Tesla solar roof price increase leads to lawsuits
In Tesla’s latest solar roof blunder, the company altered solar roof pricing after customers had already signed contracts. Image courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
Tesla’s solar roof has been the “next big thing” for the last nine years. The solar roof is designed with active solar shingles that generate electricity for your home, and inactive shingles that act as a traditional roofing material, so you can go solar without sacrificing the aesthetics of your home.
Sounds great, right? But after nearly a decade, it seems the only thing going to the moon is the price of the Tesla solar roof and the number of Tesla lawsuits.
In April 2021, Tesla imposed significant price hikes on their solar roof product not only for new projects, but for homeowners who had already signed contracts, as well. For some Tesla customers, the price increases were double what they agreed to pay in their original contract, and included no upgraded materials or designs.
The contract changes led many Tesla solar roof customers to file lawsuits against the company in hopes that they could get their original contract back.
So why did Tesla impose these price hikes? And what does this mean for the future of the Tesla solar roof? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Tesla’s solar roof price increases, the lawsuits, and what it all means for the future of the solar roof.
How much can you save by switching to solar?
Tesla imposes drastic price hikes for all solar roof projects
When Tesla’s solar roof first launched, it was quite expensive. Only people who could afford the 100,000 price tag of the new high-tech roof could enjoy it. Then when Tesla launched the Solar Roof V3 in 2019, the price was substantially lower than the original.
In fact, the new iteration of the solar roof cost so much less than its predecessor, that in some cases it was cheaper to install a Tesla solar roof than it was to completely replace a roof and install a conventional solar panel system. It seemed as though it was finally the time for the solar roof to take off.
That all came crashing down in March 2021 when Tesla raised the price of their solar roof substantially. For some projects, the price would be over 40% higher than it would have been prior to the price hikes.
And Tesla didn’t stop there. Just a month later, in April 2021, the solar roof skyrocketed again. The cost is now up to 72% more than what it was at the start of 2021. A solar roof project that would have cost around 27,000 at the beginning of the year now costs almost 47,000.
But Tesla didn’t just raise the price for new solar roof projects. they increased the price for people who had already signed contracts. The contracts sent out by Tesla with new pricing did not include any different materials or designs: they were the same exact plans as before, just with a much higher price tag.
Some homeowners saw installation costs that were double that of what they signed off on just weeks before their installation was set to begin, and they were not happy about it, to say the least. And since Tesla is known for having poor customer service, many Tesla customers found the best way to get the company’s attention was through legal action.
Homeowners sue Tesla for changing solar roof contracts
After seeing such drastic price jumps from their original contracts, many homeowners decided to take Tesla to court. A complaint filed earlier this week in North California stated:
“After completing the sales agreements, and while the consumers have been making plans for the installations, in classic bait-and-switch fashion Tesla is now informing these consumers they must pay upwards of a 50% price hike on the cost of the Solar Roof if they want to proceed with the installation and if they do not pay promptly, they risk losing their place in line for installation.”
According to Business Insider, one California homeowner signed his Tesla solar roof contract for 71,000 in March 2021. In April, Tesla notified him that the project cost would now be 146,462. After speaking to a Tesla representative, the homeowner was offered a free Powerwall battery, aka a 9,500 consolation gift for a 75,000 upcharge.
lawsuits are still being filed against Tesla for the changed contracts. Right now, it is unclear what Tesla’s response will be or how the court will proceed.
Why did Tesla change their solar roof prices?
Tesla’s price hikes boil down to the company grossly underestimating how complex roofing installations can be.
With any roof replacement, the more intricate the roof, the more the installation will cost. If your home has multiple floors, dormers, vent pipes, a chimney, or has a steep pitch, it takes more labor and materials to get the job done.
Prior to March 2021, Tesla was charging a flat rate of 7.65 per square foot for their inactive roofing materials, no matter how complex the roof was. Turns out, that’s not cost-effective. That’s when Tesla implemented “roof complexity” into their solar roof ordering process. So, in order to purchase a Tesla solar roof, you had to deem your roof simple, moderate, or complex, which would ultimately alter the price.
It’s not surprising that Tesla had to include roof complexity into their solar roof installations. you should have to pay more for an installation that requires more labor and materials. But, when they added roof complexity, they bumped up the a lot, even for simple roofs. Now, a simple roof will run you 14.00 per square foot of roofing material, while a complex roof will cost a whopping 19.24 per square foot. And remember, these don’t even include the solar portion of the roof.
Maybe these would make sense for a premium roofing material like slate, but Tesla’s inactive shingles are made of painted steel. That’s an insanely high price for metal roofing shingles, which usually cost between 7.00 and 10.00 per square foot, including labor costs.
It is possible that Tesla is only increasing the price of the inactive roofing materials because they want to keep the cost per watt of the solar shingles low. So, maybe that could explain why there is such a large disparity between traditional metal shingles and Tesla’s. But, it’s impossible to know for sure.
Tesla’s effort to make the solar roof mainstream crashes and burns
Even Elon Musk admits that Tesla made significant mistakes when it came to the solar roof. Tesla’s one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t quite work when it comes to roofing. The company has always been all about simplicity, making their solar ordering process as easy as buying a shirt online.
And while this model kind of works for solar, roofing is a whole different ballgame. Simpler isn’t always better.
Plus, Tesla hasn’t delivered on a lot of promises they made about the solar roof historically. In 2016, they claimed that four shingle styles would be available. Meanwhile, only two ever hit the market, despite Elon Musk’s claims that the remaining styles would be available six months after the originals.
With the lawsuits on top of the price hikes, Tesla isn’t really making itself look any better. So for now it seems the Tesla solar roof will remain a luxury product for the wealthy. That is, if you consider it a luxury to buy an extremely expensive product that doesn’t perform as well as cheaper alternatives from a company that alters their contracts after signing and has historically poor customer service.
Tesla’s wishy-washy behavior when it comes to the solar roof could make it hard for consumers to ever trust them when it comes to this product again, no matter how cheap it becomes or how great it performs. Until Tesla sorts itself out, you’re better off going solar with traditional solar panels.
Solar Shingles For Your Roof [Data Facts]
Solar roof shingles are the best possible replacement for traditional solar panels. Although solar shingles have been around for a while, their popularity only spiked when Elon Musk announced his own Tesla solar roof. With a competitive price, sleek design, and unprecedented functionality, solar roof solutions are the best investment for those who do not want to compromise their roof looks and property aesthetics.
What are Solar Roof Shingles?
Solar roof shingles are roof tiles with built-in solar cells. The photovoltaic shingles can, therefore, completely substitute for your roof and look much better than standard solar panels added to the roof. Proponents of the technology also say that roof shingles are more durable than traditional solar panels and that they give multipurpose to the otherwise useless surface: generating electricity and staying protected from the elements now go hand in hand.
