Tesla recently introduced its Solar Roof, an aesthetically pleasing solar solution in a world where energy needs are constantly rising, and so are the costs. The goal is to give users a way to keep their building’s original facade more or less intact while generating electricity. There are no panels that stand out like traditional panels; just your roof constructed from solar tiles.
The Solar Roof uses building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology for this and has proven to be a great addition to the new energy regime. Electrical contractors from a wide variety of locations have been recommending this roof for use in both residential and commercial buildings seeking a solution for their electricity needs.
One major issue, however, is that while they are more efficient, the solar roof tiles cost quite a bit. So let’s take a look at the Tesla Solar Roof Tiles and the features that make them an attractive option for businesses.
What is the Tesla Solar Roof?
With tiles three times as strong as traditional roofing tiles, Tesla has designed its Solar Roof tiles to be more resilient to weather and general wear. The 25-year warranty is also a great option compared to many traditional commercial solar panels.
The new Solar Roof is more efficient, with estimates suggesting that the roof offers electricity at a low average of $1.8 per watt compared to traditional commercial solar panels that generate electricity at $3 per watt (as of November 2021). Coupled with Tesla batteries, the system has the potential to last longer as well because of the overall build quality and capacity Tesla batteries offer.
The tiles are available for residential and commercial use alike and have been considered a viable material for buildings that need their roof replaced. This is in part because of Tesla’s strict research, development, and quality standards.
It was actually during the R&D phase that Tesla increased the price of its solar roof tiles. This was because of the “roof complexity factor,” and before this, many electrical contractors weren’t as keen on offering these tiles as an option for commercial entities. However, they are now suitable for most environments and buildings, including skyscrapers.
At its peak capacity, the Solar Roof can produce a max power output of 71.67 watts – a 22% increase compared to traditional tiles.
The Downside
There is one major issue with these tiles, though, and that is the installation costs. The tiles themselves aren’t as costly as their installation. This is because traditional solar panels can easily be placed on a rack on the roof. These tiles, on the other hand, replace your existing tiles, which includes higher labor costs.
Here is a general estimated cost structure for two commercial solar systems for comparison.
| Attributes (8.18 kW System) | Tesla Solar Roof | Traditional Solar Panel |
| Cost of Solar Panels | $11,910 | $18,160 |
| Installation Costs | >$30,600 | $16,000 |
| Total | $42,510 | $34,160 |
This means a heftier investment may be needed for the system compared to traditional solar panels. However, the Solar Roof is estimated to cover its costs in terms of energy saved much more quickly.
If you would like to learn more about the right type of commercial solar panels or solar roof tiles for your commercial project(s), get in touch with Skyline Electric experts today.
