13 top questions answered about the tesla solar roof (Guide 2023)

Are you considering getting the Tesla solar roof?

Here I present you with 13 things to know about the Tesla solar roof

 In this post I’ll explain everything you need to know about the Tesla Solar Roof also known as the Tesla Shingles. 

Table of contents:

1. What is it and how does it work?
2. Who should get the Tesla roof?
3. Is the Tesla solar roof ideal for you?
4. What if my roof is too big, would I produce way too much energy for my needs?
5. What is a “dummy” Tesla Tile?
6. Does the Tesla solar roof come in different colors?
7. Does Tesla manufacture Solar Shingles?
8. How much does a Tesla Solar roof cost?
9. How sensitive is the Tesla Solar Roof to shading?
10. How much energy will one Tesla solar tile produce in California?
11. How energy efficient are Tesla solar tiles?
12. What is the “feel” of the Tesla solar tile?
13. Which is better: regular tiles or Tesla tiles?

1) What is it and how does it work?

The Tesla roof is a roof with an integrated solar system. One Tesla tile has an embedded solar-cell of monocrystalline silicon capable of outputting 71 watts, which is encapsulated in durable tempered glass with a black backsheet that gives the tile a unique black appearance. For perspective, a regular panel typically outputs 400w, however the size of a Tesla tile is a fraction of that of a panel, hence the production is much lower.

 Similar to solar panels, with enough PV-active tesla tiles you will be able to fully offset your electric bill, and not pay for electricity. 

2) Who should get the Tesla roof?

The Tesla roof is for anyone that has an unshaded roof with a pitch of at least 2.5/12 or 11.77 degrees. In other words, anyone who has a gabled, hipped, monoslope roof will likely qualify for the Tesla Solar Roof. 

However, if you have a flat roof you will not be able to install a Tesla Solar Roof. 

Also, if a roof face is less than 140 sq. ft. then, Tesla Solar tiles can not be installed on that roof face. The same is true if the roof face has a lot of obstructions (vents, chimmenies, etc) in a small area.

Finally, if your roof is shaded, energy production will be greatly affected (more of this below).

3) Is the Tesla solar roof ideal for you?

The tesla solar roof is ideal for two types of customers:

1. New constructions: if you are building your dream home, the tesla solar roof should be considered. Not only is the roof visually appealing but it may also offset your energy bill. Additionally, if you combine the roof with Tesla Powerwalls, you may get “off-grid”.

2. Replacing your old roof: if your roof is old, you may not be a qualifier for solar panels as the installation may cause water leaks and/or other structural issues. Hence, this may be a good opportunity for you to re-roof and get a Tesla solar roof installed and offset your electric bill. 

4) What if my roof is too big, would I produce way too much energy for my needs?

No, the Tesla Solar Roof comes with PV integrated tiles and with “Dummy Tiles”. The design from your solar installer should use enough PV integrated tiles to offset 100% of your electric bill; any  extra surface-area of the roof should be covered with the “dummy” tiles that don’t have any PV specs. More on this in the next section (below).

5) What is a “dummy” Tesla Tile?

A dummy Tesla tile refers to a Tesla tile that doesn’t have the PV integrated system embedded in it. Because these dummy tiles look and feel the same as the PV integrated ones, the roof will have a perfectly uniform black appearance. Many roof faces are too big, are very shaded or are north facing, your solar installer will likely choose to install “dummy tiles” for those scenarios.

6) Does the Tesla solar roof come in different colors?

No, as of now Tesla only offers it in black. 

7) Does Tesla manufacture Solar Shingles?

No, Tesla only makes tiles made of glass. Solar shingles are manufactured by other companies such as; GAF. See more at: https://www.gaf.energy/timberline-solar/

8) How much does a Tesla Solar roof cost?

Although it is the same product across the USA, the cost to install a Tesla solar roof varies a lot. Generally, there are only a few installers certified by Tesla to install these roofs. For example, Florida only has two installers in the whole state. If you live in one of these areas where Tesla only has a couple of authorized “tesla solar roof” installers, then you should expect to pay more. An estimated amount is $3.5-$5 per watt and around $19-$24 per sq. ft. of roof.

As of now, the Tesla Solar Roof is the most expensive roof option you can get. To give some perspective, the price may be cost-comparable to a new metal-seam roof plus solar panels. 

9) How sensitive is the Tesla Solar Roof to shading?

Very. The Tesla roof uses string inverters. The string inverter connects multiple tesla pv-integrated tiles strings. A string refers to multiple tiles connected in series, each string will connect in parallel to the tesla string inverter.

When there is shading on one tile or even in one fraction of a tile, the energy production of the whole string will be greatly affected. In other words, shading on one tile may affect the other 30 tiles that are connected in series to the shaded one. That’s why trimming down any surrounding tree/s is essential for maximizing energy production.

10) How much energy will one Tesla solar tile produce in California?

A single tile facing 18 degrees south in California may produce approximately 9.83 kwh of energy a month. That is 117.96 kwh per year [Simulated using https://aurorasolar.com/ ] . Or the equivalent in money (at $26 cents per kwh) would be $30.7 a year. Considering that you may have hundreds of tiles up on your roof, that is equal to thousands of dollars a year, which should be enough to pay for your electric bill. 

11) How energy efficient are Tesla solar tiles?

Depending on the source of information, the Tesla solar roof has an efficiency of approx. 13%-16%. In comparison, a regular (tier 1) solar panel has an efficiency of 20%-23%. As of now, Tesla has the most efficient solar roof out there. 

But note, the advantage of the Tesla Solar Roof is that the tiles are like “mini” solar panels. You can fit many more of these small tiles on different complicated angles and obstructed areas of a roof where otherwise regular panels would not fit. 

12) What is the “feel” of the Tesla solar tile?

The tiles feel very solid. The top of the tile is made of corrugated glass, known as “Rain glass”. The type of glass lets light go through but it gives a slightly black matte look to the roof.The framing/padding pieces that connect the tiles together are made of UV resistant black plastic. The tiles have two metallic snapping systems that further secure the tiles to keep them together. Once installed, the roof has a robust and solid feel. 

13) Which is better: regular tiles or Tesla tiles?

Tesla tiles are 3 times stronger than regular ones. The warranty is the same as a regular tile roof or the same as a standard solar panel system warranty of 25 years. The Tesla tiles produce energy. All in all, the tesla solar roof is a much better option than regular tiles, but it comes at a higher price tag.