Tag Archives: solar energy

Tesla’s Solar Roof: What’s Real & What’s Pure PR (Guest Post)

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Smooth Tesla Solar Shingles on a Roof
Tesla’s Solar Roof became one of the company’s most talked about products once CEO Elon Musk said that they were taking orders in May 2017. Interested homeowners were asked to put down a $1,000 deposit for the sleek solar paneling, which lets people invest in a new roof and clean energy.

Deposits started to swiftly pile up, and the company said in early August 2017 they were already sold out of the product until early 2018. The actual solar roof technology puts the energy generating devices right into roofing tiles, making them purportedly stronger and lighter than traditional shingles.

They are designed in a couple of different styles so they can seamlessly integrate with any home and look pretty much like a traditional roof from afar. Other solar shingles can actually still stand out on a roof because they are usually just one shade of blue and black (which can still not match a roof). The roof comes with warranties that cover both solar functionality and physical durability.

Tesla’s ambition with the solar roof cannot be understated, David Sarkisian of the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center said the scale of implementation was “revolutionary.” Still, there’s been a lot of questions about what aspects of the Tesla solar roof are real, and what is just embellishment that looks good in a press release.

Keep reading to learn about what is real and what is pure PR.

Real: The Roof Won’t Necessarily Help Save You Money

Yes, nothing that Tesla builds is ever cheap. But you’re not going to necessarily be saving money going with Tesla’s roof as opposed to other options.

Homeowners who already have a pretty sturdy roof are going to find it much cheaper to just install solar panels if they want green energy. Calculations comparing the Tesla roof versus solar panels for a California home found it would be 68% cheaper to go with normal rooftop solar panels if the roof was relatively new and 35% cheaper if the roof was really old.

Pure PR: Solar Shingles Are a Game-Changing Technology

Even though Tesla’s doing their best to tout their new technology, solar shingles still have a very long way to go to truly be an industry game-changer. Traditional solar panels have a reliable track record and have been out on the market for over four decades now. In contrast, solar shingle technology has only been commercially available since 2005. Even though Tesla’s solar roof has gotten a lot of attention, companies like Dow Chemical have had to shut off their solar shingle line because of a lack of interest. The solar single market is still pretty small, and companies like Aesthetic Green Power are now deliberating whether they will continue creating solar tiles.

Real: The Solar Roof Warranty Is Really Good

One of the reasons many think Tesla’s solar roof will succeed is thanks to the great warranty. The tiles have a warranty that is good for the life of the house, and the shingles are guaranteed to make power for 30 years. A lot of traditional solar panels have a warranty for just 20-25 years. Tesla also says they are willing to remove an old roof, manage all aspects of the solar roof re-design, and oversee the operations and maintenance of the system, all with just a one week install time.

Tesla’s generous warranties pretty much assure that a lot of the stress and worry surrounding rooftop damage and replacement are eliminated, especially since common asphalt shingles usually need to be replaced every 15-30 years.

Pure PR: Tesla’s Hail Demonstration

One of the ways Tesla has touted their solar roof is through video. The company released a clip putting their roof through a hail test to show off how strong it is. However, the video did not talk about how traditional solar panels are also not really damaged by hail, and that having a set of panels on the roof is only going to strengthen it from the elements. Plus, some people are saying the conventional roofing materials used in Tesla’s video for comparison were mounted incorrectly without the right cement composition, which would make them appear weaker than they really are.

Right now, Tesla’s solar roof is just available in California. Despite the price, they represent an interesting and aesthetically pleasing way for a homeowner to go green and get a new roof. Since so few companies offer solar shingles, Tesla is undoubtedly going to be leading the way in the near future for this market.

About the Author: Kyle Pennell is a Content Manager for PowerScout.com and loves accelerating solar adoption with helpful authoritative content about residential solar!

 

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What You Need to Know to “Go Solar” (Guest Post)

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What You Need To Know To Go SolarI just had more panels added to my 15-panel solar system; the photo above is the installers wiring the additional 10 on the roof of my garage. Solar energy is a near and dear subject to my heart. People ask me regularly about solar energy…new solar technology/hardware, how it works with my home, and the cost of a system. Matt Reilly contacted me recently about guest-posting, and I thought this topic would fit in nicely with the “and positive life tips” part of my blog. Read on.   –Kurt

All the energy that the world uses every day could be replaced with solar. It’s no wonder then that more and more people want to take advantage of this valuable natural resource. By going solar, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint on this planet and will be surprised how much money you could save on utilities.

But before you jump on the solar bandwagon, there are some important things to consider and aspects you need to understand first.

Are there any codes or regulations on installing solar panels in your area?

Before you start planning anything, calculating costs, and researching where to buy, you need to do some homework. There can be some rules and codes in your local area that regulate or restrict the usage and installation of solar panels. For example, fire codes could be in place restricting the number panels on roofs due to potential fire hazards.

There can also be certain permits you will need to have. They can be permits for the installation itself, for the kind of solar panels you want, a permit that regulates the areas in which you can install them, and how many you’re allowed to install.

Does your house receive enough sunlight, and is your roof suitable for solar panels?

Consider how much sunlight your part of the country receives. The number of sunny days per year will play a big role in how much power the panels will be able to generate, whether that is enough for your household needs and, in the end, how much money you will be able to save on utility bills.

It’s also important to consider the position of your house in relation to the sun. There should be no major obstacles too near your house that create shade and block direct sunlight, such as tall trees or branches over your roof.

If your roof is older than about 10 years and will need some repair or replacement soon, think carefully about installing the panels. The best option would probably be to wait until the roof is upgraded or replaced before the system is installed. Along with the condition of the roof, its slope and orientation are also important. The ideal would be if you have a decent sized portion of the roof facing south at a 7/12th’s pitch on which to mount the panels.

Hiring a contractor

If you’re a skilled handy person with some experience, tools, and have done similar work, you can install the panels yourself. There are many guides and DIY instructions, and if you study them well and are careful, it’s possible. However, as far as local regulations and codes, there are some areas that require an expert or an electrician to install some of the system or to do certain parts of the job—and it’s a wise idea to consult a professional for guidance when purchasing supplies. If you decide to hire a roofing contractor to take care of the whole process, make sure you hire properly licensed and authorized professionals.

Are there any financial incentives?

Even though in the end a solar system pays off in more ways than one, it can be a costly process. The panels themselves and the installation can be expensive, and you may need to take out a loan. But first, check if there are any federal, state, or local incentives in place. There are some government tax breaks, financial incentives, and rebates, and you might just be in luck.

About the Author: Matt Reilly is a writer and editor on home improvement, smart technology, and sustainable solutions for Reilly Roofing and Gutters.

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