Many folks have heard the buzz surrounding Tesla’s solar roof panels, and customers love the sleek, subtle look of the energy-saving solar tiles. However, Tesla has faced harsh criticism concerning the rollout of its solar panels.
Europeans interested in installation got their hopes up when Elon Musk tweeted that he hoped to have solar panels available in 2021. However, as of March 2022, Tesla solar panels are still unavailable to those in the UK.
After continued rollout delays since 2018, UK customers can sign up for updates on the Tesla site. Because solar panels are available in other parts of the world, hopeful UK customers have the opportunity to see what Tesla got right and what they got wrong.
In this article, we’ll explore your critical questions regarding Tesla’s solar roof so that when it becomes available in the UK, you’ll be ready to make an educated decision.
- Where can you find Tesla solar roof tiles?
- Is it worth it to get Tesla solar roof tiles in the UK?
- How much can you expect to pay to get solar panels fitted in the UK?
- What’s the cost of Tesla solar roof tiles in the UK?
News concerning solar panels is constantly evolving. Thankfully, we’ve researched for you, so you don’t have to!
What Are Tesla Solar Roof Tiles?
Let’s ensure we understand this product’s basics before diving any deeper. Unlike traditional solar panels, Tesla’s solar roof tiles are created to look like a typical shingled roof.
Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla solar roof in 2016 during his “house of the future” presentation. Since then, three roof versions have become available.. The Tesla solar roof V3 boasts easier installation and larger power tiles, among other updates.
You may not know that there are actually two types of tiles installed: solar and non-solar tiles. However, from the street view, they are supposed to look uniform and identical to one another.
Tesla’s solar roof comes in a variety of styles and designs. The customer can choose between smooth or textured and Tuscan or slate styles.
These tiles are made from tempered glass, and Tesla has an impressive warranty to back them up. Tesla claims that this is the most durable roof on the planet and won’t degrade like asphalt or concrete over time.
To back this up, Tesla says, “the glass itself will come with a warranty for the lifetime of your house, or infinity, whichever comes first.”
Where Are Tesla Solar Roof Tiles Available?
Currently, Tesla solar panels are limited to just the United States. However, the rollout for Canada and Europe is in the planning stage.
Initially, the Tesla solar roof tiles were only available to a select few states in the US. These states included with well-established solar markets, such as California and Arizona. Not only were many homeowners prime candidates in these western, sunny states, but they were close to Tesla’s headquarters and factory.
Now that Tesla has several worldwide factories, one can hope that solar roof tiles will be available in more countries soon. Currently, solar roof tiles are being manufactured in Tesla’s Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo, New York.
Although Tesla customers worldwide may feel frustrated, the company recently announced that it expanded to every state in the United States last year. Although it may seem like a small step towards progress, it shows that Tesla is expanding, albeit slowly.
See also: Tesla Solar Panel Review (Specs – Is It Worth It?)
Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK?
Anyone familiar with the UK’s weather may doubt solar panels are a wise investment. Gray, cloudy days are a fact of life, and some may wonder how much power they can produce on a typical overcast day.
As technology continues to improve, so does the efficiency of solar panels. Solar panels today are still effective, even on dark, rainy days. This is because the panels work by absorbing direct or indirect sunlight.
In addition to improving technology, many grants and financial programs are available that incentivize buyers to make the solar leap. These programs are designed to ease the financial burden of the upfront cost of the panels so that they’re available to a broader audience.
Solar panels are also an asset that reportedly increases property value. As climate change weighs heavier on consumers’ minds, incorporating eco-friendly elements into your home will likely attract buyers.
Beyond monetary benefits, let’s not neglect the ecological benefits that installing solar panels will provide. By harnessing the sun’s power to run your home, you are reducing your carbon footprint and doing your part to combat climate change.
Solar Panels vs. Solar Roof Tiles
Most of the solar market belongs to companies making traditional solar panels. However, a select few companies pursue a smaller and more aesthetically pleasing product; solar tiles. While US companies are popping up with their version of the solar tile, they are much harder to come by in the UK.
Currently, only GB Sol and Solecco Solar are producing solar roof tiles. Wales-based GB Sol has a PV Slate product with a clean, uniform look while providing solar energy. Leeds-based Solecco Solar also offers a solar roof tile with a clean, contemporary finish.
Unlike solar panels, which have been around for decades, solar roof tiles are considered a new development in the solar world. The first solar panels appeared in New York City in 1884. Solar panels have been used on residential homes regularly since 2005.
Solar roof tiles are primarily attributed to Elon Musk’s company Tesla. However, the first original patent for solar roof tiles dates back to 1993. In all likelihood, Musk’s company will likely be the one remembered for bringing the product to mainstream culture.
Solar roof tiles weigh less than traditional panels and are nearly equal in energy output. Many customers love how similar solar roof tiles look to a conventional roof and prefer their aesthetically pleasing look.
Because solar roof tiles need to cover the entire roof space, new home builders or homeowners already in the market for a new roof are ideal candidates. With traditional solar panels, a new roof is not always necessary as long as the roof is in good shape and can support the panels.
Due to newer technology, less competition, fewer experienced installers, and longer installation times, solar roof tiles usually cost considerably more.
Is Tesla Powerwall Available in the UK?
Yes! The Tesla Powerwall is available in the UK and has been since 2016. The Powerwall is a battery that stores energy from both the grid and solar panels. This feature allows homeowners to have a backup energy source when the grid is down.
Once the Tesla solar panels are available in the UK, they will be compatible with the Powerwall. There may even be package deals available if bought together.
How much does a Powerwall cost in the UK? They aren’t cheap. Excluding installation fees, they are going for £8,700.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Solar Panels Fitted in the UK?
Thankfully, even though Tesla’s product is not yet available in the UK, several options are available on the market to the consumer.
The average cost to go solar in the UK is about £6,000-7,000 for an average home. This estimation is an astounding 60% decrease in price since 2010.
Many factors impact the cost of solar panels. Factors include how large of a system you need, the brand of solar panels, the materials, the installer fees, and the overall quality of the panels.
When determining the cost, keep your typical electricity usage and the number of occupants in your home.
How Much Will the Tesla Solar Roof Cost in the UK?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to say until the product gets released in the UK. To further complicate matters, the price of the Tesla solar roof has fluctuated over the years in the US.
Shipping costs from the US, hiring, and training of installers, and lack of competition will likely not help prices come down.
To estimate possible prices in the UK, let’s look at what a Tesla solar roof is going for in the US. Remember that quotes will vary dramatically based on roof size and what Tesla refers to as “roof complexity.”
The condition of the previous roof also plays into the price. For example, if the old roof has rotten areas, additional construction must be done to ensure the new roof is strong enough to support the solar tiles.
According to Forbes, an average Tesla solar roof costs just over $55,300. Convert that to the pound sterling; you have just over £42,000.
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