Tesla Solar Roof Tiles
Elon Musk recently announced the company would be manufacturing solar roof tiles and they would be ready for pre-order from April (USA only). A video of the presentation can be seen here:
So far four options are being developed:
Tuscan Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Textured Glass Tile & Smooth Glass Tile
The solar roof tiles have embedded solar cells and are said to have twice the longevity of a traditional roof. If these can be installed efficiently it could transform the new build and retrofit roofing market. This is a big if and so far no further technical information has been released but pre-orders are being taken.
The cost will be a major factor and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk recently stated: “The cost will obviously vary according to the size of the house and the difficulty of the installation, but the important thing is the apples-to-apples comparison to a regular roof, we’re confident we will be at least at or slightly below the cost of a regular roof, the electricity is just a bonus.” With this statement, another industry is being targeted for disruption. Most UK roofing companies will not have the expertise or the inclination so new players could dominate.
Musk went on to add: “So the basic proposition will be: Would you like a roof that looks better than a normal roof, lasts twice as long, costs less and, by the way, generates electricity? Why would you get anything else?”
What Is Currently Available In The Marketplace?
Wessex ECOEnergy has always seen the value in making a solar array look as good as possible. With this in mind, we have always offered BIPV: building integrated photovoltaics in various forms and becoming somewhat of a specialist in this area for solar and solar thermal. The major players are as follows:
GSE: The GSE system has many benefits, particularly flexibility, cost and efficiency. The high-grade plastic trays fit most standard solar panels and this means total flexibility when considering different roof sizes, types and coverings.
Viridian: Using innovative flashing, the Viridian system is similar to a Velux flashing kit but installed on the felt and battens of the new roof. With this system, Viridian provides solar panels and the range is varied in efficiency, output and type. The end product looks fantastic and fitting is very straightforward. Cost wise it is very similar to a standard rail system.
As a Tesla-certified installer, Wessex ECOEnergy will be offering the Tesla solar roof tiles in Dorset from late 2017 and will cover the SW UK: DT, BH, SP, BA, EX & TA postcodes.
Recent Comments