Live data from Hacker News

Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

techcrunch.com

11–20 of 313 posts

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#11
post #7
post #6

> Tesla’s Solar Roof website now includes a pricing estimator, which lists $42,500 as the total price for the average 2,000 square-foot home, with 10kW solar panels. It also lists $33,950 as the price after an $8,550 federal tax incentive. You can also enter your address and get an updated estimate that takes into account local costs and incentives, and add on any Powerwalls (with three as the default for a 2,000 squ…

Cheaper than traditional roof plus solar .

> Cheaper than traditional roof plus solar.

I find that really hard to believe. A new roof runs between 5-10k, and a 3kw solar system can be had for ~5k + labor. Even if they are including a power wall in that price it's still pretty steep.

Edit: It looks like they are actually quoting a 10kw system with 3 power walls (~40kwH storage) included, which at that point sounds about right at $40k. Still far beyond the reach of anyone but the wealthy, but not necessarily a bad deal if you're in the market.

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#12
I wonder where they're getting their average price from, because I've never heard of a new roof and solar panel installation being that expensive.

EDIT: They're comparing it to concrete roof tiles, which a quick search say that they last for ~50 years, twice as long as the warranty for the Tesla solar roof.

https://www.tesla.com/solarroof/design

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#13
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Cheaper than traditional roof plus solar .

> Cheaper than traditional roof plus solar. I find that really hard to believe. A new roof runs between 5-10k, and a 3kw solar system can be had for ~5k + labor. Even if they are including a power wall in that price it's still pretty steep. Edit: It looks like they are actually quoting a 10kw system with 3 power walls (~40kwH storage) included, which at that point sounds about right at $40k. Still far beyond the reac…

Labor is a significant part of the cost, both for a roof and for a solar installation. I assume only doing it once is one of the gains in cost-efficiency.

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#14
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Cheaper than traditional roof plus solar .

> Cheaper than traditional roof plus solar. I find that really hard to believe. A new roof runs between 5-10k, and a 3kw solar system can be had for ~5k + labor. Even if they are including a power wall in that price it's still pretty steep. Edit: It looks like they are actually quoting a 10kw system with 3 power walls (~40kwH storage) included, which at that point sounds about right at $40k. Still far beyond the reac…

[deleted]

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#15
post #6

> Tesla’s Solar Roof website now includes a pricing estimator, which lists $42,500 as the total price for the average 2,000 square-foot home, with 10kW solar panels. It also lists $33,950 as the price after an $8,550 federal tax incentive. You can also enter your address and get an updated estimate that takes into account local costs and incentives, and add on any Powerwalls (with three as the default for a 2,000 squ…

> What kind of roof are they comparing it to?

“2,000 ft² roof with 10kW solar - Concrete tile roof with add-on solar panels“ https://www.tesla.com/solarroof/design

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#17
post #5

which lists $42,500 as the total price for the average 2,000 square-foot home, with 10kW solar panels. It also lists $33,950 as the price after an $8,550 federal tax incentive. I had a roof put on my 1600sq ft ranch and it was only $8,000

Does your roof generate electricity though? A solar roof is a roof + solar panels.

It's not going to cost 34k to install solar panels on his roof. Tesla's claim seems disengenous at best.

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#18
post #16

2 questions: - If you opt-out of the powerwalls can the system switch to the regular grid when needed? - Can you sell energy back to the regular grid in case you produce more than you need?

Last I heard from PSEG, anyone who produces extra energy is just given a credit towards their next bill, there is no redeemable cash value. Not bad though :)

Re: Tesla’s new Solar Roof costs less than a new roof plus solar panels

#20
post #15
post #6

> Tesla’s Solar Roof website now includes a pricing estimator, which lists $42,500 as the total price for the average 2,000 square-foot home, with 10kW solar panels. It also lists $33,950 as the price after an $8,550 federal tax incentive. You can also enter your address and get an updated estimate that takes into account local costs and incentives, and add on any Powerwalls (with three as the default for a 2,000 squ…

> What kind of roof are they comparing it to? “2,000 ft² roof with 10kW solar - Concrete tile roof with add-on solar panels“ https://www.tesla.com/solarroof/design

I was right. Premium roof plus solar. The premium roof shows a pic of terra-cotta.

The title of the article misled me but the Tesla link clears it up. Thanks.

Post reply on HN