French slate tesla roof tiles9/16/2023 ![]() In 2017, the first two variations of the Solar Roof were released in the form of textured and smooth glass. Once Tesla announced the Solar Roof to the masses they seemed to solidify their hold on the industry. CertainTeed and Atlantis Energy Systems tried to compete, but Tesla has become the major name in the solar shingle game. Following the termination of DOW’s Powerhouse shingles, many companies attempted to take over the industry. Tesla threw their hat into the clean energy game in 2016 with its $2 billion acquisition of Solar City. Before it’s downfall, Powerhouse had only been installed on 1,000 homes.ĭOW discontinued the Powerhouse line in mid-2016, announcing the news on the same day the company cut 2,500 jobs globally. ![]() Federal, state and local incentives helped to decrease the price point, sometimes by almost half, but the product was failing to catch on as predicted. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case, as solar shingles ranged in price from $4 to $12 per-Watt, while traditional solar panels in 2015 were only $3.50 per-Watt (learn more about Solar Costs at PowerScout). In 2009, when TIME Magazine declared DOW’s solar shingle one of the 50 Best Inventions of 2009, it was estimated that the solar shingle would sell for 10% to 15% less than traditional solar panels. Using Copper Indium Gallium Slenide solar cells, the shingles worked the same as most standard panels, pulling in the rays of the sun and converting it to electricity, before transferring it to an inverter box, from which it enters the home. Another added benefit of the shingles were the ease in which they could be installed, as there was no need for locating rafters and anchor points to bolt into, like with solar panels. They were heavily touted, due to their being an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional solar panels. The shingles were designed to blend in with a typical asphalt roof. The company rolled out its Powerhouse Solar Shingle in 2011, and predicted at the time of announcement that it could see up to $10 billion in revenue by 2020. The solar shingle concept was created by DOW Chemical Company, who first unveiled it in 2009. ![]() The History of Solar Shingles DOW Chemical In fact, the technology to create such a product has been public knowledge since 2009 and solar shingles have been gracing the roofs of users since 2011.Īs we move into 2018, when Tesla’s Solar Roof will see its full rollout, it’s important to remember where this technology came from, so that we can better predict where it is going. A photovoltaic solar system in the form of roof tiles, invisible to the naked eye? The solar world marveled at the ingenuity of Tesla, once more.īut the concept of solar shingles is not a new one. Other companies have sought partners to create similar offerings.Ī more diverse portfolio of products from the rooftop solar industry comes as incentives are set to decline.When Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the birth of the Tesla Solar Roof last year, it was greeted with enthusiasm by the entire solar market. bought solar panel firm SolarCity last year, making the combined company, now known as Tesla Inc., a one-stop shop for clean energy. The company's biggest opportunity could be in the construction market, where it could look to partner with construction firms to install roofs on new homes.īut ultimately, demand for the product will depend on the amount of savings for the homeowner, Ogden said, and how Tesla packages the cost of the system to prospective customers.Įlectric car maker Tesla Motors Inc. Tyler Ogden, solar analyst with Lux Research, said the roof tile options could be attractive for customers who may have shied away from traditional solar panels' decidedly unaesthetic appearance. ![]() Tuscan and French slate options will come in 2018, according to Tesla. Initially, only gray smooth and textured black glass tiles will be available for purchase. ![]()
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