A Tesla solar roof costs roughly $63 per square foot of roof space, offering an alternative to traditional solar panels with shingles that integrate into your existing roof structure. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, you could expect to pay an average of $126,000 for the entire project. The reason for the high cost is that Tesla, or a Tesla-certified third-party solar installer, must remove and replace your home’s existing roof with its proprietary solar shingles.
The barely-there look of Tesla’s solar shingles will run you up to 75% more than conventional panels. Tesla’s solar roof is much more expensive than traditional solar panels, but potentially worth the cost if you don’t like the idea of visible panels on your roof, need a roof replacement anyway, or want to integrate multiple Tesla products, such as its Powerwall solar battery and electric vehicles (EVs).
We’ve detailed the factors that influence Tesla solar roof pricing and the associated costs below. We also recommend checking out our list of the best solar companies to compare products against Tesla’s solar roof before making your decision.
*Cost data in this article was sourced from SolarReviews.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla solar roofs cost approximately $63 per square foot, making a typical 2,000-square-foot home installation average around $126,000 for the complete project.
- Tesla solar roofs cost significantly more than traditional solar panels, running up to 75% more expensive than conventional panel systems, which average $24,000–$36,000 for similar-sized homes.
- Tesla requires removing and replacing your entire existing roof with proprietary solar shingles, but only installs on single-layer, three-tab asphalt or composite shingle roofs that are less than 20 years old.
Get Estimates from Solar Experts in Your Area
Compare quotes from local pros
What Is a Tesla Solar Roof?
Tesla launched its solar roof, an innovative building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system designed to transform the solar energy landscape, in 2016. The solar roof stands apart from solar panels due to its integrated design. This technology replaces traditional roofing materials with durable glass tiles containing photovoltaic (PV) cells, offering a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solar solution. Tesla also provides a range of accessories to enhance the efficiency and performance of its solar roof.
The Tesla solar roof provides all the usual benefits of going solar, but with a key difference. Traditional solar panels are mounted on top of your roof and are visibly noticeable. Not all homeowners like what this does to their home’s curb appeal. Tesla designed its solar roof tiles to look like conventional roof shingles or tiles, so you get the benefits of solar panels without the clunky look. From a distance, the tiles look like normal roof shingles.
Cost of a Tesla Solar Roof by Your Home’s Square Footage
The cost of a Tesla solar roof includes four types of equipment: energy-producing tiles, non-energy-producing tiles, a Tesla solar inverter, and a Tesla Powerwall battery. You can calculate your estimated cost by entering your address in Tesla’s online design tool and selecting the solar roof option. We found the tool straightforward to use.
We calculated the cost of various system sizes using an average price for a Tesla solar roof of $15 per watt. Note that these prices don’t include any solar incentives.
| Home Square Footage | System Size in Kilo-Watts (kW) | Average Solar Roof Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 6 | $90,000 |
| 2,000 | 12 | $180,000 |
| 3,000 | 18 | $270,000 |
Payment Options for a Tesla Solar Roof
Tesla offers two payment options for its solar roof: a cash purchase or loan. Both options make you the owner of your solar shingles and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. You also get a 25-year warranty with either option. Payment is due in full at inspection if you choose to pay in cash. If you opt for a solar loan, the first payment is due 35 days after your system is deemed operational.
Solar Tax Incentives
Solar incentives are available at the federal, state, and local levels. It’s important to note that these incentives may only apply to the solar components of Tesla’s solar roof. Non-solar components of the roof, such as roof trusses or traditional shingles, may not qualify for certain incentives.
State and local incentives vary by location, but the federal solar tax credit is available nationwide. This federal tax credit allows homeowners to receive a deduction on their federal taxes equal to 30% of their solar system installation cost. However, as noted above, you can only claim the project costs related to the solar equipment of your new Tesla solar roof.
This credit was introduced in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act and was supposed to expire in 2007, but Congress has extended it multiple times. In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which extends the 30% tax credit through 2032. The rate will drop to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. It will end in 2035 unless Congress renews it again.
What Affects the Total Cost of a Tesla Solar Roof?
You’ll need to account for more than your home size to determine your total Tesla solar roof cost. Here are some factors that can impact your price, as well as other fees to keep in mind.
Location
Where you live will have a major impact on how much you pay for a Tesla solar roof installation. Local labor rates, permit fees, regulations, and climate conditions all play a role in your total project costs. For example, expect to pay more for your solar roof if you live in an area with frequent rainfall, since installation will likely take longer to complete.
Roof Size
Another major factor affecting Tesla solar roof costs is the size of your home’s roof. Generally, larger roofs will require more square footage of solar tiles, which increases the amount you’ll pay for your new roof. Larger roofs may also require specialized equipment or more laborers, all of which add to the project cost.
Installation
The labor rates of the solar roof installers are another factor influencing the total cost of a Tesla solar roof. During our quote process, we found that Tesla works with certified third-party installers based on where you live. The pricing of these installers may differ from what Tesla’s pricing tool estimates. You should also expect to pay more per hour if you live in or near a metropolitan area, since solar installer demand and the cost of living are typically higher in cities than in rural areas.
Roof Complexity
The more difficult or dangerous your roof is to work on, the higher the cost. A single-level roof with a low pitch and no major obstructions is ideal and, therefore, the cheapest. A multilevel roof with a steep pitch and challenging obstructions can increase your price by several thousand dollars.
