Photo by Tesla

Do you like the idea of going solar but don’t like the look of traditional rooftop solar panels? Then Elon Musk, founder of Tesla, has a prospect for you — the Solar Roof. With a Solar Roof, the solar panels are built-in to individual roofing tiles which are then used to cover your roof as normal. Then, for the lifetime of your home, your roof itself will be generating clean, renewable energy for you and your family. For many, especially those constructing a new home, this is an option that makes solar practical and attractive.

The idea of a solar rooftop has been around for a while — it’s a concept known as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). This means that the photovoltaic system, or solar panels themselves, are an intrinsic part of a building’s construction. This integration allows homes to utilize solar power while still maintaining a specific design aesthetic that might not be possible with traditional solar panels. However, previous attempts at solar tiles have been bulky and unsuccessful. Musk announced Tesla’s take on the solar rooftop last year, and just recently finalized pricing and started accepting orders.

Type of shingle. With the Solar Roof, you can choose from four different types of tile: Tuscan, Smooth, Textured, or Slate. These tiles are not only indistinguishable from standard roofing tiles, but they are exceptionally durable. Tesla is so sure of the strength of their tiles that they are offering a lifetime warranty on them. You can rest easy knowing your investment will be protected against the elements.

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Cost. So what will this all cost you? Well, that’s where it gets a little complicated. You can check out Tesla’s website, plug in your address, and they will provide an estimate for your house based on location and square footage. There are many factors that go into what the final price will be — everything from where you live to how many stories your home is.