Cost of a Tesla Solar Roof vs Solar Panels. Tesla solar glass

Cost of a Tesla Solar Roof vs Solar Panels

There’s no question that the Tesla Solar Roof is among the best looking rooftop solar systems on the market. When it was unveiled in 2016, there seemed to be a collective sense of “Wow, this is what the future of solar looks like.”

But it appears that future is still a ways off. In 2019, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that he was hoping to manufacture “~1,000 solar roofs/week by the end of this year.” But in the second quarter of 2022, Tesla was deploying about 23 roofs per week.

Much of the slow adoption is due to cost. The Solar Roof was expensive to begin with and the price has been moving in the wrong direction since hitting the market.

So how much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost? In this article, we’ll compare the cost of a Tesla Solar Roof versus the cost of a rooftop solar panels to give you a better sense of your options for going solar.

How much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost?

The cost of a Tesla Solar Roof has always been somewhat of a moving target. It’s typically around 6 per watt before the solar tax credit is applied, but can vary quite a bit depending on roof, system size, and year.

Tesla recently removed instant quotes from its solar savings calculator, but we crunched the numbers on a Solar Roof sold in 2020 to see what it would look like today.

In 2020, LinkedIn engineer Robby Valles posted his solar contract on showing a gross cost of 34,067 for a 7.37 kW system, including removal of his existing roofing material. That boils down to 4.62 per watt, which is not an astronomical price, but it’s definitely more expensive than a traditional solar panel system.

But the cost of the Tesla Solar Roof has since gotten more… interesting. First, Tesla introduced a “roof complexity” variable that increased the cost of Solar Roof projects by 30% to 150%. It even sent emails to customers who had already signed Solar Roof contracts asking them to sign a new agreement for a higher price or cancel their order, leading to lawsuits. Recently, it made purchasing a Powerwall battery a requirement to buying a Solar Roof, adding at least 10,500 per battery to each project.

A minimum 30% roof complexity price increase brings Valles’ gross cost to 44,287. With the mandatory Powerwall, Valles’ Solar Roof system would cost at minimum 54,787 today, before claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit.

Let’s see how that compares to a traditional solar panel system.

At least one Powerwall is required for each Solar Roof project.

Tesla Solar Roof vs solar panels

Alright, let’s say Valles chose the solar panels route instead. How much would his project cost?

According to Wood Mackenzie, the average cost of an 8 kW residential solar system is expected to dip below 3 per watt in 2023. But to be conservative, let’s call it 3.25 per watt.

If Valles’ roof was in good shape, the gross cost of his 7.37 kW system would be 23,942. With a full 9,500 asphalt shingle re-roof, the cost rises to 33,443 and he’s still paying ~11,000 less for solar panels than a Solar Roof.

And, by going the traditional route, Valles isn’t obligated to buy a Powerwall. However, battery storage can be very beneficial, especially once NEM 3.0 hits California, so let’s include it anyway.

Tesla Solar Roof vs solar panels cost

Tesla Solar Roof	Rooftop Solar Panels
Solar system only	44,287	23,942
Solar with re-roof	44,287	33,442
Solar with re-roof and Powerwall	54,787	43,942
30% solar tax credit	-16,436	-10,332 (does not include re-roof)
Net cost (solar, re-roof, Powerwall)	38,351	33,610
Net cost, solar only	N/A	16,759

Bold = Minimum gross project cost. Figures for example use only and do not represent a binding quote.

Even with a full re-roof and a Powerwall, Valles could save nearly 5,000 by going with traditional solar panels. If his roof was in good shape and he didn’t want a battery (which he didn’t get with his Solar Roof in 2020) he could save over 21,500 by going the traditional solar route.

It’s important to note that the solar tax credit does not apply to traditional roofing work, but does apply to the Solar Roof since the roof itself is considered solar equipment, which helps even out the cost of a Tesla Solar Roof.

Is a Tesla Solar Roof worth it?

Whether a Tesla Solar Roof is worth the extra cost depends on your home, energy goals, and financial situation. At the end of the day, the Solar Roof is a luxury product and an emerging technology, which comes at a premium.

But keep in mind, if you’re in for a penny, you’re in for a pound. The Solar Roof requires at least one 10,500 Powerwall and the price of the solar system varies widely based on the complexity of your roof.