Roof Replacement
Tesla will only install its solar roof systems on top of a single-layer, three-tab asphalt or composite shingle roof that’s less than 20 years old. If your existing roof doesn’t meet that criteria, you must replace it before installing solar shingles. Roof replacement costs an average of $10,000, which doesn’t include the cost of Tesla’s solar shingles.
Adding a Tesla Powerwall
You can purchase Tesla’s integrated battery system, called the Powerwall, along with your solar roof. Your Powerwall battery will collect excess energy and use it to power your home during times when your solar shingles aren’t working, such as at night or during a power outage. A Powerwall battery can’t power all the devices in your home, so you’ll likely need multiple batteries for all of your appliances. The Tesla Powerwall costs approximately $7,466 per battery, though you can get a discounted rate if you purchase multiple batteries.
Estimating Your Costs For a Tesla Solar Roof
Estimating the cost of a Tesla solar roof involves several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you develop a more accurate estimate tailored to your home’s size, location, and climate conditions.
- Use Tesla’s pricing tool: The first place to start is on Tesla’s website, which has a tool that allows you to enter your home’s information and receive pricing based on the system best suited for your home.
- Consider your solar energy needs: Your household’s energy consumption determines the number of active solar tiles needed. Homes with higher energy demands require more tiles, increasing the overall cost.
- Compare quotes from multiple installers: Once you have a rough estimate of how much a Tesla solar roof will cost for your home, request quotes from multiple solar installers certified to install this product.
- Consider pre-construction costs: You must consider the additional costs of installing a Tesla solar roof, such as removing and replacing your current roof, electrical upgrades to your home, or trenching.
Cost Comparisons: Tesla Solar Roof vs. Other Brands
We recommend comparing multiple solar brands to ensure you get the best value for your dollar. The biggest takeaway we’ve found is that Tesla’s solar roof costs significantly more than solar panels, which may not make sense for every homeowner.
That said, Tesla’s solar roofing solution adds a distinct look to your home while practically powering your home’s entire electrical needs. Tesla’s solar roof can work well if you need a roof replacement before installing solar panels or already own a Powerwall battery or a Tesla vehicle.
Our team gathered pricing information from top-rated solar panel installers, which we listed in the table below so you can compare rates.
| Solar Panel System | Average Cost* | Warranties |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla solar roof | $126,000 | 25-year equipment, 25-year power output, 25-year weatherization |
| Elevation Solar | $12,334 | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
| Sunrun | $14,812 | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
| Blue Raven Solar | $17,307 | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
| Palmetto | $21,812 | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
| Venture Solar | $13,636 | 25 years |
Is a Tesla Solar Roof Worth It?
The Tesla solar roof is worth considering if you want solar power but don’t like the clunky look of traditional panels. If you’re unsure whether solar shingles make financial sense for you, determine if you need or will soon need a roof replacement. Your roof must be in good condition and fit Tesla’s criteria to qualify for installation. If your roof needs replacing anyway before you can move forward with a solar installation, you may decide it makes more sense to pay the extra money for solar shingles.
Going solar should ultimately save you money on utility bills, not create a financial burden. See our list of the best solar panels for homes if Tesla’s solar roof isn’t the right fit.
Our Conclusion
The Tesla Solar Roof looks sleek and modern and comes with a 25-year warranty, but it’s significantly more expensive than conventional solar panels. Traditional solar panels, including Tesla solar panels, may offer a better option if you want to start using solar energy but don’t want to go over budget.
FAQs About Tesla Solar Roofs
How much does a Tesla solar roof cost for a 2,000-square-foot house?
A Tesla solar roof costs approximately $126,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home. Many factors can change this price, such as your roof complexity and how many solar batteries you need.
How much is a Tesla solar roof in the U.S.?
A Tesla solar roof averages $90,000 for a 6 kW system in the U.S.
Is buying a Tesla solar roof worth it?
You may find getting a Tesla solar roof worth it depending on your energy needs and budget. The solar roof is a good option if you want to generate clean energy but don’t want visible solar panels on your home. You may also find solar shingles worth it if you have to replace your roof anyway before installing a solar system.
However, a solar roof doesn’t have any performance benefits over traditional solar panels. If you simply want to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your electricity bill, the price of a Tesla solar roof may not seem worth it. Tesla also has specific roofing requirements for installing a solar roof, which can become prohibitively expensive if you need a new roof you weren’t initially planning for.
Can you walk on a Tesla solar roof?
You shouldn’t walk on a Tesla solar roof, both for your safety and to avoid damaging the shingles. Although Tesla states its solar shingles can withstand significant shock damage, we recommend avoiding walking on your roof to prolong the system’s life.
How We Determined Tesla Solar Roof Pricing
To provide the most accurate and current pricing for Tesla solar roofs, we collected cost estimates from several sources nationwide. Our research included using Tesla’s online quote tool and data from SolarReviews to ensure a comprehensive view of both national and local pricing. To gather area-specific cost information, we requested quotes on Tesla’s website for 2,000-square-foot homes in areas such as Modesto, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina. This allows our cost averages to reflect diverse homeowner needs, based on both urban and rural markets.
Prices shared in this guide represent price ranges and averages based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as your location, solar installer, chosen equipment, home size, and overall project scope.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
