Live data from Hacker News

Powerwall 2 and Integrated Solar

powerwall.tesla.com

1–10 of 341 posts

Re: Powerwall 2 and Integrated Solar

#4
Solar panel roofing tiles have been around for a long time. I wonder what this will do different? Pricing? Or perhaps they are relying on brand strength alone.

Edit: I understand the urge to downvote because I'm not singing praise, but I promise I'm not trying to be overly pessimistic or critical of what Tesla is doing. Fact of the matter is, solar tiles have been done before, and failed miserably.

Re: Powerwall 2 and Integrated Solar

#5

Sounds great, I'd like to see the assumptions in the financial model that show how it is cheaper than conventional roofing material.

It's difficult to beat the cost of the usual raw materials, so they need to exceptionally long lifetimes.

edit: even with the cost savings from power generation, the roof itself needs to last forever.

Re: Powerwall 2 and Integrated Solar

#6

Sounds great, I'd like to see the assumptions in the financial model that show how it is cheaper than conventional roofing material.

Note that what he said is that the solar roof plus the electricity that it generates is cheaper than a conventional roof. The up-front cost is higher for the solar roof.

So, yes, there are assumptions in there: how much power can be generated, how valuable will it be 10 years from now, etc.

Re: Powerwall 2 and Integrated Solar

#7

Solar panel roofing tiles have been around for a long time. I wonder what this will do different? Pricing? Or perhaps they are relying on brand strength alone. Edit: I understand the urge to downvote because I'm not singing praise, but I promise I'm not trying to be overly pessimistic or critical of what Tesla is doing. Fact of the matter is, solar tiles have been done before, and failed miserably.

I didn't know that. I thought they were always in an r&d phase before.

Re: Powerwall 2 and Integrated Solar

#9

Sounds great, I'd like to see the assumptions in the financial model that show how it is cheaper than conventional roofing material.

Note that what he said is that the solar roof plus the electricity that it generates is cheaper than a conventional roof. The up-front cost is higher for the solar roof. So, yes, there are assumptions in there: how much power can be generated, how valuable will it be 10 years from now, etc.

You also now get a 30 percent tax credit to replace your roof. Before, you'd be entirely out of pocket for the roof, separate from the solar install.
Post reply on HN