There’s also something to be said about the Solar Roof’s brief and rather erratic track record. Following the price increases (and ensuing lawsuits) in 2021, Tesla delayed and paused Solar Roof installations several times in 2022 due to supply chain issues. In some cases, customers were left with waterproof film protecting their roof for several months.

For some homeowners, have a sexy roof and being on the cutting edge of technology is worth the extra cost and risk of buying a Solar Roof — and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, homeowners looking for a more practical approach to reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint are better served by solar panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost?

The cost of a Tesla Solar Roof is typically around 6 per watt, but varies based on your energy consumption, roof, and location. Roof complexity (panes, pitch, and obstructions) can substantially affect the cost of a Solar Roof project.

How long does a Tesla Solar Roof last?

Tesla Solar Roofs have a 25year product warranty for defects in design and materials. It also has a 20-year module warranty that guarantees the output capacity will decline by no more than 0.5% per year.

Does Tesla Solar Roof increase home value?

Going solar in general can increase the property value of a home. The exact figure varies by location and datsource. In 2019, Zillow found that, on average, homes with solar panels sold for 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. Kelly Roofing in Naples, Florida has the figure closer to 11%.

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 Finally Launch Solar Tiles In Australia With Insane Bonus For Early Adopters

Tesla’s solar tiles are finally coming to Australia. You won’t believe what Elon Musk has promised the first thousand buyers… Note: There are no Tesla Tile installs in Australia at the moment, and this picture is of Tractile Solar Tiles in Marino, SA.

Note: This post was published on April the first 2021

When Elon Musk launched Tesla Solar Roof Tiles four and a half years ago, there was only one question his Australian fans were desperate to know:

Up until now, the answer has been — we can’t! But I have good news for Tesla fans and not so good news for people who enjoy getting good value for their money. After years of delay, Tesla solar roofs will begin installation from the first of July. They are taking reservations now. The bad news is, they’re bloody expensive.

But there is a silver lining attached to the long delay. It has given Tesla time to improve its offering. This means Australians can enjoy higher efficiency ‘Phase 2’ solar tiles. And even better, by utilizing technology developed by Musk’s SpaceX, the first 1,000 solar roof systems they sell in Australia will receive free “Satellite Sunshine”.

Musk claims this insane technology – that sounds like something out of an Isaac Asimov novel – enables Tesla solar roofs to produce energy after sunset.

They’re Not Cheap

Before you go rushing off to reserve your Tesla solar roof, I should let you know it’s not likely to be cheap. This is the case even if you are building a new home, or replacing the roof of an old one, and the Tesla solar tiles save you the cost of roofing material. While no for Australia have been given, this Electrek article says a current, Phase 1, solar roof of 400 square metres with 12.3 kilowatts of solar capacity costs from 100,000 to 130,000 Australian dollars. That’s well over twice what you would pay here for a high-quality tile roof and a standard solar system that size.

We have the lowest rooftop solar installation costs globally, so I figure Tesla realized they needed to throw in a sweetener if they were going to shift any reasonable quantity of roofs and this is why only Australians are receiving a free ‘Satellite Sunshine’ deal.

The Tesla solar roof looks like a normal tile roof, but isn’t cheap.

Tesla Solar Tiles: Phase 2 (The Next Generation)

After revealing Tesla Solar Tiles to the world In November 2016, very little happened. For the first few years, the only places they showed up were on the roofs of Tesla employees and then 18 months ago they slowly started to be sold in the United States. The reason they were so delayed is a tale of hubris and the Model 3 electric car. ,

At the start of 2017, when Elon Musk announced he would put the Tesla Model 3 electric car into production without the extensive testing all conventional new cars undergo, I thought he was an idiot. But, as time passed, I was proved wrong. It turned out he was actually a quadruple idiot, and problems with Model 3 production almost destroyed Tesla. To save his company from bankruptcy, Elon put all non-essential projects on the back-burner. These included the Powerwall 2 and solar roofs.

But, as far as Tesla solar roofs are concerned, this delay may have been a blessing in disguise. If we can believe Tesla’s claims, the extra time will give solar roofs an edge that is out of this world.

SpaceX Starlink

SpaceX is (mostly) owned by Elon Musk but is a separate company from Tesla. This meant it was financially unaffected by Tesla’s Model 3 woes. While solar tiles languished on the back burner, rocket burners at SpaceX propelled their projects at supersonic speeds. Over the past 5 years, they have progressed by leaps and bounds and occasional explosions.

