The latest innovation in solar technology may be the answer the industry has been looking for.
Early next month, Tesla Solar will begin taking orders on their newest innovation, the solar power roof. Instead of installing huge bulky solar panels, panels that some neighborhoods consider an eyesore, homeowners will now be able to power their homes without attracting unwanted attention thanks to the new Tesla Solar shingle.
The solar-powered roof shingles were unveiled in October last year, and according to Tesla founder Elon Musk, will start selling in April, with production of the solar roof shingles slated to begin in mid 2017.
Tesla has developed four roof tile styles: Tuscan glass, smooth glass, slate glass, and textured glass tiles. The new technology makes it nearly impossible for outsiders to know that your home is being powered by the sun and when integrated into your roof, they are invisible when viewed from the street. From a security standpoint, I think this is a huge innovation. The last thing you want during a long-term grid down situation is people knowing you are the only one in the neighborhood with power!
The company is selling the solar roofs as a lower cost alternative to traditional roofs, saying that when combined with projected utility bill savings the average homeowner will come out ahead in the cost-savings department.
Combined with the TESLA Powerwall 2, Tesla’s newest offgrid battery, homeowners will now have easy access to complete off-the-grid living, even in urban areas.
The exact cost of the solar shingles has not been released yet, but the Powerwall 2 Battery system runs $5,500 per 14 kWh Powerwall battery. One Powerwall 2 can power an average two-bedroom home for a full day and they are warrantied for 10 years.
Powerwall 2 specs:
- Mounting: Wall or Floor Mounted, Indoor/Outdoor
- Inverter: Fully integrated Tesla inverter
- Usable Capacity: 13.5 kWh
- Power: 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak
- Round Trip Efficiency: 89% for AC Powerwall, 92% for DC Powerwall
- Operating Temperature Range: –20°C to 50°C (–4°F to 122°F)
- Warranty: 10 years
- Dimensions: 1150 mm x 755 mm x 155 mm (45.3 in x 29.7 in x 6.1 in)
- Weight: 120 kg (265 lbs)
I like it. Now all that’s needed is the water catchment system.
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I am building a small 2 bedroom home on my farm and I am going to tear down the old home for more growing area. Does anyone know when they will be available.
How would these work in Alaska with all of the snow that accumulates on the roof…I guess you would have to get up there and shovel it off daily!
How would an EMP effect these if at all?