Your roof needs replacing, and you are considering your options. Central Texas receives over 2,000 hours of sunlight per year; why not make use of that abundant natural resource and generate your own power by installing a roof that uses integrated solar panels?

Here are some things to consider to see if Tesla Solar Roof tiles are the right choice for you.

What Is a Tesla Solar Roof?

A Tesla Solar Roof replaces traditional roof tiles or shingles with attractive and long-lasting solar tiles. These tiles capture energy from the sun and transfer it into AC electricity, which can then be used to power your home. The tiles themselves are made of durable materials designed to withstand the elements and are stronger than traditional roofing materials. They can even melt snow and ice in order to capture maximum energy from the sun.
 
The Solar Roof tiles can be installed on nearly any roof with a pitch between 9 and 45 degrees, provided that there is sufficient sunlight reaching the roof. A certified installer can determine if your roof is right for solar panel installation and guide you through the process.

 

How Do They Work?

The tiles turn sunlight into DC electricity and send it to an inverter, which converts it for home use and allows for reduced dependence on your electric utility. During peak sunlight hours, the roof may generate more than enough electricity to power your entire home, allowing you to draw no energy from your utility. This can significantly reduce your overall power bill.
 
When the sun isn't shining, your home will draw from your utility as usual, but there is an option of installing a battery system that will store this extra energy for later use. This can further reduce the amount of energy you draw from your utility.

Will They Make My Home Look Weird?

Traditional roof-mounted solar panels are very obvious and can make the house look rather odd; some homeowners' associations even ban them for this reason. In contrast, Tesla Solar Roof tiles have a look very similar to traditional roofing materials - in fact, they have a premium look that can be considered better than many standard materials.
 
The solar tiles are able to complement your home's current style with a classic, stylish look. Designed not to be noticed, they will blend in with home so well that most people may never realize that your house has solar panels, even when seen up close.

What Will I Need Besides the Tiles?

In order to use the power generated by the Tesla Solar Roof, you will need to have a solar inverter installed, which connects the solar roof tiles to your home's electric supply. The solar inverter converts the tiles' DC power into AC electricity, which can then be used to power your home directly. When your roof generates more energy than you consume, your electric rate could drop to zero, or even become negative, depending on your local utility company.
 
A Tesla Solar Gateway connects your system and allows it to receive automatic software updates either via wired ethernet or wirelessly via WiFi/cellular. These updates will ensure that your system is always using the latest technology in order to work as efficiently as possible. The Tesla App allows you to remotely access your Tesla Solar energy system using your smartphone, so you can monitor and manage your home's energy usage no matter where in the world you are.  If you want to be energy independent even during grid outages you will want to combine your Solar Roof with a Powerwall

How Can I Store Excess Energy?

In order to store excess energy to use on demand, you will need a Tesla Powerwall. The Powerwall is a home battery system that works with the solar inverter to store the extra energy generated by the roof tiles, increasing the overall efficiency of the system and allowing some energy independence. Powerwalls can be used individually or in multiples up to ten, depending on your energy usage and needs.
 

Powerwall is a smart system that can be configured to maximize your energy usage; it can use solar-generated power during peak-rate periods, then automatically switch to the utility grid when rates are lower. It can also connect with the National Weather Service and store extra energy in preparation for potential power outages. It is also a complete energy monitoring system, allowing you to see how your home is both generating and using energy so that you can manage it effectively.

What Is The Installation Process?

The process to install the solar roof is very similar to a traditional roofing job. The major difference is that a roofing professional will first use drone technology to do a sun and shade analysis on your roof before developing a custom design for your Solar Roof. This allows them to maximize your home's potential for generating energy.
 
The roofing team will then proceed with the standard installation process. They will remove the old roof, lay down a waterproofing layer, and install the new tiles. The portions of your roof that receive enough sunlight will be covered with Tesla Solar Roof tiles, while the other portions of the roof will receive similar-looking non-solar panel tiles, giving the roof a natural and uniform appearance.
 
Meanwhile, the rest of the system, including the solar inverter, gateway, and Powerwall will be installed and connected to the roof system. Once connected and turned on, your Solar Roof system will be ready to use. The entire process usually takes just a few days to complete.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Solar Roof?

The biggest disadvantage of having a Solar Roof installed for most homeowners is the cost. While the cost is often offset in the long run, you should consider what your current energy usage is and how much you could potentially save by installing a Solar Roof. In some cases, your current energy costs may be too low to give you the savings needed, so do your research first and have an idea of what your savings may be.
 
While a Solar Roof can be a cost-effective replacement, getting one installed before your old roof needs replacing could also be a mistake. You should consult with a trusted local roofing company to see if your roof truly needs to be replaced before making your decision. You should also think about how long you plan to stay in your home: a new Solar Roof may not be a good investment if you plan to move within a few years.

What Are the Benefits of One?

The biggest benefit is that a Solar Roof will generate electricity for your home, at a cost likely lower than your local utility provider. When paired with a Powerwall, the efficiency is improved and you could save a significant amount of money in the long term.
 
Another major benefit of having a Solar Roof system is the peace of mind gained by having your own local power source. When the next blackout happens, you can rest easy knowing that you have an efficient power source available (if combined with a Tesla Powerwall).

What's the Cost?

When you factor in the overall energy savings, the cost to install a Tesla Solar Roof is similar to that of a standard roof, and may even be less expensive in the long term. A solar roof will generally pay for itself within five to seven years of installation, then continues to generate savings over the following twenty or so years. There are also several different payment and financing plans available, making the Tesla Solar Roof even more affordable.
 
Austin Energy, other local utilities buy back energy.  The Federal Government all offers a tax write-off of 26% of the cost.  The Travis County, Hays County and Williamson Counties all have a Property Tax Exemption Application for Solar Installations so you don't pay extra taxes for the increased home value from the solar installation.

What Else Do You Need To Know?

The US Department of Energy reports that demand for solar energy is at an all-time high and that solar energy installations in this country have increased more than 23 times since 2008. According to Google's Project Sunroof, which maps solar viability across the country, about 90% of buildings in Texas are able to install solar panels. You should also review your local laws to ensure that installing solar panels is permitted in your location.
 
If you need to have your roof repaired or replaced, installing a new Tesla Solar Roof may be a great option for you. It can help reduce your power bill, give you a ready source of energy during a power outage, and potentially save you money over its lifetime. Contact Austin Roofing And Construction today to talk with a Tesla Solar Roof certified installer to find out if it's the right choice for your home.