In addition to building reusable rockets and preparing to send people to Mars, SpaceX is heavily involved in launching Starlink communications satellites. These are designed to provide worldwide, high speed internet from any location. By the end of this year, SpaceX intends to have launched 1,584 of them. Enough to provide near worldwide internet coverage. They have plans to launch over 30,000 more.

Every Starlink satellite launched this year incorporates technology designed to…

• Reduce the harm they cause to ground-based astronomy, and…
• Boost the output of Tesla solar tile roofs.

Starlink Astronomy

Musk’s Starlink satellites have been accused of ruining traditional, ground-based satellite astronomy. The fast-moving satellites appear as streaks in telescopic observations. Because there are plans to launch tens of thousands more, some experts fear ground-based astronomy will become impossible.

The long streaks are Starlink satellites photobombing the image of a comet. (Image: Daniel Lopez via Australian Business Insider.)

Starlink’s Adelaide Link

Adelaide amateur astronomer, Neil Shaughnessy, is a vocal critic of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite program. While not a professional, he is the closest thing to a leader the anti-Starlink satellite movement has.

He says many of his observations have been ruined by Starlink satellites, and because multiple satellites travel along the same orbital path, they….

“Appear one after the other in images like a string of beads.”

He has even stooped so low as to deploy an excruciating pun against Musk by tweeting…

Elon Musk has responded in his own way by publicly describing him as…

But Elon hasn’t just been slinging insults. He has also been working on a solution.

Satellite Synergy

Over a year ago, Elon Musk stated:

“Light pollution from Starlink satellites is not a problem of too much light, it’s a problem of light going where it’s not wanted. If we can control where it goes, not only does the problem go away, it creates a massive opportunity.”

When it comes to controlling where the light goes, SpaceX appears to have cracked the problem.

SpaceX is a lot quieter and more subdued with public announcements than Tesla. This could result from being involved with Defense contracts, or it could be due to Elon feeling the need to occasionally take off the clown shoes and get down to what he considers the serious business of getting humanity off earth and into space.

Whatever the reason — despite much crowing over successful launches and landings — we have much less idea what is going on than at Tesla. So it came as a real surprise yesterday when it was announced how they would solve the problem.

Each Starlink satellite is a rectangle 3.2 m long by 1.6 m wide and only 20 cm thick. In an attempt to reduce light pollution, SpaceX previously fitted them with a visor to absorb sunlight.

The light-absorbing visor (Image: Astronomy Today)

This visor has now been replaced with an ultra-thin mirror the same length and width as the satellite. This will not only prevent sunlight striking the satellite interfering with astronomy; the sunlight will be reflected exactly where Elon Musk wants it to go — onto Tesla solar roofs.

Quantum Mirror Technology

Starlink satellites orbit at a typical altitude of 550 km. Shining a normal 3.2 m by 1.6 m mirror onto a roof from that height would have no noticeable effect. This is because the sun is not a point source of light, so sunlight striking a normal mirror immediately starts to spread out and diffuse. But SpaceX is using no ordinary mirrors. Starlink satellites have quantum mirrors.

In a normal mirror, like the one in your bathroom — or if you’re Elon Musk, on your bedroom ceiling — the atoms that reflect light are decoherent. This means the angle at which light strikes the mirror determines the angle of reflection. But in the zero-gravity and vacuum of space, they can put the Starlink mirrors in a state of quantum superposition. This means that, of all the possible ways photons of light could hit them, the mirror is only able to perceive them as striking from the desired angle. This forces the waveform of light to collapse in a way that only allows it to reflect in one possible direction. The mirrors are 99.9% effective, with the small loss mostly due to trace amounts of atmosphere still present in low earth orbit.

Starlink Has Perfect Positioning

In high earth orbit or deep space, satellites and probes rely on reaction jets and gyroscopes to control their position. The drawback is fuel needs to occasionally be consumed to brake and reset the gyroscopes. If this isn’t done, they’ll eventually reach their maximum speed and can no longer be used.

But because they are in low earth orbit, Starlink satellites can use electromagnets to interact with the earth’s magnetic field to alter their position. Because the energy supplied to these magnets can be precisely controlled, it allows light reflected from the quantum mirror to be directed with extreme precision.

The satellites also have gyroscopes for Rapid position changes, but these are braked using the electromagnets. The satellites also have thrusters used to occasionally boost their orbit to overcome the effects of atmospheric drag. But rather than using rocket fuel or compressed gas, these are ion drives that are far more fuel-efficient.

This image shows exactly how ION drives don’t work.

