing contractors and solar crews.
Warranty Comparisons
Another factor in our decision was longevity. We used warranties to compare longevity.
| GAF Solar Shingles | Tesla Solar Tiles | Traditional Solar Panels |
| 25 Years | 25 Years | 20 Years |
On the surface, these warranties all seem very similar.
In the warranty terms and conditions, we see the caveat that both Tesla and traditional solar panels share.
| GAF Solar Shingles | Tesla Solar Tiles | Traditional Solar Panels |
| 50 Years Non-prorated | 10 Years Non-prorated | Usually Prorated |
GAF Energy will offer the full value or replacement for the life of the warranty. The other two options will begin pro-rating the cost after a set time.
That means GAF honors the full warranty for the entire warranty period. The other solar system options will provide you with a fraction of the value based on the age of the system.
For the Tesla roof, owners get a reduction in coverage after just 10 years, less than half of the warranty span.
GAF’s Timberline Solar™ Solar Shingle
GAF’s solar shingles has the lowest solar shingle installation cost. The cost is lower because roofing contractors the solar shingles using standard equipment.
And although the overall cost of solar shingles is higher than traditional panels, the estimated price per watt is lower for solar roof options because more of the roof is utilized to produce energy.
Tesla Solar Tiles
Tesla’s solar roof is one of the most expensive options on the market when looking at the total cost. The tiles are expensive to produce and must be installed by specialized in-house crews.
However, solar roofs use more of the roof’s surface area to generate electricity, so the estimated price per watt is better than traditional solar panels.
Traditional Solar Panels
Traditional solar panels are the cheapest option for purchase and installation. In the long run, their shorter life span and limited rooftop area will reduce their output.
So even though traditional solar panels are the cheapest short-term option, they may not be the best solar option for your long-term financial goals.
Solar Roof Systems Conclusion
Whether you choose GAF Timberline Solar™ Shingles, Tesla Roof Tiles, or traditional panels, you are improving your residence!
All three options will increase home value and reduce your carbon footprint.
If you want the most accessible installation and longest warranty coverage, you’ll want to select GAF Solar Shingles and have them installed by a local Master Elite Contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar panels more expensive than a solar roof?
Solar panels are cheaper than solar roofs in terms of overall cost. However, a solar roof has a lower estimated price per watt. That is because more of the roof’s surface is used.
What are the drawbacks of solar power?
The biggest drawbacks of solar power include the waste of used solar panels and the limitations of solar. For example, the location or shape of the roof may not provide energy. Solar roofs do not generate power at night.
The Tesla Solar Roof: What You Should Know
If you’ve been in the market for a new roof or a solar array, chances are you’ve heard whisperings about the Tesla Solar Roof. It’s the perfect combination of upscale, aesthetically pleasing roofing tiles that just so happen to generate electricity. Thanks to our close strategic partnership with Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Azul Roofing is pleased to announce that Tesla’s revolutionary Solar Roof is now available!
Like all new technologies, questions about Solar Roof’s abilities abound. And while we can’t possibly answer everything in the context of this short blog, we wanted to take a few minutes and address some of the most common. Whether you’re in the market for a new roof, are interested in solar panels — or both — the Solar Roof might be a good option for you. Read on to learn more about this cutting-edge technology and see if it’s the right choice for you.
Solar Roof Tiles are Extremely Durable
Choosing the Tesla Solar Roof means choosing one of the most durable tiles on the market. Solar Roof tiles are made with tempered glass, making them more than three-times stronger than many traditional roofing systems. They’re also engineered for all-weather durability — so whether you’re in Flagstaff facing the snow, or in Phoenix facing the heat, Tesla has engineered the Solar Roof to handle it all.
In addition to durability, Tesla backs Solar Roof with an industry-leading 25-year weatherization, power, and tile warranty — longer than many traditional roofing systems. So there’s ample reason to feel confident that an investment in Solar Roof will pay off for many years/decades to come.
The Solar Roof Pays You Pack
Unlike a non-generating roof tile, Solar Roof will begin putting money back in your from the moment it’s switched on. By installing the Solar Roof, you’ll be able to reduce your monthly electricity bills and replace an aging roof all at the same time. What’s more, the Solar Roof can be combined with technologies such as the Tesla Powerwall. The compact and sleek Powerwall home battery stores any excess solar energy, making it available to further offset purchased utility power at night or to provide security during power outages.
Increased Curb Appeal
Increased curb appeal is one of the many benefits of getting a new roof. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and many homeowners find the look of traditional solar panels to be less than appealing. With the Solar Roof, you won’t have to compromise.
The beautiful Tesla Solar Roof alternates between a combination of energy-producing and non-energy producing tiles. This mix of tiles allows the Solar Roof to easily integrate with a wide variety of roof shapes and sizes. Both tile types are entirely indistinguishable from one another and combine to create an invisible solar array that’s aesthetically pleasing at any angle. Want more production? Add more power-producing tiles. It’s that simple.
Two Teams For The Price Of One
Azul Roofing Solutions is the only Tesla Certified Solar Roof installer to forge a strategic partnership with Arizona’s most trusted solar design team. Since 2006, Sun Valley Solar Solutions has helped more than 8,500 homeowners go solar. With Azul handling the roofing side and Sun Valley Solar Solutions ensuring a safe and reliable grid connection, you’ll gain access to expertise not available from other roofing teams.
If you’re interested in the Tesla Solar Roof, we invite you to request a free, no-obligation quote! Simply click the button below to get started.