Tesla Solar Roof vs Traditional Panels
By Matthew Hickman
Solar products are becoming more popular every year, and we are excited to offer one of the best choices available: Tesla Solar Roof. Clients who are interested in Solar Roof often have general questions about solar products in general, especially those considering whether or not to get traditional solar panels.
What are the differences between a Tesla Solar Roof and traditional solar panels? Below, we'll talk about the differences between the two products, as well as how to pick which might be the best choice for your home!
Solar Roofs Are Integrated Systems
The biggest difference between Solar Roofs and solar panels is that Solar Roof is completely integrated into your home. Traditional solar panels are an attachment that are installed on top of your existing roof. The solar panels don't replace the roof, so there will still be shingles underneath the solar tiles.
Since solar panels are installed on top of your roof, it is imperative that the panels are installed correctly by seasoned professionals. Any time you install an object on your roof, you create the possibility of leaks and other damage, since the shingles are being penetrated. A professional install won't have these problems, but a sub-par installation might.
A Tesla solar roof, however, is your roof. It isn't a solar product that lays on top of traditional asphalt shingles. There is no install point when you choose Solar Roof, so there is no increased risk of leaks or damage overtime.
Solar Panels Are Less Expensive Upfront, Solar Roof May Be More Cost-Effective Overtime
Solar panels have been around for decades, so the technology has had time to develop and become significantly less expensive than it used to be. Solar roof is a new product and requires a more involved installation process, which means you'll pay more money upfront for Solar Roof.
However, there are some advantages that Solar Roof has that may reduce costs in the long run. Let's take a closer look at some of these advantages below:
Piecemeal Replacement vs. Complete Uninstall and Reinstall
The solar tiles that make a Tesla roof can be replaced piecemeal, meaning you can easily swap out tiles that have been damaged without needing to undergo a major renovation. The solar tiles are extremely durable, but should they become damaged, replacement will involve low labor costs.
A solar panel on a traditional roof, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Whenever it comes time to replace your roof (because of damage or age), your solar panels will need to be completely uninstalled, removed, and reinstalled. Those labor costs add up quickly, which is why, in the past, rural customers with field space have opted to avoid putting panels on their roofs at all.
Should you need to replace just your solar panels, you'll need to be sure that they are uninstalled and reinstalled carefully. As long as professional installers appropriately perform the uninstall and reinstall, you won't risk unnecessary damage to your roof.
Solar Roofs Have Longer Warranty Than Solar Panels
While solar panels are less expensive, they come with shorter warranties than Solar Roof. Each of these warranties offer similar coverage, just differing time frames:
Solar Roof Warranty
With a Tesla Solar Roof, customers will enjoy a 25-year warranty that covers:
● Manufacturing or design defects
● Home-coverage should wind or rain "pass through" the solar roof
Tesla also offers a 20-year guarantee that your solar roof will produce a certain amount of power. Should the photovoltaic tiles produce less power within that time frame, you'll qualify for a warranty replacement (even if there isn't a visible manufacturing or design defect).
Solar Panel Warranty
Solar panel warranties will vary from brand to brand, though most will offer similar coverage. For the sake of clarity, we'll use the warranty Tesla offers for their branded solar panels:
● 12-year coverage of product defects and damage due to installation issues
● 10-year warranty on the inverter
● 10-year guarantee that all penetrations to the roof will be watertight
● 20-year coverage of any defects caused by improper installation.
A Solar Roof Is Ideal for Modern Roof Designs, Solar Panels Are Ideal for Complex Roofs
If your home has an older, more complex roof design, solar panels may end up being a better choice. Since they're separate attachments and sit above the shingles, it's easier for panels to capture sunlight if the roof design is irregular.
If your home has a more modern roof, a solar roof will be more ideal. The lack of irregular surfaces will allow the solar tiles to capture sunlight efficiently. Combined with the other benefits of a solar roof (better looks and better costs over time), it makes for a better overall choice for your home.
Is My Roof Too Complex for Tesla Solar Roof?
You may find yourself in a position of wanting a solar roof but also having concern about your overall roof design. We've talked in other articles about how to buy a Tesla Solar Roof, but Weddle's and Sons will make the final decision. Reach out to us and we can take first steps in determining if your home is a good fit for a Tesla Solar Roof!
Conclusion
A Tesla solar roof and traditional solar panels are possible solutions for a wide variety of customers. To summarize our article:
A Tesla Solar Roof excels in:
● Aesthetics
● Better durability
● Easier replacement process if tiles are damaged
● Longer warranty
Traditional solar panels excel in:
● Potentially faster install times
● May be a better choice for older roof designs
● Generally far less expensive
We would love to talk to you about which solar product would be the best fit for your home. Reach out to us, and we'll give you a preliminary evaluation of whether your roof is a good fit for a Tesla Solar Roof, as well as answering any other questions you may have.
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.