Satellite Sunshine Provides Solar Power At Night

Using perfectly positioned quantum mirrors, a Starlink satellite can send a ray of sunshine 3.2 m by 1.6 m anywhere it wants. By the time it reaches the ground, this ray will be as strong as normal sunlight and contain a little over 5 kilowatts of solar energy. With Tesla solar roof tile efficiencies approaching 20% it will supply around 1 kilowatt of power. This may not seem like much, but it is close to an Australian home’s average evening power draw.

At the moment, Tesla only promises to provide enough sunshine for Tesla solar roofs to generate an average of 4 kilowatt-hours overnight. They also only commit to providing satellite sunshine within four hours after sunset and four hours before sunrise.

Starlink satellites won’t supply sunshine in the middle of the night because they orbit at a typical height of 550 km. This means they can only direct sunlight to a point on earth a maximum of 2,700 km away. Since they orbit at 27,000 kilometres per hour relative to the earth’s surface, a single satellite could only supply light to a roof for a maximum of around 12 minutes. SpaceX gets around this limitation by reflecting light from satellite to satellite.

The more satellites involved in a chain of reflected light, the more complex it gets. Hence no commitment to providing satellite sunshine in the middle of the night. I also suspect this may be a way to prevent people complaining about sunlight shining on their neighbour’s roof and keeping them awake late at night. According to Elon Musk, tests have already been carried out that have reflected sunlight around the entire world.

It’s Only The Beginning

Musk says satellite sunshine will initially only be available to Tesla solar roof homes. But once the system has more satellites and greater flexibility, it will be able to provide emergency lighting to any point on earth. It will also be possible for people to top up solar generation during the day when solar energy output is low. Also, homes with large solar roofs will be able to benefit from more than one satellite’s worth of sunshine at a time.

But as far as Elon Musk is concerned, these improvements are only minor details. He has a laser-like FOCUS on getting people into space. He says orbital quantum mirrors can provide solar power to spaceships travelling away from the sun, whether they are heading to mars or going further afield.

He also says quantum mirrors with an area of 100,000 square km — roughly the size of Tasmania — could be placed within the orbit of Mercury to supply Mars with enough sunshine to melt its polar ice caps and provide the energy required to terraform the red planet and give it a breathable atmosphere.

Orbital Energy Storage

The Satellite Sunshine system can even provide energy storage. By bouncing sunlight around the planet, Starlink can add additional sunlight until its intensity reaches a point determined by the mirror’s small amount of inefficiency. For Starlink, Elon Musk says this would be around 1,000 times the intensity of normal sunlight before the mirrors’ waste heat would cause them to become too hot. But at a higher altitude where the quantum mirrors can operate more efficiently due to the more perfect vacuum, this stored energy could build up to 100,000 to 1,000,000 times as intense as normal sunshine. This could be tapped as required and used to illuminate entire solar farms.

Not Lucky — Just Lonely

Only Australians are being offered free Satellite Sunshine when they buy a Tesla solar roof. In the US, it will have to be leased for an, as yet, unrevealed amount. You may think we’re lucky, or this is merely our just reward for being so goddamned physically attractive, but the real reason is not that we’re special; it’s because we’re lonely.

Providing communication services to people in Europe, North East Asia, and North America requires many satellites in high inclination orbits. But because of the way orbits work, they have to spend half their time over the mostly empty Southern Hemisphere. So rather than have their satellite sunshine go to waste, Elon probably decided it was better to throw it in for free to encourage the uptake of Tesla’s costly solar tile roofs in Australia. (This suggests New Zealand may also eventually be offered a special deal as well.)

What Starlink orbits will look like with 4,400 satellites, one-seventh the final number.

It’s Not A Good Deal

At an average of only 4 kilowatt-hours a night, this deal may only save around a dollar a day on electricity bills. Looking at the small print, I see the system’s life is actually a maximum of 30 years. So if it saves you a dollar a day over that time, it comes to 10,952. While that may seem like a lot, it isn’t that much compared to the roughly 100,000 to 130,000 cost of a system.

Amateur Astronomer Still Upset

I expected astronomers to be delighted by the news that light reflected from Starlink satellites will now be going onto Tesla solar roofs instead of ruining their observations. But Neil Shaughnessy is definitely not happy and has tweeted that Musk’s plan is…

Anyone who abuses capitalization and exclamation points in that way is clearly distraught. As he lives in Adelaide, I contacted him to ask if he wanted to give me his opinion in person. We arranged an interview but, when I showed up at his home, knocking on the door produced no reply.