As yet another product on the solar market, solar tiles can help usher renewables into daily life and help mitigate climate change. Made from conventional roofing materials, with an added solar cell in each tile, they are a great substitute for building-integrated photovoltaics – a solution many disliked. The newer generation of solar tiles can cover the entire roof and give it a uniform, sleek design that you will want to see, not hide away from.
When choosing solar shingles, there are several factors you should consider. All of these are important in determining what your roof will look like, which brand you will use, how much energy you will get, and lastly, what the cost will be. The factors to consider when choosing solar shingles for your home include:
Lifespan
The lifespan of solar shingles is around 25-30 years. This means that your shingles will generate electricity for the next two to three decades after the installation is done. During this time, your shingles will produce energy that is enough to pay them off, especially as your energy costs will be almost nullified. Conventional shingles cannot do this.
Size
When it comes to the size of your shingles solar array, it can be observed that the size can relate to the size of individual shingles and the size of the total solar array. In the former case, choosing shingles you think will work the best with your existing shingles is the most important factor. In the latter case, the size of your solar system is also important, as it should be large enough to produce all the energy your family needs, especially in the upcoming years. You may need an expert to help you with the calculations.
The number of roof shingles is also important. Here, you need to understand that each shingle produces only a limited amount of energy. This means that you need to divide your total energy needs with the DC output of the shingle model you would like to purchase. As most shingles can produce between 35 and 80 Watts a piece, you will need quite a few to cover your needs.
Bear in mind that the total cost of your installation and the average cost per foot sq. will depend on the ratio between active and inactive shingles. Tesla solar shingles, for example, come with both active and inactive shingles. However, their ratio is determined by your energy needs and roof size.
Material
The material used in your shingles also has a big say in their looks and performance. In general, the basis for the shingles is asphalt, concrete, or metal. The solar cell inside can be polycrystalline or monocrystalline. Alternatively, thin-film solar cells can also be found. Monocrystalline shingles have the highest efficiency, while thin-film technology offers the lowest possible power output.
Energy Generation
Different materials mean different efficiency, which, in turn, means differences in the energy generation capacity. With solar shingles, you can generally expect an energy generation capacity of between 35-80 Watts per shingle, which is great considering their cost and the number you need. Always take all these factors into consideration before making your purchase.
How Do Solar Shingles Work?
Solar shingles have been around for a while. They came into the market because many people complained that traditional PV panels simply do not look good enough on their roofs. With the advent of polycrystalline silicon solar cells and thin-film solar panels, the market was finally ready for solar shingles and their production. Thin-film solar cells are inexpensive to produce, but as the technology is still new, the cost of solar shingles is still relatively high.
Solar shingles are installed as regular shingles: they are mostly either screwed or nailed in place. Once there, they are connected either in series or using parallel connections and connected to your solar inverter and the solar battery. Once everything is connected, they act as regular solar panels, producing electricity when exposed to direct sunlight.
One of the biggest solar shingles pros is that they produce solar energy and act as a traditional roofing material. You get to use renewable energy in your home and do so at a high conversion efficiency: some solar shingles use monocrystalline technology – enabling around 20% conversion efficiency.
Types of Solar Roofing
As solar shingles became more popular over time, other types of solar products started appearing. Solar shingles or solar roofs became so popular because they already included the cost of replacing the roof and reduced the need to look for two separate contractors: one to replace the roof and one to install PV panels. For this reason, two new products have sprung up in the solar market:
Integrated Solar Metal Roofing
Integrated solar metal roofing is a type of multi-layer metal roofing that consists of glass coating, color, and a monocrystalline layer. The wiring and all other electrical components are hidden under metal for a clean look. The entire system is placed on a vented racking system, increasing its efficiency and power output.
Interlocking Solar Panel Roofing
In response to the ever-increasing of solar roofs, GAF and Suntegra introduced interlocking solar panel roofing. This kind of roofing helps you avoid the solar shingle cost and all the additional work accompanying solar shingles. A system like this is easy to install, competitive in price, and it makes a good compromise in an aesthetic sense, especially between regularly mounted solar panels and an interlocking, integrated system.
Solar Roof: Installation Cost Average Cost
Solar shingles worth thousands of dollars are sold every minute in the US. But what is the cost of a roof installation for you? The answer to how much money you should cash out for solar shingles on your rooftop depends on the following factors:
- The age and the condition of your roof,
- The orientation and the slope of the roof,
- The average insulation in your area (in hours/year),
- The average solar irradiation in your area (in W/m2),
- Your energy habits and needs,
- Any future plans for introducing new electricity-powered devices.
All these factors will significantly influence the cost of solar shingles and roofs in each case. These factors, especially your energy needs (on an average monthly basis), will determine the number of solar shingles or integrated solar panels you need, as well as which type of solar shingle products you will need. A solar shingle roof can therefore cost anywhere between 15,000 to 20,000, with additional costs if you need a new roof.
Solar Roof Brands
As solar shingle roofs have proven to be reliable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing, more homeowners wanted to add these to their new homes. The increase in demand drove the up and has made the solar roof business more lucrative. For this reason, many companies offer one form or another of solar roofs. Tesla solar roof tiles ushered the way to the new area.
Tesla
Although solar shingles have been sound for several years now, it was the Tesla Solar Shingle that has really brought it to the full attention of the market. With the Tesla solar roof, Tesla promises, you will pay around the same price as for a standard roof and solar panels combined. In reality, Tesla mostly matches their promise as they approach each rooftop individually.
In most cases, depending on your home size and energy needs, your Tesla solar roof will consist of both active solar tiles and inactive solar tiles. This approach gives Tesla more chances to come up with an ideal solar roof for you, as well as to limit the expense. However, standing at 13.50 per square foot of inactive solar shingles, Tesla solar roof is still way more expensive than a standard asphalt shingle, constant at around 3.50-5.50 per square foot.
Luma Solar Roof
Luma Solar roof, on the other hand, comes with greater solar power – each of its solar tiles is rated at an 80 Watt power output. The solar panel shingles they place have inactive shingles as well so that you can have a uniform look and feel to your solar roof without any compromises. The inactive solar shingle installation also costs less, as they are cheaper to manufacture. This way, you keep the costs at an acceptable level: Luma Solar Shingle solution costs around 4.50 per Watt of DC capacity.
CertainTeed Apollo II
CertainTeed offers two solar products for partial or full roof replacement. The company offers Apollo II Shingles and Apollo II tiles. Both come with monocrystalline solar cells and are sure to fit in with your existing roof pretty well. As they are monocrystalline solar cells, these two products have high-efficiency levels and are comparable in their performance to the Tesla Solar Roof.
