In 2017, Tesla announced the creation of what they called the Tesla solar roof. The roof, which was a replacement for regular roofs, was produced by Tesla’s Buffalo Gigafactory. With this new roof, you have to remove your old roof and replace it with a mix of non-solar enabled glass tiles and solar enabled glass tiles.

The elegant design and its aesthetics make it very popular amongst many people.  Because it is expensive and that you might not need a new roof at the moment, you might want to ask;

Are Solar Panel Roofs Worth It? Yes, they are worth every penny. Aside, from the environmental advantage of solar energy, solar roof panels can be easily used as an alternative to conventional roofing material.

If you are considering your options in New Orleans roofing, you’ll find all you need to know here.

The Cost Of The Solar Panels

From Tesla, the average cost of the solar roof is about 21.85 dollars assuming that the roof is made from 35% solar tiles. With an area of 2,000 square meters, you would spend less than 44,000 for roofing.

However, some disparities exist in the costs as some reports with actual quotations differ from these figures. For instance, a report from ELECTREK has it that the tiles alone go for 35 dollars. Calculated this way, it will amount to a total of 64,000 dollars on a 1,862 square feet area.

Cost Comparison: Are Solar Panel Roofs Worth It?

Picture Of Solar Panel Roofs

For the best comparison, three case scenarios were considered. In all three of them, the calculations were based on a measurement 3,000 square feet area. The hypothetical house assumed a hypothetical 200-dollar electricity bill monthly, which is quite fair for New Orleans and most other regions in the United States.

The cost data used here are from Tesla’s cost calculator. However, you should know that real-life quotations might differ so much from what Tesla has in its records.

1st Case Scenario: You Need Solar Power, But Your Roofing Doesn’t Need Replacement

This case is the most common for most American homeowners. It would be best if you switched up to use solar panels for various reasons. You have been on the internet lately, and you have picked the buzz about the new Tesla roofing, and you are very interested.

However, your home doesn’t need a change of roof, at least not in 3 or 5 years. In your case, the Tesla Solar Roof might not be the most financially informed decision for you. When you buy the Tesla Solar Roof, you are buying both a new roof and paying for solar installation. Technically, you are paying for something that you do not need.

Someone going for 8.5 KW Solar installation alone in New Orleans will pay around 26,000 for a 3000 square feet area while going for the Tesla Solar Roof will cost you 50,900 dollars for a 5.6 KW system in the New Orleans. Note that the cost from Tesla might be less than what you get in a  real-life situation. If you decide to go for the solar panel roofing, it will imply that you are paying 25,000 more for 23% less electricity.

2nd Case Scenario: You Need New Roofing As Well As Solar Power

This case is not something that happens every day, but then you might fit in this description if you are building a new house from scratch. You might also fit into this category if your roof happens to be nearing its validity period. For people in this category, the answer to the question “are solar panel roofs worth it?” is Yes.

In this case, as against the first case scenario, you are seeking out various options to roof your house. The Tesla Solar Roof becomes an excellent option here because, either way, you will be constructing a roof. Now you decide either build a roof and an added solar installation or go for Tesla Solar Roof with both.

If you are keen on seeing beautiful designs, the Tesla Solar Roofs might be your best shot. Compared with the first case scenario, the option of a regular solar panel installation along with a new roof will cost you 34,080 dollars. This option is 12,860 dollars cheaper than the Tesla option.

However, Tesla’s price is justified when you consider the aesthetics attached to it since Tesla uses glass tiles. You should note, though, that the production is still the same as with the first case scenario. For that price, you will still be paying for 23% less electricity.

3rd Case Scenario: You Have A Lot Of Money, And You Want New Tech

For people in this category, Tesla Solar Roof is the best fit. To be clear, these group refers to people who wish to own new tech and do not mind the costs even if it means removing their New Orleans roofing that is in perfect conditions. The truth is, a majority of those who have this new technology are people in this category.

As a homeowner in this category, you should have in mind that people who adopt technology very early always have to deal with the issues that come with early adoption. Solar panel roofs have relatively complex installation procedures.

Asides, being a new product, there might be issues with varying quality and performance results. However, Tesla always gives extended periods of support to their early adopters. So, there is almost nothing to be scared about in this regard.

Conclusion

If you own a house or you are building one, consider the options you have for New Orleans roofing options with solar power. You should find as many options as possible and weigh the pros and cons of all your offers. You can check the internet for real quotations. Most sites come with calculators that help you to make precise calculations.

Author Juliette Murphy

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