As I was about to leave I smelled smoke and, just to make sure everything was safe, I peered into his backyard to see where it was coming from. It was then I realized Elon was right and he is a nutter. Who else but a madman would leave a pair of smouldering shoes inside a rectangular patch of incinerated lawn?

Tesla Solar Roof vs Solar Panels: Differences and Cost Guide

Ready for a quote on solar installation? Connect with a local expert near you.

Sarah Horvath is a senior-level home service review professional with more than 10 years of experience in the homeownership industry. You can find her writing on sites like Robinhood, MoneyLion, Benzinga, Forbes Advisor, and more. When she’s not busy writing, Sarah enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and her parrot.

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

Today’s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.

Although the Tesla Solar Roof and standard solar panels might seem to be the same (they both use the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity for your home or business), the materials, methodology, construction, and costs can vary greatly between the two. If you’re thinking about adding solar panels to your home to improve its value or lower your energy bills, you might not be sure what advantages come with Tesla’s signature solar roof. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Tesla Solar Roof and how it might fit with your current home’s infrastructure.

What is the Tesla Solar Roof?

According to Tesla, the Tesla Solar Roof System is “a fully integrated solar and energy storage system” for your home. This means that the system is not a structure or machinery that is simply tacked onto your home or placed in the backyard. It is part of your home, and it has energy inverters so that your home is always supplied with the right amount of energy. It can also store energy it absorbs from the sun in what’s called a Powerwall that you can bundle with the Solar Roof System.

The Powerwall ensures that you always have power, like a backup generator and battery combined. Even if it’s cloudy or storming, nighttime, or there’s a power outage, the Powerwall makes sure your home has uninterrupted power supplied to your home.

This system is an entirely new roof. Not only does Tesla install the components of its solar roof system — these are actual tiles and shingles, so your entire roof is effectively being replaced. If you don’t need a roof replacement any time soon, it’s advisable that you wait to replace your existing roof with the Tesla system until you do need a new roof.

Tesla Solar Roof and Solar Panels Differences

Like we’ve mentioned before, both the Tesla Solar Roof and traditional Tesla solar panels use solar energy to power your home; however, the execution is different, they’re different in appearance and materials, design, cost, and efficiency. The incentives of going solar look different when comparing these two methodologies of solar power as well.

Design Technology

Tesla came up with its solar roof tiles in 2005, whereas the technology for photovoltaic panels and cells has existed since 1881, although those designs were extremely inefficient. The modern design for solar cells was patented in 1941.

Solar Tiles vs Solar Panels

Tesla’s solar tiles are exactly what they sound like — these are solar shingles and roofing material, together. The solar cells on the shingles/tiles are steel roofing tiles and glass solar tiles. The glass components are the ones which contain the solar cells, the smallest piece of a photovoltaic (getting energy from the sun) device. The steel roofing components provide strength and lend long, all-weather durability to the entire roofing system. Unlike solar panels, this system is a photovoltaic roof rather than external machinery installed on top of your existing roof. Solar panels are rectangular sheets made up of photovoltaic cells, and these provide direct current electricity to your home or business. Like the Tesla Solar Roof, energy collected by solar panels also travels through an inverter and into a battery. This is an essential part of both of these systems — it’s necessary to prevent power surges and to provide consistent rather than fluctuating energy levels to your solar-powered building. Solar panels are made of glass with aluminum or steel frames, and they are entirely separate from your roof or other structures. You can mount them on top of your roof or in your yard.

Power Output Efficiency

The power output of Tesla Solar roof shingles has been measured at 71.67 watts. This is an average of three times less power produced than that of traditional solar panels (anywhere from 170 to 350 watts). This is a glaringly huge difference in power output; however, the surface area that the Tesla Solar Roof System covers might be enough to make up for the much lower power output than solar panels, since you may not be able to have as much surface area in solar panels on your property as you would on your entire roof. When it comes to efficiency, what does that mean? Essentially, energy efficiency is measured by how much energy something uses to complete a certain task — the more energy efficient something is, the less energy it uses to complete that task. The average energy efficiency of a conventional solar panel system is 19-25%, while that of the Tesla Solar Roof System comes in at 17-20% energy efficiency. This is not too huge of a difference until you consider the Tesla Solar Roof cost, which we will discuss below.

