Is Tesla Solar Roof Durable?
By Matthew Hickman
When our customers think about getting a new roof, durability is always at the front of their mind. After all, a roof isn't worth much if it gets easily damaged in common Midwestern weather. For customers also considering a solar product (like Tesla's Solar Roof) concerns about durability are some of the first questions we hear.
While Solar Roof is durable, it's helpful to know how durable it actually is. Just because a roof is perfect for California weather doesn't mean it'll hold up against the onslaught of hail, wind, and debris that Midwestern citizens have come to know and love!
Let's take a look at the durability of a Tesla Solar Roof.
Weddle & Sons employee walks on a Tesla Solar Roof while installing in Topeka, KS.
What are Tesla's Solar Tiles Made Of?
Tesla's solar tiles are made of tempered glass, which makes them exceptionally strong. Tesla claims that the tiles are three times as strong as traditional tiles. Since they are made of tempered glass, solar tiles don't get worn down or brittle over time.
Tempered glass is extremely long-lasting, but your roof needs to do more than not fall apart. It needs to be able to withstand severe weather. In particular for our local customers, your roof needs to be able to resist hail. The last thing you want is a Tesla Solar Roof that shatters after the first spring thunderstorm of the season.
Can solar tiles resist hail damage?
The solar tiles on a solar roof are rated for ANSI FM 4473 Class 3 hail resistance. This means that the solar tiles have been tested in a formal testing environment where 1.75in ice balls are launched five feet away at just below 72 m.p.h.
Let’s be honest, that sounds like a fun job.
After the ice balls are launched at the material in question (in this instance, a solar tile), it's inspected to see what damage, if any, is present. This includes cracks, visible dents, chips, or any other alteration that would otherwise compromise your roof.
Since Tesla's solar tiles have received the Class 3 rating, that means the 1.75in ice balls left no discernible damage at all. There is only one rating higher than Class 3, though the industry standard for roofs is Class 3.
More simply put, Tesla Solar Tiles can not only endure most hailstorms, but they can also withstand hail better than a lot of other roofing tiles and asphalt shingles currently on the market.
A Tesla Solar Roof After a Hail Storm
Seeing how the solar tiles fair in experimental conditions is one thing, but it's another matter entirely to see how a roof fairs after a real hail storm. Below is a video from our friends at Good Faith Energy in Texas of a real customer's Solar Roof after huge a hail storm.
Are Solar Tiles Resistant to Wind Damage?
Tesla's solar tiles are also rated for ASTM D3161 Class F wind resistance, meaning they are appropriate for installation where winds "are less than or equal to 130 m.p.h." During testing, materials are subjected to 110 m.p.h. Winds (created by fans) for two continuous hours. If they show no sign of damage, they receive a Class F rating.
What Kind of Venting System Does a Solar Roof Have?
Customers ask us, "Where's the roof vents on this Solar Roof?" all the time. Rest assured, since we're roofing experts, we're aware that a proper roof installation needs proper ventilation. Solar Roof is a very unique product, but it still has to have the standard basics of a normal roof, including proper ventilation.
All Solar Roofs are installed with a continuous ridge-vent system. This means your attic space will get consistent, appropriating venting to avoid a build-up of hot air. We love the continuous ridge-vent system because it is discreet, functional, and adds to the overall sleek aesthetic. Also, limiting the amount of penetrations in a Solar Roof is optimal so that we can have more room to install solar active tiles in those areas.
Appropriate ventilation is often overlooked by novice homeowners, but a proper ventilation system can avoid roof overheating, which can damage external and internal components.
The Tesla Solar Roof comes with a continuous ridge-vent system as a standard.
A Tesla Solar Roof ridge vent exposed during the ridge installation.
How Long Does a Tesla Solar Roof Last? Is There a Warranty?
All Tesla Solar Roofs come with a 25-year warranty (which covers solar panels that drop below 80% of power capacity), and a 10-year comprehensive warranty that covers defects, damage, roof mounting and leaks, Powerwall, and your solar inverter.
While the tempered glass of the panels will allow your solar roof to last for years (and possibly well beyond the included warranty), you can take confidence in the variety of coverage that is included in your solar roof installation.
Solar Tiles Can Be Replaced Piecemeal
When you need to replace a solar tile (whether in or out of warranty), your Solar Roof will have a unique advantage that other traditional roofs will fail to match. Instead of needing to replace the entire roof or perform a less-than-ideal patch, you can replace each individual solar tile as needed!
Solar Roofs are made up of individual, interlocking solar tiles. If one tile fails, they can be popped out and replaced with a new one without needing to redo your entire roof. This means you'll never have to perform a full roof replacement ever again when you choose Tesla Solar Roof!
How Do You Repair a Tesla Solar Roof?
You'll still want to contact a trusted contractor (like us!) if you need to have solar tiles replaced. Costs vary depending on whether the tile that needs to be replaced is photovoltaic (which means it actively captures sunlight) or if it's non-active tile. Remember, you won't have to worry about a full roof replacement since you can replace individual tiles.
Is Tesla Solar Roof Right For You?
Tesla Solar Roof is extremely durable, which will put the minds of many customers at ease. If you're interested in seeing if a Solar Roof is a good choice for your home, contact us! We'll give you a preliminary estimate of costs you can expect, benefits you can expect to receive, and whether a Solar Roof is a match for your home.
We look forward to hearing from you!
About the author:
Matthew Hickman
Web Content Consultant with a focus on developing and implementing content strategies grounded in SEO research. Specializations include SEO research analysis, writing optimized blog articles and web copy, and general consultation on content marketing, brand voice, and overall content strategy implementation. Owner and Operator of MegaWatt Writing.