Suntegra
Suntegra also offers two lines of products to its customers: solar shingles and solar tiles. Their solar shingles come in the following power output ratings:
They are made of high-quality, durable material, comparable to asphalt shingles in their durability. Unlike a traditional solar panel, they do not have the blackish hue that most solar shingles have. Unlike most solar panels, they are quite expensive, as their price starts at 3.80 per Watt of DC power.
The Suntegra solar tiles, on the other hand, come at a higher price range: 6.16 – 6.57 per Watt of DC power capacity. They come with slightly lower efficiency and power output: 64 and 70 Watts. If you still decide to install solar shingles by the same company, you will get more residential solar power from the same roof surface area.
GAF Materials Corporation
GAF is currently one of the largest producers of roofing materials in the US. Recently, it has introduced its own line of solar shingle solutions, which are supposed to cover the entire roof in solar cells. Some of its solar tiles are made from asphalt, so the installation is similar to the installation of traditional asphalt shingles – they are nailed into the underlying construction.
Total roof replacement with GAF solar roof tiles may cost you around 30,000 for a standard US roof. Each tile is certified at 45 Watts of output power, giving you more than enough electricity for an average US residence.
Forward Solar Roofing
Forward Solar Roofing has come up with a solution for integrated solar metal roofing. This way, the company can offer active solar shingles (or solar roofing) that cost around 50% per square foot compared to Tesla solar roof. As solar shingles cost a lot of money, a complete solar roof may be quite pricey. Forward solar roofing avoids these costs and saves you money.
Installation Maintenance
Solar shingles are much like your standard roofing tiles – occasional rain will do most of the cleaning and maintenance for you. Still, if you live in an area with a lot of trees or even an area with heavy snowfall, you may want to invest some time in clearing the shingles from anything that may shade them, especially during the autumn and winter part of the year.
Besides this, there is very little maintenance. It is usually suggested that an electrician should visit the site once a year and check the wiring and solar batteries (if you happen to have them), but there is very little work that actually needs to be done once your new roof is in place.
Cost Comparison Between Solar Shingles Conventional Roof
Many homeowners do not want to install traditional solar panels, as solar shingles look so much better. Made to resemble conventional roofing materials, they are the way to go for everyone who can afford them. Cost, in particular, is the biggest issue, as solar shingles are even more expensive than conventional solar panels.
For this reason, it is recommended that you only consider solar shingles on a new property or if you are already planning to replace the entire roof. This will give you a unique opportunity to explore different options and solar roofing brands available out there. As more solar shingle manufacturers come to the market, traditional roofing materials are likely to fall behind in the production lines, leaving space for the next-gen technology.
Cost Comparison Between Solar Shingles Conventional Solar Panels
Before comparing solar shingles and panels, it is important to note that, although they serve the same function, they are different products. Solar shingles are considered more of a high-end product and are meant for:
- Homeowners who want to preserve the aesthetic aspect of their home,
- Homeowners who want a more sleek and durable product that will last for decades,
- Homeowners who want to replace their roof and install panels – solar shingles reduce workforce costs and save time.
With this in mind, we can compare the pricing. Solar shingles will cost between 15,000 and 20,000 for an average American home. An average solar panel installation will cost around 16,000 for an average US home. This puts them in pretty much the same price range, depending on the brand and the size of the system.
However, if you need to replace your roof and get access to solar energy, then shingles are a much better option. Do not forget that solar panel installations demand a good and sturdy roof. Replacing the roof will cost thousands of dollars. With solar shingles, the costs are absorbed, as you do not need to pay extra for the tiles/shingles as you do with a standard roof.
Another important aspect to consider is the manufacturer. Tesla solar shingles, for example, often cost multiple of those other producers. That is because Tesla solar shingles are considered a premium product, and there is even a lengthy waiting list for those who would like to install them. However, in both cases, you can count on solar tax credits and other incentives.
Benefits of Solar Roof Shingles
Like any other solar product, solar shingles have many benefits. Being able to make your own residential solar power from your roof without compromising the look of your property on its own is a benefit high enough for many American homeowners to go with this product. The major benefits of solar shingles include:
- Reduction in carbon footprint,
- Saving on your electric bill,
- Being able to apply for tax credits (under the Federal ITC) and solar rebates,
- Preserving or improving the looks of your home and the roof.
Drawbacks of Solar Roof Shingles
However, most solar shingles have their drawbacks as well. As it goes, solar shingles are a relatively new product on the market. They are still considered a high-end, luxury product that costs a significant amount of money. As the solar industry keeps rolling out new solar power systems and cheaper solar shingles, it can be expected to see more of them on the roofs around the US. The major drawbacks of solar shingles include:
- The very high initial price per square foot and project – as most solar shingles need to be mounted on a new structure (to ensure safety and durability for years to come), you may also need to have a full roof replacement,
- Solar roofing comes in limited styles. Unlike traditional roofing shingles, solar shingles contain silicon solar cells. This solar energy solution, for this reason, needs to have a surface that can interact with sunlight – giving you a limited availability of colors and patterns,
- Solar shingles are similar to solar panels – they need exposure to direct sunlight, always at a certain angle that’s supposed to help generate the most electricity. These thin-film solar cells need to face the South – if your home roof does not face the South, it may be impractical to install solar shingles, as solar panels will yield the maximum energy output if tilted or re-oriented. We cannot say the same for solar shingles, as they have to be laid flat on the roof surface.
Are Solar Roofs included in Solar Incentives and Tax Credits?
Yes, your solar shingle roof is included in solar incentives and tax credits. As this type of roof can produce renewable energy, it is eligible for most state and federal solar incentives and taxes. You should apply for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, state solar incentives, as well as state and utility company rebates. The Federal ITC gives back around 22%of investment value back, while rebates and incentives can give back up to 1 per Watt of DC capacity.
FAQs
Do homes with solar sell faster?
Yes, homes with solar sell faster. Many new homeowners are eco-conscious people who know that a solar roof increases the value of the property without an increase in property taxes. Furthermore, the freedom of having no or very low power bills is attractive to many. If you are thinking about installing solar panels on your existing roof before selling, this may be a good option, as every kW of solar capacity installed on your roof increases your property value by around 6,000.
Are Solar Roofs Worth it?
Yes, solar roofs are worth it. Most solar roofs (such as Tesla solar roof) are comparable in cost to a conventional roof with solar panels installed. The Tesla solar roof also has the benefit of a unified look of the roof, as not everybody is comfortable with the sight of solar panels on their existing roof. The best thing to do to ensure you have a solar roof in place is to start planning one before your house is built to ensure that all equipment can be installed right away, with no delays.
What time of day are solar panels most efficient?