Aesthetics

There is no question that the Tesla Solar Roof is one of the most gorgeous solar energy systems available today. The design integrates a traditional roof with solar panel installation to create a design like no other. It is neither one and both of them at the same time, all while fitting with your home’s design and theme. You have the opportunity to install a new roof for your home that is both stylish and functional. Whereas solar paneling is obvious no matter where you put it, Tesla wins in the aesthetics department by a long shot.

Repairs Durability

Most solar panels are rated for thirty years because they’re made of durable materials, and they also don’t go anywhere. There aren’t any moving pieces that are part of solar panel installation. Tesla Solar Roof Systems have a 25-year warranty alone; we don’t know yet how long they will last because they haven’t been around that long yet. The warranty just means that they are guaranteed to last that long and if they get damaged, Tesla technicians will come out to fix your roof tiles. It’s yet to be determined how long the roof tiles will last, but they should last at least as long as traditional solar panels. Tesla Solar Roof tiles have gone through a thorough battery of testing. Solar panels are also durable, and because the panels are made up of different pieces, if one cracks or breaks, the whole thing isn’t necessarily rendered out of commission. The solar glass can be easily replaced so that the whole thing is functional once again. Steel and aluminum are easy metals to work with, so repairs on the frame are straightforward as well. One thing to keep in mind when considering the Tesla Solar Roof System over installing traditional solar panels is that the number of qualified solar panel repair specialists is much higher than that of Tesla Solar Roof System repair specialists. We will go into this further in the Availability section.

Home Requirements

Tesla says on its website that it takes into consideration the number of planes a roof has, the pitch of the roof, and any obstructions (skylights, chimneys, etc.) on the roof to determine how to install your Solar Roof System. There do not appear to be any standard exceptions; if Tesla determines a solar roof cannot be installed on your home, it is rare and a case-by-case occurrence. We’ve mentioned above that if you have just replaced your roof or you are not in need of a new roof soon, then the Tesla system may not be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking to get a roof replacement as well as a clean energy upgrade, then this could be the option for you. When considering all solar options for your home, you do need to be aware of any rules and regulations your HOA may have on the subject before any of the actual installation begins. This goes for the Tesla tiles, which can take a week or two to install, or solar panels on your roof. Regarding the installation of solar panels, you should be mindful of the age and condition of your roof. If the installation professionals deem your roof too weak for installation, you’ll need to repair or entirely replace your roof before moving further. Especially when considering installing traditional solar panels, pay special attention to the presence of shade trees on your property. These could affect the amount of solar energy your panels can absorb and you may need to trim some branches back. If you’re moving into a new home, observe the way the sun hits the home at different points of the day. If the home spends most of the day in the shade, you may need to consider other homes or other options for renewable energy sources.

Cost Pricing

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably thinking about investing in a solar panel system to make your home more efficient. While solar panels can produce 250 to 400 watts of energy for your home each hour, they are costly to install. This is true whether you’re looking at Tesla Solar Roof tiles or more traditional solar companies.

Cost per Square Foot

The Tesla Solar Roof tiles cost 21.50 per square foot. Typical solar panels cost between 4 and 10 per square foot, so upfront, whether they’re on the lower end of the price range or the higher end, traditional solar panels are more affordable.

Cost per Square Meter

Per square meter, the Tesla Solar Roof System costs, at the lower estimate, about 175. It can go up to as high as 300 per square meter. Solar panels cost between 40 and 110 per square meter.

Warranty

Tesla is very upfront about its Solar Roof tiles having a 25-year warranty. Included in this warranty are three separate facets: product, weatherization, and module. The product warranty guarantees your Tesla Solar Roof is free from defects for 25 years. Should something happen to the tiles, regarding either the electric system or the steel construction, repairs are included in this warranty. The weatherization warranty states that the roof shall withstand all manner of weather conditions and seasonal changes for 25 years. Finally, the product warranty states that the peak operation levels for the system will remain at 95% productivity or higher for the first five years after installation. After five years, Tesla states that under the product warranty, the power output capacity will decrease by no more than half a percent each year for the next twenty years. Because solar companies acquire their parts for solar panels from different manufacturers and suppliers and then assemble them themselves, the warranties can vary because each component may have a different warranty. However, each part is guaranteed for at least a decade, and some go up to 25 years. You’ll have to reach out about the warranty directly to the solar company you’re interested in connecting with.

