Earlier this year, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk formally submitted an offer to acquire SolarCity. Since then he has unveiled new renewable energy solutions and made a promise to “make solar sexy.” How? By creating a range of textured glass tiles that are nearly indistinguishable from conventional tiling, adding a more organic feel.
Tesla + SolarCity future: solar roofs + batteries + electric cars pic.twitter.com/os26v4W62m
— Tesla (@TeslaMotors) October 29, 2016
Irresistible Tesla Solar Panels
Musk’s goal is to make every roof solar by making it irresistible. “It needs to be beautiful, affordable, and seamlessly integrated. If all of those things are true, why would you go any other direction?”
Each of the tiles is made from glass and is designed to be a ‘more attractive way’ to introduce solar panels to more homes and businesses. Buyers will have the option to customize the look of the tiles to blend in seamlessly with a neighborhood and match their specific building design. Options include: Tuscan Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Textured Glass Tile and Smooth Glass Tile.
Close up of the solar roof pic.twitter.com/kDsSqtTWK7
— Tesla (@TeslaMotors) October 29, 2016
This is big for businesses who not only need to maximize sustainable building performance and energy efficiency standards, but need their roof to look aesthetically pleasingly as well. It could be the difference between a business owner adopting solar panels, or passing on them in fear of how they may appear.
Tesla plans to start production on the solar roof tiles in 2017.
Powerwall for Tesla Solar Panels
In addition to making Tesla solar panels sleek, they have also unveiled their new backup lithium-ion battery, Powerwall 2 for homes and small businesses. The Powerwall is able to store electricity that is generated by solar panels during the day to be used later at night. It can also serve as a backup power supply in case of a power outage.
Just take a look at the full specs for the Powerwall 2 battery, they’re impressive:
- Wall or floor mounted, indoor or outdoor
- Fully integrated Tesla to convert electricity generated from Tesla solar panels into an alternating current to be used for power
- Storage capacity of 14 kWh worth of energy
- Provides 5 kW continuous power, 7 kW at peak (this is twice the energy and storage as the first-generation Powerwall)
- Round trip efficiency of 89% for AC Powerwall, 91.8% for DC Powerwall
- Operating temperature range of ––4°F to 122°F
- Up to a 10-year warranty
- Dimensions: 45.3 in x 29.7 in x 6.1 in
- Weighs 269 lbs
Tesla Solar Panels and Powerwall Driving Solar Solutions
Innovations such as this will continue to drive the adoption of commercial solar solutions. Increased adoption necessitates enhanced engineering solutions; at KMB, we are excited to provide these photovoltaic design and engineering services and help to increase the use of renewable energy systems nationally.
Our corporate solar energy engineers at KMB make it simple for businesses; contact us to learn more and put energy into your projects today!