Tesla Unveils Residential 'Solar Roof' With Updated Battery Storage System (theverge.com)

Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk today unveiled the "residential roof" -- pegged as a roofing replacement -- with solar energy gathering powers. Unlike other solar systems which must be mounted on top of a traditional roof, these new panels are actually integrated within glass roof tiles, replacing a home's roof, Musk said. And because they're made of glass, Musk says they will last "quasi indefinitely," even in harsh conditions where snow and ice make short work of traditional asphalt shingles. Musk said that 50 years of lifespan should be no problem, and they offer efficiency that is 98 percent as good as a traditional, ugly photovoltaic panel. From a report on The Verge: There are a number of different versions of solar panels: Textured Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Tuscan Glass Tile, and Smooth Glass Tile. Tesla says its glass tiles are much more durable than conventional roof tile -- something that's important in areas with risk of hail.The products are a "joint collaboration" between SolarCity and Tesla, according to SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. Tesla is attempting to acquire SolarCity for $2.6 billion and shareholders of both companies will vote on the proposed acquisition in the middle of November. The Powerwall 2 can store 14 kWh of energy, with a 5 kW continuous power draw, and 7 kW peak. The battery is warranted for unlimited power cycles for up to 10 years. It can be floor or wall mounted, inside or outside. It can be used for load shifting or back-up power. Musk says there are three parts to the solar energy solution: generation (solar panels), storage (batteries), and transportation (electric cars). Musk's plan is to sell all three of those products through Tesla.

Comments

Guess what Elon has never seen

[ThatsNotPudding]

TENNIS BALL-SIZED HAIL EXPECTED. Take Cover Now (and not under a glass roof, you dingus).

Cue the oil trolls in 3...2...1

[hyades1]

As long as Musk isn't paying people to install it and paying them to accept the free power, we'll have the Global Warming deniers and their buddies complaining about this...and their lobbyists trying to have it made illegal.

Re:Well that's one way to save your company

[MrL0G1C]

"Do it because Musk said so, even though he fails at everything he does"

ROFL, what planet are you on!?!?!?!

"As of June 2016, he has an estimated net worth of US$11.5 billion, making him the 83rd wealthiest person in the world.[22]"

I wish I could fail that bad!