Solar panels and solar roof tiles are most efficient during the solar noon – around 2 PM during the summertime in the Northern hemisphere. You will see the highest net solar power production from your solar panels or solar roof tiles between 10 AM and 4 PM, as this is the time when the Sun is at its highest position in the sky. Besides time, there are other factors that can influence the efficiency of your solar panels, such as orientation, shading, longitude and latitude, and the time of the year.
Do solar panels work during rain?
As the sky is mostly overcast during the rain, your solar panels will not work. This is especially true for dark, gloomy days with thick clouds in the sky. However, your solar panels can still produce some electricity in the event of a slightly overcast sky. The biggest benefit of mixing rain and solar panels is that your solar system will be free of dust after rain and will be able to produce much more electricity than before.
Conclusion
Solar shingles are considered the next generation of solar panels. Relatively cheap and perfect for those who are looking to upgrade their property and change their roof, solar shingles are the energy source of the future. As they produce free electricity and are eligible for tax incentives, you can also expect to have significant savings on your power bill. Now is the right time to choose between traditional solar panels and solar roof shingles.
Tesla Solar Roof | The Best Solar Roof Options For Your Home
As we become more defined by our daily impact on the environment and as the popularity of solar-powered homes has become all the more viable, it was only a matter of time before a company would come along to disrupt the solar roof market with beautiful, innovative design. In comes Tesla, known for their rapidly produced environmentally friendly automobiles that don’t skimp on style, to design and produce life-enhancing alternatives to what were otherwise eyesores you could see on roofs from miles away. Thanks to Tesla shingles, soon enough, we won’t be seeing any more of those garish (although nonetheless vital) oversized solar panels on the homes of savvy owners. Instead, our construction experts predict a new wave of powering your home with sunlight with innovative Tesla solar roof options that mimic the look and feel of traditional roofing materials.
That said, we aren’t saying that the development and innovations of solar products haven’t undergone innovative updates over the past forty years. Though the technology behind the first produced solar roof tiles hails from the 1970s, the look of them hasn’t changed much since then. In fact, over time, we’ve seen several companies attempt to design roof tiles powered by the sun to mimic genuine traditional roofing materials, but they’ve never come close replacing traditional roof-mounted solar panels in terms of aesthetics, cost, or quality. While building integrated solar mechanisms aren’t a new concept, the production of attractive solar tiles is soon to become all the more widely available to our clients since the debut of Tesla solar roof products.
Around two years ago Elon Musk unveiled his visionary “house of the future,” but it wasn’t until late that homeowners started to take note and contact us inquiring about the forward-thinking roof tiles for their own properties. Having been released for over a year, we’re here to report on the admirably sustainable, high-quality reality of Tesla’s techno-tiles, the steps to get them, and why they can make such a difference in your home.
SO WHAT MAKE’S A TESLA SOLAR ROOF SO DIFFERENT?
Solar power absorbing Tesla shingles are made of thin layers of quartz that have been proven to be virtually unbreakable, in fact, there’s even a meme that’s worth a look at to see how resilient they truly are. Tesla solar roof price estimates can vary depending on your location and the installation costs that are unique to the needs of your project, with their solar shingles ranging around 22 per square foot.
And though those estimates are higher compared to older solar roof tiles and panels, a Tesla solar roof is certain to last much longer than conventional roofing materials – meaning that in the long run, Tesla shingles may save you money as they’ll take less maintenance and will need to be replaced less often.
With eight different roof tiles available that are designed to mirror traditional and much-loved styles in both solar and non-solar varieties that use a tempered glass three times stronger than slate or asphalt, there’s more than plenty of reason to consider them. Unfortunately, the tempered glass makes them unsuitable for cutting down to a custom size, so Tesla also offers a variety of non-solar tiles with weaker glass. This also helps you fit roof tiles around the edges of your house, say by the chimney, and anywhere else where Tesla shingles need to be cut down to size. On the other hand, even classic solar panels don’t work on say a metal roof as no solar roof tiles can be placed over the top – that is, until Tesla roof shingles.
Which is why Tesla can offer their “infinity” warranty on their roof tiles with 30 years of coverage for its power-generating capabilities and weatherization elements.
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS AN ALL-SOLAR ROOF
Think about all of the nooks, crannies, and turns various roofs can take, and the fact that some weaker Tesla solar roof tiles need to be custom cut to fit in place, and it comes as no wonder why Tesla does not suggest the possibility of installing an all-solar roof. To make your roof appear seamless and consistent, the company took great strides in making their two roof tiles appear identical to the untrained eye to create a single, flawless roof.
If you thought you could go full-forced and install a super-powerful solar roof, you should think again. Not that it would have been a substantially wise investment, to begin with.
YOU’LL NOTICE DRAMATIC CHANGES IN YOUR ENERGY USE
Before the process is finalized, Tesla will ask to survey your energy usage to take an average accurate metered rate and design a Tesla solar roof that’s unique to your home.
And with older solar roofing technology, energy storage was frequently expensive and difficult to store. To combat this, Tesla created sleek ‘Powerwalls’ or batteries that take little space and look great to boot.
After installation, you’ll notice just how much energy you do use and that goes to waste since depleting your solar Powerwall while the roof is inactive, such as overnight, means your system buys energy from a traditional electric grid. To combat that, you can easily add more Powerwalls after taking note of power discrepancies.
THERE’S AN APP FOR EVERYTHING – OF COURSE
To track usage and power available, Tesla created an easy to use app for checking energy usage in real-time. This shows how much power the roof has produced, how much your Powerwall is saving, and how much is available for use around the house, any time.
Soon enough you’ll notice that the Tesla solar roof app is somewhat like a challenging game, helping you use your energy where and when it matters most, so you’ll know exactly what’s happening so you can spread things out.
YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT’S BEEN TAKING ALL YOUR ENERGY
You may just be in for a shock when you realize how much energy is used by each appliance via the Tesla solar app. Soon enough, just like what foods have the most calories, you’ll have a new level of awareness and know exactly what appliances take the most energy, and which take the least.
Though it yield’s very little returns financially when your Tesla solar roof is amassing energy and your Powerwall is fully charged, you can send the surplus energy back to your grid to be shared.
TAX CREDIT
Best of all and never to be forgotten is that the national 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit applies to the cost of Tesla solar roof tiles and the necessary solar energy equipment needed including the cost of Tesla Powerwall batteries. Plus, additional state, local, or utility solar roof incentives may also help to benefit you.
The 7 Best Solar Roof Options for 2023
Leigh Matthews is a sustainability expert and long time vegan. Her work on solar policy has been published in Canada’s National Observer.
Tesla may have been the first company to introduce a full solar roof, but they weren’t the first to make solar shingles. Here, we give you the basics of solar roofs, as well as our top picks for the best solar roof options, including Tesla, with pros and cons for each.