Incentives

For solar energy systems installed between 2020 and 2022, Congress has passed a federal tax credit of 26%. This means that you can claim 26% of the cost of your solar energy system on your income tax so that it is reduced for that year by 26%. For systems installed in 2023, the tax credit amount is 22% of the cost of the system installation. These incentives end in 2024 unless Congress votes to renew the tax credit on solar energy system installation. Net metering is another type of incentive solar energy users can expect to see. This is when power companies credit solar energy system owners (so you must own the system — you do not receive this incentive if you’re leasing the solar energy system) for energy that they contribute to the power grid. For example, if your household uses less energy than it generated for the month, then the difference is credited to you by the power company you’re connected to. This saves you money on your electric bill and allows you to contribute to energy storage that you can access the next month.

Availability

As Tesla finds its rhythm in manufacturing and installing its Solar Roof Systems, the systems have become more widely available across the U.S. and they’ve even branched out into Canada, which wasn’t the case just a few years ago. However, due to the complexity of the materials used and their assembly, Tesla has had to pause production in the past, leaving some customers without roofs for a considerable amount of time. The Solar Roof System is becoming more and more available as a solar energy choice, but the materials are intrinsically rarer than traditional solar panels. As for conventional solar panels that we’re all familiar with, they’re available everywhere. Solar companies exist all over the United States, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can simply order the panels and install them yourself (although any potential warranty you could have doesn’t apply if you choose that option). They’re available all over the place.

Disadvantages of Tesla Solar Roof Over Solar Panels

What is the Difference Between a Solar Roof and Solar Panels?

Still not sure if a solar roof is right for you? Here are a few of the major ways that Tesla’s new product sets itself apart from competitors.

• Integration: Solar panels sit on top of your roof, either on one plane or several. Many solar panel users install them on the plane of the roof that receives the most prolonged sunlight throughout the day. Tesla Solar Roofs are, well, a roof. They are an integrated system which has photovoltaic cells within steel roof shingles.
• Total cost: Tesla Solar Roof Systems can cost two to three (or maybe more) times more than a solar panel system. However, in both cases, you can save on your energy bill over time because of net metering which occurs when you use solar energy as your primary energy source.
• Location: The Tesla Solar Roof is just that — a roof. The roofing and energy system are intrinsically connected. Some people would rather not have solar panels on their roof — solar panels can be installed anywhere on your property. This is especially effective if you have acres of land you can place them on.
• Powerwall: Tesla’s Powerwall is much more effective at storing and dispensing energy than systems available for traditional solar panels. This is an option you have when installing your Tesla system that includes this advanced solar battery that always ensures you have energy, rain or shine, power outage or no.

Tesla Solar Roof FAQs

Do you have to install a Tesla Powerwall with the Solar Roof?

No, this is optional. It is available with all Tesla Solar products, including the Solar Roof. However, installation costs plus the cost of the Powerwall itself is around 13,000, so if you have the money to spend, it can be a great investment. If not, no worries — it’s not obligatory.

Is a Tesla Solar Roof cheaper than a normal roof?

The average cost in the US that people spend to replace their roofs is 8,000. Installation costs for the Tesla Solar Roof range from 35,000 all the way up to 70,000 or more, so they’re definitely not cheaper than a normal roof.

Is Tesla solar better than regular solar?

The Tesla Solar Roof covers more surface area than traditional solar panels. One reason for this is because your entire roof is fitted with photovoltaic tiles and hardware so that the largest surface area possible is able to absorb sunlight and provide your home with solar energy. Traditional solar panels are limited in their shape and placement, and you may not be able to have as much surface area covered by solar panels as you would if your whole roof were covered with the Tesla Solar Roof. Most homeowners think that Tesla Solar Roof tiles are much more aesthetically pleasing than regular solar panels. However, there is the question of energy efficiency. Solar panels are still 20-30% more efficient than Tesla’s solar tiles.

As for whether Tesla solar panels or regular solar panels are better is simply a matter of personal preference. After purchasing the failing solar company SolarCity from his cousins in 2016, Elon Musk changed the name to Tesla Solar, and its panels are comparable to any other solar company’s panels, although they are more durable and cheaper in some areas than competitors’ options.

How long does the Tesla Solar Roof last?

It’s currently unclear how long it’s possible for the Tesla Solar Roof to last because the first ones were implemented only 17 years ago. The warranty is guaranteed for 25 years, but its durability and quality craftsmanship should ensure that the Tesla Solar Roof lasts for many decades to come, much longer than a normal roof, which lasts from 10 to 15 years.

