Introduction
Recently, Tesla quietly discounted production of their solar roof system, removing all advertising of it from their website.1 For over a decade, Tesla, among other large companies, has invested in the solar industry. In 2015, they first rolled out the Powerwall, a home battery system meant to be paired with solar setups.2 Soon after, the corporation acquired SolarCity, a solar panel and solar roof distributor, to accelerate their overall goal of transitioning the world to solar energy.
Eventually, in May 2017, Tesla began collecting orders for solar roofs with a target launch date of 2018.3
So, after nine years of offering the solar roof, why would a large company like Tesla abandon this innovation and revert back to solely traditional solar panel installation?
What Is a Solar Roof? And Why Quit Selling It?
Marketed as a high-end luxury roofing system, the solar roof is a product intended to generate electricity without the need for modular solar panels. To put it more simply: a solar roof refers to a roof made of specific shingle-like tiles created to protect your home from the weather, while also turning sunlight into energy. Instead of an addition or upgrade to your roof, like solar panels, a solar roof is intended to replace your whole roof.
While the idea of solar roof tiles — a product that can both shield your home from weathering and provide you with energy — seems good in theory, the output has not proven to be worthwhile.
Since a solar roof is made of specially-designed shingles, the system only serves those who already have pitched roofs, excluding potential clients with flat roofs. Not only does solar roofing limit the number of customers down to homeowners with shingle roofs, but it also only targets audiences who need an entire roof replacement. It’s not often that a home looking to go solar demands a whole roof replacement, rather than minor upgrades and repairs.
Without a large demographic of solar roof buyers, the installation process has become egregiously expensive. Some purchasers have reported receiving quotes of over $200,000 to complete the installation of their solar roof.1
In addition to their small audience and high costs, solar roofs require employees with specific certifications due to the complex installation process. Few workers are willing to obtain the additional certifications, which means when customers do want to pursue a solar roof — or have an issue with their already installed roof, such as warping or roof underlayment melting1 — they face strict delays and long turnaround times.
As a result of all of these factors combined, Tesla has officially discontinued their solar roof offering.
Stay Loyal to Solar Panels
The moral of the story: if you decide to go solar today, choose traditional solar panels.
The failure of Tesla’s solar roof has established solar panels as the best modern-day product to convert sunlight to electricity for your home. Compared to an integrated solar roof, solar panels provide lower costs, higher energy efficiency, and easier maintenance.4
Why Choose Solanta?
At Solanta, our team is dedicated to providing a satisfactory solar system to all of our customers — whether their roof is big or small, shingled or flat.
Tesla’s discontinuation of their solar roof won’t affect Solanta, as our company primarily serves homeowners with flat roofs, which aren’t compatible with solar roof systems either way. Their shutdown, however, serves as a great example that narrowing your product line can have detrimental effects in the long run when you aren’t able to gratify a wide demographic.
Alongside Solanta’s solar installation services, we also supply our clients with access to expand their energy efficiency. Those who decide to partner with Solanta will have the opportunity to explore our Heat Pump HVAC, electric water heater, and insulation and air sealing products.
Depending on which resource your home is in need of, our team is committed to supporting you.
To learn more about Solanta’s strides toward a sustainable future, join us next week for a look into why converting to air source heat pumps may be your best bet to beat the high heating and cooling costs.
Want to Work With Solanta?
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