Tesla: Turning the World Solar

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. Installing solar panels helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the collective dependence on fossil fuel. Traditional electricity is sourced from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global climate change. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, but they are also a finite resource.

Tesla offers two different solar products: solar panels and the Solar Roof. Both produce clean power, and claim to help energy costs. Solar panels contain cells that convert light from the sun into usable electricity that can be immediately used in the home. The complete Solar Roof is said to complement the home’s architecture; while collecting sunlight for Tesla's integrated Powerwall home battery. Meaning energy collected during the day is stored and made available any time. Effectively turning the home into a personal utility. Tesla claims that their glass solar tiles are so durable; that they are warrantied for the lifetime of your house, or infinity, whichever comes first.

Elon Musk revealed in August that he and another Tesla executive have installed the roof on their respective properties. However, it is unclear when the roof product will be available nationwide. Some estimates suggest large scale installation will not start until mid 2018 or later.

To give prospective solar roof customers more information; Tesla has launched a calculator that provides estimates for its solar roof. The company has also released basic pricing information, customers can expect to pay around $21.85 per square foot for their solar roof.

Try EnergySage’s Solar Calculator to better understand the economics of putting solar panels for your roof.

Sources:

https://www.tesla.com/solarpanels

http://news.energysage.com/tesla-solar-roof-price-vs-solar-panels/

https://www.usgbc.org/articles/top-four-benefits-installing-solar-panels-your-home

http://news.energysage.com/tesla-solar-panel-roof-the-next-solar-shingles/