Elon Musk's(TESLA) unveils Solar Roof panels

Almost seven months since Tesla, SpaceX and SolarCity boss Elon Musk unveiled his glass solar roof panels, the technology has finally gone on sale.
Customers can order Tesla's Solar Roof from the firm's website with installations beginning in the US this summer. Tesla said it expects installations outside the US to begin in 2018.

Prices depended on your need and Tesla has created a calculator using data from Google Sunroof, a 2015 project that used 3D modelling to determine how much solar output houses can generate. This calculator factors in the cost of a 14kWh Powerwall - an optional extra that can be installed with Solar Roof panels - and state taxes. The "energy value" number is calculated over 30 years, which is the length of the warranty covering power production from the tiles. Tesla is offering an "infinity warranty" on the tiles themselves.

Consumer Reports recently estimated that a Solar Roof for an average size US home would need to cost less than $24.50 per square foot to be "cost competitive" with a regular roof. Tesla claims the cost of Solar Roof is less and the typical homeowner should expect to pay $21.85 per square foot.

"Solar Roof is more affordable than conventional roofs because in most cases, it ultimately pays for itself by reducing or eliminating a home’s electricity bill," Tesla said. "Solar Roof tiles are more than three times stronger than standard roofing tiles, yet half the weight. They do not degrade over time like asphalt or concrete. Solar Roof is the most durable roof available and the glass itself will come with a warranty for the lifetime of your house, or infinity, whichever comes first."

The panels were announced in an event on October 28, on the set of TV show Desperate Housewives at Universal Studios, LA. At the time, the billionaire explained that the roof – which is made entirely out of solar cells – also integrates products from his electric car company.

Solar Roof uses two types of tiles — solar and non-solar. Each of the tiles is made from glass and is designed to be a "more attractive way" to introduce solar panels to more homes. The chairman of the energy-focused company initially announced his firm would be developing the new roofs during SolarCity’s earning call in August. Instead of installing a new roof and solar panels – or modules – separately, the whole roof will have solar power capabilities.

Tesla

Buyers can customise the design in order to fit with their specific housing design and there are four options available: Tuscan Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Textured Glass Tile and Smooth Glass Tile. The latter more closely resembles current solar panels, while the former looks remarkably like traditional roof panels.

Tesla

The roof and battery technology could potentially open a whole new market for the company, making solar power a key component for new and existing houses. The new venture will work alongside SolarCity’s current installations of solar panels on existing roofs.

Towards the end of last year, Tesla announced it was teaming up with Panasonic to manufacture solar panels and modules. The two companies entered into a so-called, "non-binding letter of intent" under which they will collaborate on the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells, based at SolarCity's factory in Buffalo, New York.

The International Renewable Energy Agency produced a report earlier this year that predicted up to 13 per cent of the electricity generated around the world could be done by 2030 through solar power. Countries such as Brazil, Chile and South Africa are some of the most attractive markets at the moment for solar power.

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