Table of Contents
- How a solar roof works
- The benefits of a solar roof
- The look
- Cost-effective roofing and solar combined
- A high-performance roofing solution
- Effective use of space
- No external wiring
- Easier to repair and replace
Solar Roofs vs. Solar Panels
- Solar shingles and tiles
- Little change in home appearance
- Costs 20,000 – 100,000
- No drilling into your roof (with some options)
- Easier to repair
- Less efficient
- Shorter warranty (10-20 years typically)
- Shorter lifespan (commonly, 20 years)
- Fewer skilled installers
Solar Panels:
- Solar panels
- Solar array mounted to roof
- Costs 15,000 – 40,000
- Typically requires drilling into roof
- Harder to repair
- efficient
- Longer lifespan (25-40 years)
- Longer warranty (25 years)
- installers available
How a solar roof works
Tesla introduced its solar roof in 2016, shaking up the solar industry forever. But how does a solar roof work?
The Tesla roof uses tempered glass shingles to replace all the standard shingles on your home’s roof. Some of these shingles are also solar panels, meaning that nearly every inch of your roof could, in theory, generate electricity.
Because most roofs have a few spots that don’t get much sunlight, Tesla Roofs also include a few inactive panels. These look the same as the solar shingles but don’t produce energy, which helps to keep down the cost of installation and saves resources.
Tesla Roofs are the only full solar roof currently available, but they’re not the only option for going solar without solar panels. In fact, the first solar shingles were brought to market in 2009 by DOW Company, and several other companies also make solar shingles.
What’s the difference? Solar shingles are just that: shingles. They’re designed to either integrate with your existing or new roof shingles or tiles or to sit on top of them. Either way, the look isn’t quite as seamless as a full Tesla Roof.
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The benefits of a solar roof
There are many benefits to going solar, and solar roofs and shingles offer all these and more.
The look
Solar roofs provide all the benefits of a rooftop solar array without dramatically changing the appearance of your home. That’s because solar shingles are designed to look as much like regular roof shingles as possible. Most solar shingles can be integrated into an existing tile or shingle roof, or can be laid over top as a sort of second skin for your roof. Even if they’re attached on top of your roof’s regular tiles, the profile of solar shingles is a lot lower than with mounted solar panels.
With a Tesla Roof, all the tiles look the same, regardless of whether they’re active solar shingles or inactive tiles. This makes a solar roof or solar shingles a great fit for homeowners who don’t like the look of more conventional solar panels. A solar roof may also enable homeowners to benefit from solar without invoking the ire of homeowner associations.
Cost-effective roofing and solar combined
A new roof can be a costly proposition, as can a solar installation. What if you could combine the two and save some cash?
If your roof is due for an upgrade, consider a solar roof. Sure, it will cost more than a regular roof, but it will typically cost less than a regular roof plus a conventional solar array with similar power output.
A high-performance roofing solution
Worried that a solar roof won’t be as good as a regular roof? There’s no need for concern. These roofing shingles perform just like regular shingles, only they produce electricity while keeping your home watertight and safe from the elements.
The key here is that solar shingles combine solar cells with the roof sheathing. In more conventional solar arrays, solar modules are mounted on top of shingles (or other roofing material).
Effective use of space
Solar shingles can be a great way to go solar if you have a small roof that makes a standard solar set-up difficult or even impossible. For the same reason, solar shingles can be a good choice for a roof with awkward space constraints, such as dormers, skylights, and so forth.
After all, a shingle is far smaller than a solar panel. This means you can squeeze a few shingles onto a small area and maximize your rooftop real estate. You might even decide to skip your rooftop entirely and instead install a solar roof on your garage, shed, or an auxiliary dwelling, especially if these get more sun exposure than your home.
No external wiring
Standard solar panel installations require external wiring that connects the mounted solar panels to the inverter and main service panel inside your home. With a solar roof and most solar shingles, all the wiring is internal and hidden. This reduces the risk of damage from wind, rain, birds and other wildlife, and so forth.
Standard solar arrays also have to be mounted on top of roofing material, which usually means drilling into the roof. Some metal roofs allow for solar modules to be clicked into place, but regular roof shingles and tiles require solar installers to penetrate the roofing material, which can cause damage and create weak spots.
These problems are unlikely if you use an experienced and skilled solar installer, but they’re still a risk with regular arrays.
Some solar shingles are direct to deck, acting like both a solar panel and a roofing shingle. Others attach to existing roofing shingles or tiles. As such, the potential for damage to an existing roof varies greatly between differing solar roofing options.
Easier to repair and replace
Another key benefit to solar shingles is that they’re lightweight and relatively easy to repair and replace. If one or two get damaged, you can quickly replace these with fresh solar shingles or inactive shingles as needed. It’s much harder and more costly to replace or repair an entire solar panel.
Solar shingles are also built to withstand rain, snow, and wind. And if something does go wrong, most companies offer a good warranty, so you can get your shingles replaced for free. Tesla even offers a lifetime warranty for its physical shingles, which is great if you’re planning on staying in the same home for a long time. If you think you’ll move home in the next 25 years or so, though, that lifetime warranty might not be all that useful, given it’s hard to take your solar roof with you (unlike solar panels).
Are there any downsides to solar roofs?
So far, so good, but what about the disadvantages of solar roofs?
Cost and efficiency
As discussed, solar shingles aren’t cheap, despite being more cost-effective per watt. Compared to the price of a standard rooftop solar installation (15,000 to 40,000), the Tesla solar roof has been reported as ranging from 30,000 to nearly 100,000. What’s more, Tesla has shifted its dramatically, and without warning, several times, catching customers off guard. Tesla also now insists that solar roof customers buy the Tesla Powerwall battery, which raises the cost even more.
Tesla isn’t the only name in town, though, and you definitely pay a premium for the brand.
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High-efficiency shingles from other companies tend to be less expensive and just as efficient as Tesla’s shingles, but they’re all less efficient than the best solar panels. In general, a solar shingle typically produces between 13 and 63 watts. They need high sun exposure and a good slope to meet their maximum output, though.
Why are solar shingles less efficient than solar panels?
The main reason is that building-integrated solar panels (BISPs, or BIPVs) don’t typically allow for air to circulate underneath, which means they overheat quickly, which impairs electricity production.
This lack of efficiency combined with higher upfront costs can mean a longer payback period for solar roofs. In fact, solar roofs don’t offer anything like the return on investment of a standard solar array, unless you’re in need of a new roof anyway.
Lifespan and flexibility
Solar roofs and shingles also have a shorter lifespan than most regular solar panels. While a standard solar panel can usually keep producing electricity at around 80% of original output for 25 years or more, solar shingles usually maintain that level of output for just 20 or so years. They also produce less electricity to start with.
