Get up to 4 quotes by filling in only 1 quick form
Slash your energy bills by installing solar panels
We’ve helped over 500,000 homeowners reduce their carbon footprint
Tesla Solar Roof Tiles: Get Ready for Their Arrival in the UK
As a renewable energy enthusiast, you have probably already heard a lot about Tesla’s Solar Roof: the beautiful and extremely durable roof tiles that generate clean energy.
Whilst they work pretty much the same as solar roof tiles from other manufacturers, Tesla is the most widely recognised solar tile brand. This is why we decided to put together all the available information about Tesla roof tiles so you can prepare in advance for their arrival in the UK market.
To get straight to the point, we’re still waiting to know when Tesla solar roof tiles will be available in the UK. But this shouldn’t discourage you from going solar. Solar PV panel systems are the most popular solar system in the UK and are very accessible across the UK.
In fact, GreenMatch has partnered with qualified UK installers who are able to help you get solar panels today. It all starts with getting up to 3 comparison quotes by clicking the button below.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £660 per year
What are Tesla Solar Roof Tiles?
Tesla solar tiles are solar roof tiles manufactured and branded by the engineering giant Tesla. Generally speaking, solar tiles —also known as solar shingles or solar slates— are an alternative to traditional solar panels. They both work similarly, although there are a few variations between them.
The most evident difference is in their aesthetics. Whilst solar panels look like ‘planks’ attached to your roof, solar tile energy systems don’t disrupt your house style because the tiles have built-in solar technology. In this regard, Tesla roof tiles offer more style options than any other brand.
Tesla power roof consists of a combination of solar tiles and non-solar tiles. From street level, they both look the same. How many solar tiles your roof needs would depend on your home’s energy requirements.
According to Tesla’s website, their solar shingles come in 4 styles: Textured, Smooth, Tuscan or Slate. This is definitely a plus if you want the solar energy generation system to blend seamlessly with the roof, regardless of your home architectural style.
The company says that engineers designed Tesla solar tiles to ensure all-weather protection. They also claim that these tempered glass tiles are 3 times stronger than standard roofing tiles.
On top of that, they have included a Tile and Power 25-year warranty to give you peace of mind that your Tesla roof’s lifespan is long enough. However, the company also clarifies that all warranties advertised on their webpage apply to the United States only. Similar warranties will be developed for other markets.
Are Tesla Solar Roof Tiles Coming Soon?
The good news is that Tesla is already opening up its online store for Tesla solar roof tiles and will accept orders from around the world. However, we will need to wait until 2023 for overseas deliveries to start.
Specifically for the UK, the Tesla roof release date has not been announced yet. Currently, the company webpage only allows UK-based customers to sign up for updates on Tesla solar roofs. So, it is not possible to get a Tesla solar tiles quote.
How Much are Tesla Roof Tiles?
Even if pricing information for the UK market is not available, we can estimate the cost of installing a Tesla solar roof on your home. For instance, we could take US prices as a reference. This accounts for the Tesla solar tiles and Tesla Powerwall costs.
| Estimated cost of installing Tesla solar tiles (US) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Size (in square feet) | Number of Floors | Electricity Usage (in kW) | Energy Storage | Total Est. Cost |
1000 | Single story | 6.31 | 1 Powerwall | $46,425 (approx. £38,250) |
2000 | Two-story | 12.57 | 2 Powerwalls | $64,193 (approx. £52,900) |
3000 | Three-story | 18.83 | 3 Powerwalls | $£81,961 (approx. 67,540) |
Source: Forbes Advisor (Last updated, February 25, 2022. Estimations’ date, July 13, 2021)
Below, you will find a summary of Tesla’s solar roof slate pros and cons.
As you can see, Tesla roof tiles are not cheap. Together with their unavailability in the UK, their foreseeable high upfront costs are one of Tesla solar tiles’ most significant downsides. Additionally, their efficiency is also lower than that of traditional solar panels.
So it’s understandable if you’d rather go with traditional solar panels right now as they’re more developed, highly efficient, and less expensive than the new Tesla roof tiles. Then, your next step to going solar is to get tailored quotes from an installer for the solar system you want.
You can do this all very easily and painlessly with GreenMatch. By completing our 1-minute contact form you’ll receive up to 3 different quotes from qualified solar panel installers near you. It all starts by clicking the button below to go to our simple form.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £660 per year
Can Tesla Solar Tiles be Installed on Existing Roofs?
In general, integrating any solar tiles into your existing roof is not likely feasible at present. Their installation is more suited to new builds or renovations.
However, Tesla states on its website that its Solar Roof can be installed on an existing asphalt shingle roof that meets several criteria. Before the installation, they will assess your tiles’ condition to confirm their eligibility for the upgrade.
To qualify, your existing roof must, at a minimum, satisfy the following:
- Only one layer of asphalt composite roofing;
- Less than 3/8” thickness;
- Free from surface cracks, blisters, curling or excessive granule loss;
- Less than 1” over an 8’ span (L/96) of roof sag;
- Not leaking and flashings in good condition; and
- Free from excessive organic growth.
Alternative Options to Tesla Solar Roof Tiles
Tesla solar tiles’ unavailability and high prices should not discourage you from generating your own renewable energy. In this regard, solar panels are a more affordable alternative. Also, bolt-on solar panels’ efficiency is typically 16-22%. This is slightly higher than that of solar tiles in general.
However, if you are keen to integrate less aesthetically disruptive solar energy systems into your home, you may consider other solar roof tiles brands already operating in the UK.
For example, GB Sol and Solecco Solar are UK-based companies offering great alternatives to Tesla solar roofs. Nulok Roofing System —headquartered in Sydney, Australia— also offers solar tiles all over the UK and across Europe.
If you have decided to install solar roof tiles, solar panels, or any other green energy solution, we can help you find them for your home. In practically no time, we will provide you with up to 3 tailor-made offers from suppliers near you. Comparing them can help you get the best price and save on solar panel installation costs. Click the button below to get your free quotes and start comparing prices now.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £660 per year
FAQ
Luis Antonio is a seasoned Content Writer with international journalism experience. His writing style, enriched by a Master’s in Journalism, contributes informative content to GreenMatch on topics including low-carbon heating systems.
We strive to connect our customers with the right product and supplier. Would you like to be part of GreenMatch?