The world is going green, and Tesla solar roofs are the latest innovation towards a more eco-friendly future. The first official announcement of this product was made in 2016, and it garnered a lot of interest because Tesla was already well-known for its top-of-the-line electric vehicles.

If you're looking to be part of the Tesla solar roof experience, here are the details you need to know before making a buying decision.

First, What's a Tesla Solar Roof and How Does it Work?

Tesla solar roofs are manufactured by a subsidiary of the company called SolarCity. This type of roof stands out because it mimics the appearance of a traditional roof. The biggest disadvantage of traditional solar panels that most people never talk about is the lack of aesthetic appeal.

But all this could be a thing of the past with Tesla solar roofs. Instead of having a dozen solar panels on your roof, you can have your whole roof covered with solar panels instead. Because of the sophisticated design, you'll hardly recognize the solar panels because they are made to look like small tiles.

However, these panels are more than just tiles. They are photovoltaic shingles that generate solar power just as efficiently as the normal solar panels you're used to. In addition, the panels are made from tempered glass to protect the solar cell inside.

So how do these innovative solar panels work? Well, they pretty much use the same principle of converting sunlight into electricity. Tesla solar roofs also come with a Powerwall battery that stores energy for later use. That means your Tesla roof can supply you with continuous power even if there's a grid outage.

Keep in Mind the Entire Roof is Not Made of Solar Tiles

It's called a Tesla solar roof, but it doesn't mean the entire roof is composed of solar tiles. Instead, the roof is composed of active shingles and inactive shingles. As mentioned, the active shingles function like ordinary solar panels, while the inactive ones protect your home.

Although they don't generate any electricity, they are durable enough to withstand the elements. Since the tiles are made from tempered glass, they are much more durable than standard roofing tiles.

Luckily, Tesla customers have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing the number of active and non-active tiles they want. Generally, you can have a Tesla solar roof made of between 40-70% solar tiles. Having more tiles gives you more energy in your home.

These two types don't look different, but if you're standing on the roof, you might be able to notice the difference. Tesla solar tiles also come in different styles, including Tuscan, slate, textured, and smooth.

What's the Cost of a Tesla Solar Roof?

Tesla is a brand associated with high-end products, so you can expect to shell out more for one of their solar roofs than you would with solar panels. The cost of your Tesla solar roof will generally depend on the square footage of your roof.

There are also many other metrics involved, such as installation, structural upgrades, the required energy output, and the location of your home. If you contact Tesla for a quote, you will get a better idea of the estimated costs. Roughly, the cost of a Tesla roof can range anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000.

What's the Difference Between Tesla Solar Roof Tiles and Regular Solar Panels?

The biggest difference between Tesla solar roof tiles and solar panels is that Tesla roofs are able to generate more power. This is generally enough to justify the steep upfront cost of investing in a Tesla solar roof.

In addition, Tesla's Powerwall is better at storing energy that's being generated. Another advantage of buying Tesla's products is their long lifespan. The roof is so durable the company offers a lifetime warranty to customers who purchase a solar roof.

On the other hand, solar panels do have some advantages over Tesla solar roofs. To begin with, they're easier to install and cheaper.

Is a Tesla Roof Worth The Investment?

Tesla roofs are the next big thing in the world of solar energy, but you may be wondering if they are the right option for you. The biggest barrier for most property owners is cost, but there are always financing solutions to help you work around this.

Besides cost, you should also consider factors like lifetime savings. According to Home 365, having a roof can help you lower peak cooling demand by 10 to 15% through better insulation from the heat. With that in mind, Tesla solar roofs are an attractive product overall.