One other downside of a solar roof is that it can be hard to take with you if you move. Unlike solar panels, solar roofs are custom-made to fit your home. Solar shingles or DecoTech integrated panels may be able to go with you if you move, depending on the type of roof at your new home.
Other downsides to solar roofs
While solar roofs are increasingly popular, you might not be able to find a skilled installer in your area. In contrast, conventional solar installers are easy to find, which also means the labor cost of an installation is typically lower than for a solar roof.
The same goes for solar shingles. While there are more installers for these than for Tesla Roofs, it’s still very hard to find a credentialled installer in most places, especially if you live outside of a big city.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the environmental cost of installing a solar roof. Chances are you’re interested in these products because you want to live a greener lifestyle. Sending your current, perfectly respectable roof to a landfill just so you can install a solar roof isn’t very sustainable.
The best solar roofs: our top picks
CertainTeed
Highlights: Solar shingle option with an impressive amount of experience in the roofing industry making products that integrate well into your existing roof, negating the need for a total roof upgrade.
- Excellent reputation and roofing experience
- Company offers full roofing solution incorporating solar tiles/shingles
- Works with asphalt and concrete roofs
- Well-established brand
- Much lower cost than a Tesla Roof
- Water, wind, and fire resistant
- Excellent, transferrable warranty
- Quick and easy installation and maintenance
- No waitlist!
- High-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells
- Includes inverter and wiring as needed
- Not a full solar roof
- Solar shingles/tiles look different to regular roofing
- No specific pricing available on website
CertainTeed has been offering solar shingles for longer than Tesla and has more than one hundred years of experience in the roofing industry. The company currently offers two designs for solar roofs:
Apollo Shingle 11 can be installed as part of a new roof or with an existing asphalt roof. These shingles are all-black and can be placed in strips or patches on part or most of the roof. Each shingle measures 46.75 inches wide and 17 5/8 th inches deep.
Apollo Tile II is suitable for concrete tile roofs. These tiles have a black laminate look and come with a custom frame color to match various earth-tone concrete tile colors. Each tile measures 47 inches wide and 17.25 inches deep.
What we like about CertainTeed solar roofs
Unlike with a Tesla Roof, you can easily integrate solar shingles from CertainTeed into your existing roof. This avoids the need for a total roof upgrade and makes for a much lower cost installation. (In some situations, Tesla might be able to add its Solar Roof on top of your existing roof.)
A CertainTeed solar roof is typically a lot less expensive than a Tesla Roof. CertainTeed solar shingles are also more widely available in the U.S. The company has been in the roofing business for more than a century and has hundreds of service personnel ready to install its solar shingles. With no waitlist and more roofing experience than any other solar shingle manufacturer, CertainTeed is a great choice if you need a new roof or just want to add a few solar shingles to get started.
CertainTeed makes its solar shingles and tiles in the U.S. Every installation includes fire-resistant underlayment (where relevant), flashing accessories, starter strip and wind clips, home run wiring, an optional string inverter, and an optional monitoring system.
Both types of solar shingles are easy to install as they use the same low-tech system as regular asphalt and concrete tiles. That is, your installer will attach the shingles to the roof’s sheathing using standard deck screws. This makes for a far speedier and more straightforward installation than with more complex solar shingles.
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The tiles are also easy to maintain, with open space under the modules and built-in wire clips allowing for easy wire management and installation.
Specifications
CertainTeed uses higher-efficiency solar technology than most solar shingle companies (and is transparent about specifications!). Every active tile has 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells. These tiles have a power rating of 70 watts each, which is higher than most solar shingles. The efficiency rating of Apollo Shingle 11 is 17.2%, while Apollo Tile 11 has a 17.8% efficiency rating.
CertainTeed shingles are very lightweight and just as flexible as regular shingles. The Apollo Shingles weigh just 2.7 lbs. per sq. ft., which is around the same as a standard asphalt shingle. The Apollo Tiles weigh 3.1 lbs. per sq. ft., which is far less than a concrete roof tile.
While lightweight, these solar shingles can withstand an impressive 250 lbs. per square foot. They’re also resistant to water, fire, and wind and even carry Florida Building Code High Velocity Hurricane Zone rating (Vult 194mph).
The Apollo Shingles 11 and Apollo Tiles 11 have a power temperature coefficient of.0.37%. While nowhere close to the coefficients of REC solar panels, this is actually fairly similar to many of the best solar panels. Not bad for a solar shingle or tile packed tight to a roof!
Both types of roofing materials have an operating temperature between.40 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 and 90 Celsius).
CertainTeed also offers a comprehensive warranty that covers all system components. This includes a 25-year warranty on power output and a 10-year warranty covering the inverter, all other system components, and a 110-mph wind warranty.
Given the company’s long history, there’s also a good chance CertainTeed will be around to honor that warranty in 25 years. If you work with a CertainTeed-credentialed solar installer, the professional installation of your system is also covered for up to 25 years. You can even transfer the warranty if needed, which is a huge plus when trying to sell your home.
What we don’t like about CertainTeed solar roofs
The main downside to CertainTeed solar shingles is that they’re not a ‘hidden’ solar installation. While these tiles and shingles can be integrated, the color mismatch with non-solar shingles and tiles is very obvious on most roofs. That said, if a low profile is your main concern, CertainTeed is a great choice.
The second key downside to CertainTeed is that the company doesn’t offer any specific pricing information on its website. To get a sense of how much your installation will cost, you’ll need to contact the company or find a local installer that works with these shingles or tiles.
It’s reasonable, however, to assume that a fairly standard installation would cost somewhere between a full Tesla Roof and a standard solar panel setup. The cost will largely depend on the size, shape, and type of roof, its age, and whether you plan on replacing the whole roof, integrating a few solar shingles, or packing as many solar tiles or shingles as you can into the space you have.
Tesla Solar Roof
Highlights: Seamless, sleek, and inconspicuous design with a brand name attached at the cost of a lengthy waitlist, and a pricetag to match.
- The complete package, with matching shingles throughout
- 25-year tile and power and weatherization warranty
- Sleek, modern designs (four styles of tile available)
- Well-established brand
- Can add significant curb appeal and value to your home
- Backed by ANSI standard tests for durability
- Typically takes just 5-7 days to install
- Can be installed on top of some existing roofs
- Tesla offers a payment program (loan) and upfront payment options
- You may be on a waitlist for years
- Now only available with Powerwall battery storage
- You pay for the name
- Not as efficient as solar panels
- Hard to customize or reconfigure with non-Tesla products (such as a wind turbine or microhydro system)
- Can take up to 14 days to install (versus a day for some solar panel projects)
- Requires permits in some locations / not allowed by some Homeowner Associations
- Very expensive compared to a regular roof, regular solar panels, and other solar shingles
Tesla first presented its Solar Roof in 2016, wowing onlookers with its sleek, futuristic look. These days, there are at least four styles of Tesla Solar Roof tile to choose from. Each roof is custom-made and incorporates glass solar tiles, glass roofing tiles and architectural-grade steel tiles.
