Tesla’s solar roof will be cheaper, tougher, and better insulating than a normal roof

By Andrew Hard Published May 7, 2021

The first electric cars were slow, ugly, and generally uninspiring machines, but thanks to companies like Tesla, they’re the hottest thing on the market in 2016. Tesla CEO Elon Musk wants to see a similar transformation happen to solar, and at a special event in Los Angeles, he explained how.

As part of a joint collaboration between Tesla and SolarCity, Tesla unveiled a new solar roof design that Musk claimed will be cheaper, more durable, and better insulating than a normal roof, while also looking better and transforming the home it sits atop.

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“Why would you buy anything else?” Musk asked.

Read more: Powerwall for all! Tesla turns to Panasonic for increased photovoltaic production

Tesla is currently attempting to acquire SolarCity and shareholders of both companies will vote on the acquisition in November, so concrete pricing and availability info wasn’t discussed at the event. Musk did reveal that the tiles would be made from textured glass with integrated solar cells though, and while they are transparent to the sun, they appear opaque at an angle and look almost identical to a standard roof from the ground. A number of different versions are planned, including Textured Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Tuscan Glass Tile, and Smooth Glass Tile.

Musk provided no details on pricing or availability, unfortunately.

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Textured Glass Tile roof — Textured Glass Tile roof Image used with permission by copyright holder

Slate Glass Tile roof — Slate Glass Tile roof Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tuscan Glass Tile roof — Tuscan Glass Tile roof Image used with permission by copyright holder

Smooth Glass Tile roof — Smooth Glass Tile roof Image used with permission by copyright holder

Solar roofs are great, but the question remains — how will you store all this energy? Tesla has a solution for that too, because Musk also showcased the Powerwall 2.0 in Los Angeles. The new unit can store 14kWh of energy with a 5kW continuous power draw and a 7kW peak. Not only is this double the energy density of the first Powerwall, the system is scalable up to 9 units for larger homes and businesses.

The end goal is a three-tiered system where customers generate their own energy with a solar roof, store that energy with a Powerwall, and commute around town with an electric car. Tesla calls this the zero-emission lifestyle, and while we’re still a ways away from realizing it, we’re certainly getting closer.

Former Staff Writer

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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