Today’s Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology

At Today’s Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.

Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.

We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:

Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.

Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.

Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.

(10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.

Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.

Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.

Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.

Sarah Horvath is a senior-level home service review professional with more than 10 years of experience in the homeownership industry. You can find her writing on sites like Robinhood, MoneyLion, Benzinga, Forbes Advisor, and more. When she’s not busy writing, Sarah enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and her parrot.

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

Tesla Solar Roof

All the benefits of Solar PV plus a more attractive, more durable roofing system with no solar penetrations. In short, the roof is the solar system. Just WOW!

Solar Roof Tiles

Solar Roof Tiles are slightly larger than traditional composition shingles but made from high strength tempered glass instead of asphalt. Solar Roof Tiles come in two formats, either “Active”, meaning, they contain live photovoltaic cells, or “Non Active”. The number of “Active” solar roof tiles is determined by your electricity usage the same way traditional PV is determined. So if your usage indicates you need 8KW of photovoltaic cells, we will install enough “Active” Solar Roof Tiles to provide 8KW of generating capacity. In addition, the active tiles will be installed on the sections of roof most favorable to solar generation.

Remember, the roof is the solar system, so we cover the entire roof surface with Solar Roof Tiles. After tearing off your existing roofing materials and inspecting your decking, we will install the solar roof tiles, some “Active” and some “Non Active”, directly to your decking.

Inverters

Solar Roof Tiles do not use microinverters, instead the Tesla Solar Inverter completes the Solar Roof System by converting DC power from “Active” Solar Tiles to AC power for home consumption. Tesla’s renowned expertise in power electronics has been combined with robust safety features and a simple installation process to produce an outstanding solar inverter that is compatible with both Solar Roof and traditional solar panels. Once installed, homeowners use the Tesla mobile app to manage their solar system and monitor energy consumption, resulting in a truly unique ecosystem experience.

Designed to integrate with Tesla Powerwall II and Tesla App

Includes integrated Rapid shutdown, arc fault, and ground fault protection required and approved by HECO

Grid Connection

All commercially available PV Systems, including the Solar Roof and PV Systems with Batteries, are electrically “tied” to the grid. This allows you to send excess daytime power generation to the grid assuming your batteries are full or you don’t have batteries. Grid connection also allows you to access grid power at night assuming your batteries are depleted or you don’t have batteries. In addition, currently all Hawaiian electricity companies offer grid connection programs that allow you to earn a credit for your excess generation that can be used to purchase power at night or anytime throughout the month when your home requires more electricity than your System generates.

Our install teams coordinate with your electricity company and permit department to prepare your homes electrical infrastructure and then connect your solar equipment to the grid. Once complete, we instruct the permit department to check our work and we coordinate with your electricity company to validate the System and then it’s time to flip the switch.

Tesla Tiles

You are now ready to generate clean, reliable energy on site and consume it directly from the source. Furthermore, because Photovoltaic Systems including the Solar Roof have no moving parts and are extremely durable, you will enjoy this abundant source of power for years and years to come. This is the main reason we can back PV systems and our new Solar Roof systems with long-term warranties and offer long-term financing.

Solar PV Benefits

Reduced Energy Costs – The bulk of Hawaii’s energy comes from burning fossil fuels, which have historically increased at least 5% year over year. Photovoltaic Systems only need the sun’s natural light, a free and limitless source of energy. This ability to generate power without any dependence on nonrenewable fuels translates into reduced energy cost, which, in turn, results in direct savings on your electricity bill. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the average residential Photovoltaic System can lower energy costs by as much as 50%, but Haleakala Solar and Roofing can work with you to save as much as you want. Many of the individuals and businesses we’ve helped now generate their entire energy needs through their PV Systems.

Increased Home Value – In today’s market, green technology is gaining popularity with buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. A recent study found that for every 100 saved per year through solar energy, the home’s value is increased by 2000. Thus, if you install a Photovoltaic System that saves 1000 in electricity cost per year, the added net value to the home would be 20,000. Since energy savings only grow as electricity rates increase, the value of your Solar System also appreciates over time. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home that has a Photovoltaic System, will sell faster, sometime 50% sooner than a home without a System, even in weaker markets.

Tax Incentives – As energy costs continue to rise, both Federal and State governments are offering tax incentives to encourage solar power. They understand that clean, renewable energy is good for the environment, the economy, and most importantly, for your family. Learn more about current Tax Incentives.