The three types of tile are indistinguishable from each other, creating a seamless design. All of the tiles act as roofing material, though only some generate solar power. This helps avoid wasting resources by installing solar shingles in areas of your roof that get very little sun.
Once you place your Solar Roof order, Tesla asks you to upload a recent utility bill. This helps the company size your solar roof according to your electricity needs. Tesla will also schedule an on-site assessment to determine the complexity of installing a solar roof. The more mounting planes, obstructions (chimneys, skylights, vents, and fans), and peculiar pitches, the trickier and more expensive the roofing project.
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Tesla Solar Roofs include the shingles themselves, all the wiring and the inverter, and a Powerwall battery to store excess energy produced by your array. This provides backup power should the main electricity grid go down.
What we like about Tesla Roofs
The best thing about a Tesla Roof is that it’s a full roof. Unlike most other companies making solar shingles, Tesla offers the full package and a seamless, inconspicuous design. If money is no object and you want a full roof upgrade, a Tesla Roof is a great choice.
Other good things about Tesla roofs include a generous 25-year warranty for defects in design and materials from the date of installation. Tesla also offers a weatherization warranty which states that “Your Solar Roof will remain in place and prevent damage to your home caused by the passage of wind and rain through your Solar Roof for 25 years”.
Tesla also offers a module warranty promising that your Solar Roof will still operate at 95% or more of its Rated Peak Power at the 5-year mark, with production declining by no more than 0.5% annually for the next 20 years. All-in, that puts operating capacity at 85% or more after 25 years. Pretty good!
Despite these warranties, Tesla Roof tiles are built to last. The shingles are tested for durability by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and hold up well against wind, hail, fire, and rain. You can also choose to install a Tesla Roof on top of your existing roof, assuming it meets certain conditions.
Tesla also uses higher-efficiency monocrystalline solar cells for its shingles.
What we don’t like about Tesla Roofs
Tesla Roofs are expensive. There’s no getting around the fact that you pay for the name. To make matters worse, Elon Musk announced on in April 2021 that “Tesla Solar Panels Solar Roof will only be sold as an integrated product with Tesla Powerwall battery.” So, if you were looking for just a Tesla Roof, your cost outlay just got a lot higher (and you’ll need somewhere to store that battery).
The idea is that solar power from the Tesla roof would feed exclusively to Powerwall and that Powerwall will then interface with utility meters and a home’s main service panel. The trouble, of course, is that some customers want a grid-connected system without battery storage. After all, batteries are expensive, require regular maintenance, and typically need replacing every 5-15 years.
This also gets to another downside of a Tesla Roof: inflexibility. Sure, the shingles themselves might be quite flexible, but the system isn’t. The whole thing is designed for seamless integration with other Tesla products, meaning you’re going to struggle to MacGyver anything. If you do, you’ll likely invalidate any warranties. So, if you’re thinking you might want to eventually go off-grid, hook up a generator, or even add a wind turbine or microhydro system, a Tesla Roof, inverter, and Powerwall system can make that far trickier.
Tesla Roofs can also take a while to install, especially if your roof is complex. This means greater disruption and a higher installation cost. And that’s assuming you can install a Tesla Roof where you live. Some homeowner associations won’t allow these roofs and even if they do, you might be on a waitlist for years before finding out your roof isn’t suitable.
Installers are also hard to find, with Tesla Roofs most readily available in California and a handful of other test markets.
Finally, Tesla continues to be shady about the specifications of its solar roof. It has never published efficiency ratings or temperature coefficients, for instance, which are important factors when choosing solar equipment.
SunTegra
Highlights: Low-profile solar shingle option that can integrate into existing rooftops, but with significantly larger shingles.
- Quick and easy installation and maintenance
- No waitlist!
- Works with asphalt and concrete roofs
- Much lower cost than a Tesla Roof
- Water, wind, and fire-resistant
- Low profile makes shingles/tiles barely visible from the ground
- Not a full solar roof
- Solar shingles/tiles look different from regular roofing
- No specific pricing available on website
- Much lower efficiency than solar panels and some solar shingles/tiles
- Bigger size may make for less flexible installs
- Less generous warranty than CertainTeed, Tesla, and Forward
- Poor temperature co-efficient / unsuitable for very hot climates
SunTegra is another good option for a solar roof. This company, like CertainTeed, offers solar shingles that can be installed in an existing roof or as part of a full roofing package.
SunTegra offers both asphalt and concrete tile options for solar roofs. Like CertainTeed’s Apollo systems, these tiles can be placed on, or integrated into, a new or existing roof.
The shingles are significantly larger than CertainTeed’s shingles at 53 5/8 th inches wide and 23 1/8 th inches deep. The tiles are also a lot larger at 52 3/4 th inches and 16 7/8 th inches.
While there’s no pricing information available on SunTegra’s website, the company offers free, no-obligation estimates based on where you live and your home’s solar potential.
What we like about SunTegra
SunTegra, formerly known as Integrated Solar Technology (IST), is fully dedicated to solar solutions. The company’s founder, Oliver Koehler, previously worked at BP Solar and SunPower and branched out to provide more innovative solar solutions for homeowners, buildings, and businesses.
While a smaller business than CertainTeed, SunTegra is expanding rapidly in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. There is currently no waitlist for a SunTegra installation, so this is a great choice if you’re looking to add a few solar shingles or tiles to your roof right away.
SunTegra solar tiles and shingles are rated to withstand 112 lbs. per sq. ft. and a maximum wind speed of 130 mph. The operating temperature range is the same as CertainTeed’s at.40 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 and 90 Celsius).
SunTegra’s tiles and shingles are barely visible from ground level, thanks to their low profile. The lightweight design avoids the need for structural engineering and building permits. SunTegra also claims that their installation process is much simpler and faster than for Tesla or Forward and uses “50% fewer parts than conventional rack-mounted systems.” Integrated wiring makes for fast and easy installations and maintenance.
SunTegra also plans to introduce new solar products for garden and patio spaces and for the sides and facades of commercial and community buildings.
What we don’t like about SunTegra
While low-profile, the all-black aesthetic is very apparent on most roofs. If you’re looking for something more seamless, a Tesla Solar Roof or Forward installation is your best option.
SunTegra is only a solar company; it doesn’t offer a full roofing service. As such, if you need to replace your roof, you’ll have to coordinate installations with two companies. Both products come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty, which is less generous than the warranties offered by CertainTeed, Tesla, and Forward.
SunTegra’s solar tiles have 16 monocrystalline cells each and a power output of 64 to 70 W. Their efficiency ratings are 13.9%, 14.5%, and 15.1% for the STT 64, STT 67, and STT 70, respectively. These are much lower than most solar panels. In fact, you may need to cover 50% more of your roof to produce the same amount of electricity as a standard solar array.
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The solar shingles are more efficient than their tile counterparts but less efficient than CertainTeed’s shingles. There are three shingle models available, with outputs between 105 W and 114 W. The higher wattage is because all of the shingles have 24 monocrystalline cells. The efficiencies, however, are just 15.9%, 16.6%, and 17.2% for the STS 105, STS 110, and STS 114 respectively.
SunTegra’s solar tiles and shingles also have a poorer temperature co-efficient (-0.404%) than CertainTeed’s products. If you live somewhere very hot, these tiles are unlikely to be a great option currently.
Based on reports in the press, SunTegra shingles appear to cost around 15% more than conventional solar panels, or about 3.65/Watt. For a 5 kW installation, then, this would amount to 18,250. However, because the tiles and shingles are less efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, their payback period would be longer than a standard solar panel system.
Forward Solar Shingles
Highlights: The very first complete solar roofing solution offering a metal solar roof as a viable and attractive alternative to the Tesla Solar Roof.
- A complete solar roofing package
- Much lower cost than a Tesla Roof
- Modern, standing seam metal roof design
- Available in 8 colors
- 30-year weatherization warranty and 40-year roof guarantee
- Can add significant curb appeal and value to your home
- Typically takes just 2-3 days to install
- No data on cell efficiencies
- No data on temperature co-efficient
- You may be on a waitlist for years
- Currently only being installed in a small part of California
- No further details available about the warranties
- Not as efficient as solar panels
- No payment program (loan) option available, unlike with Tesla
Forward began life in New York State through an unsuccessful Kickstarter, around the same time as Elon Musk started talking about his Solar Roof idea. So, while Forward is still far smaller than Tesla, this company actually pipped Musk to the post in publicly launching the first complete solar roofing solution.
Fast forward to 2022 and the now California-based company offers its Metal Solar Roof as a viable and attractive alternative to a Tesla Solar Roof. This galvanized metal standing seam type of roof comes in eight colors and must be installed as a complete roof solution.
Forward uses tempered glass-metal monocrystalline solar roof panels on portions of the roof exposed to the sun. On shaded areas or other parts not suited to solar, Forward uses roll-formed metal with a baked-on enamel in a similar color and matching style.
If you’re interested in a Forward roof, you can pay a deposit of 1,000 to reserve a spot on the waitlist. The company then offers a free consultation that includes hard numbers on anticipated total costs and expected energy output. You have a 90-day window to decide to move ahead with your order, during which time your price is locked in.
If the product doesn’t seem like a good fit after the consultation, your deposit is returned in full. If you go ahead, you’ll get an expected installation date and regular updates through an assigned representative. You can also opt to change the color of your roof up to a month before installation is scheduled.
Forward offers a 30-year weatherization warranty and the roof is guaranteed for 40 years.
What we like about Forward
The solar sections of a Forward roof are made with tempered glass over high-efficiency solar cells. These sections are the same size and shape as a standing seam metal roof. The cells are designed with a transparent optical layer below the glass (to let sun in) but look opaque when viewed from the ground below. This makes for a more modern, seamless aesthetic than solar shingles or tiles from CertainTeed or SunTegra.
Forward is the only solar roofing company currently offering an integrated solar roof based on a metal standing seam design. This makes Forward a good fit not only for homes but also for barns, garages, and even industrial type roofs.
Forward solar roofing can be installed in just two to three days and is suitable for roofs with at least a 1:12 pitch. This makes Forward a good fit even for flatter roofs which may be unsuitable for other types of solar shingles. All of the wiring runs through your attic space and you can ask for optional snow guards to prevent snow from shedding in areas such as over doorways.
Forward combines inactive and active roofing components with pricing at 9.75 per square foot for non-solar portions. The solar sections come in at 3.75 per Watt, with an energy density of 19 W per square foot. For a 5 kW solar roofing system, then, you’d be looking at a cost of 18,750 for the solar cells. Assuming this occupied around 263 sq. ft. of a 1200 sq. ft. rooftop, the total cost would come in at around 17885.75 (18,750 plus 9135.75).
Forward acknowledges that asphalt shingles are a major problem for landfills. So much so, the company has partnered with emerging asphalt recycling facilities to repurpose the asphalt shingles it removes and turn these into road surfacing material.
What we don’t like about Forward
Forward isn’t very forthcoming with technical specifications or other important details. For instance, it doesn’t reveal the efficiency ratings of its solar cells, though it claims to have a higher energy density than standard solar panels.
According to Forward, its roof offers more efficient use of roofing space to increase opportunities for electricity production. Given the eight color options, however, it’s worth noting that each one would block a different part of the visible light spectrum, which would affect the cells’ ability to create electricity.
Forward also offers no information on its temperature coefficient, nor any additional information on its warranties. It’s also not clear how robust the roofing material is against hail, wind, snow, water, or fire.
Finally, even six years after its Kickstarter, Forward is still only installing solar roofs in a test area around San Francisco. One might surmise, then, that the current waitlist is quite lengthy. In fact, Forward actually recommends reserving your spot years in advance of when you think your roof might need replacing. Basically, if you’re interested in a Forward solar roof, don’t wait until your roof leaks to get in line.
You can officially order Tesla’s solar roof — here’s everything you need to know
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Tesla’s solar roof has officially arrived — at least some versions of it.
Tesla began accepting orders for its smooth glass and textured glass solar shingle options Wednesday afternoon. The company’s Tuscan glass and French slate shingles, however, won’t be available for purchase until 2018.
Tesla unveiled its solar roof in late October, about a month before the company acquired SolarCity in a 2.1-billion deal.
Here’s everything we know about the new solar roof:
Tesla announced Wednesday that the typical homeowner will pay 21.85 per square foot for the solar roof. For a 3,000-square-foot home, that would amount to 65,000. Customers must place a 1,000 deposit to order the solar roof.
The solar roof will likely be more expensive than a normal roof, but owners can expect savings on their electric bill. Not to mention getting a roof that lasts much longer than a traditional one.
Solar roof is more affordable than conventional roofs because in most cases, it ultimately pays for itself by reducing or eliminating a home’s electricity bill, Tesla said Wednesday.
Installing a slate tile roof on a 3,000-square-foot home typically costs 45,000, according to Consumer Reports. As mentioned earlier, installing Tesla’s solar roof on the same home will cost roughly 65,000.
You can get a more comprehensive price breakdown here.