How much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost?
How much does a Tesla Solar Roof cost?
$26 – $50 cost per square foot installed
$60,000 – $150,000 average cost installed (before tax credit)
$42,000 – $105,000 average cost installed (after tax credit)
Tesla Solar Roof cost
A Tesla Solar Roof costs $60,000 to $150,000 on average before tax credits. Tesla solar shingle installation costs $26 to $50 per square foot, depending on the roof size, complexity, location, and kW needed. Tesla’s Solar Roof estimate includes old roof removal, solar tiles, and Powerwall(s).
| Home size (square feet) | Estimated kW | Powerwalls for energy storage | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 4.85 – 5.86 | 1 | $47,000 – $65,000 |
| 1,500 | 5.62 – 10.83 | 1 | $55,000 – $82,000 |
| 2,000 | 7.43 – 14.44 | 1 | $63,000 – $101,000 |
| 2,500 | 9.24 – 18.06 | 1 – 2 | $72,000 – $127,000 |
| 3,000 | 11.72 –21.67 | 2 | $82,000 – $147,000 |
| 3,500 | 17.58 – 25.28 | 2 | $91,000 – $174,000 |
*Before tax credits and incentives.
A solar roof features photovoltaic shingles designed to look and function like traditional roofing materials while producing electricity.
Tesla’s Solar Roof includes both photovoltaic shingles and inactive shingles that look the same, providing a uniform appearance across the roof.
Average cost of Tesla Solar Roof calculator
The following table shows the average cost to install a Tesla Solar Roof before subtracting tax credits or rebates.
| National average cost | $105,000 |
| Minimum cost | $40,000 |
| Maximum cost | $180,000 |
| Average cost range | $60,000 to $150,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Tesla Solar Roof installation cost factors
| Factor | Average price |
|---|---|
| Tesla Solar Roof | $38,200 – $108,100 |
| Old roof tear off | $10,300 – $23,400 |
| Tesla Powerwall batteries | $11,500 – $18,500 |
| Federal Tax Credit savings* | ($18,000 – $45,000) |
| Estimated total cost to install | $42,000 – $105,000 |
*Based on a 30% Federal Tax Credit if installed by December 31, 2032.
The following factors affect the cost to install a Tesla Solar Roof:
Roof size – Larger roofs require more shingles and labor, increasing costs.
Roof complexity – Installation costs depend on the roof’s pitch, number of planes, and number of obstructions like chimneys, skylights, or vents:
Simple – Single-level roof with a low or standard pitch and few or no obstructions
Intermediate – Multi-level roof with a higher pitch and more obstructions
Complex – Multi-level roof with a steep pitch and many obstructions
Design – Tesla Solar Roof tiles come in four styles:
Smooth glass – mimics the look of a flat shingle roof
Textured glass – mimics the look of a dimensional shingle roof
Tuscan glass – mimics the look of Spanish barrel tile
Slate glass – mimics the look of natural slate tile
Power requirements – Larger homes with greater electricity usage require a larger kW system, increasing costs.
Active vs. inactive solar shingles – Installation includes more active photovoltaic shingles for homes with higher power requirements. Large roofs in areas with high sun exposure may require more inactive shingles.
Roof replacement – Tesla’s Solar Roof acts as the home’s new roof, protecting it from moisture.
Old roof removal – Tesla charges $6,000 to $20,000+ to remove an old shingle roof, depending on the size and number of stories.
Solar inverter – Tesla’s Solar Roof package includes a solar inverter and a Mid-Circuit Interrupter (MCI).
Power storage – Tesla packages each Solar Roof system with one or more Powerwalls, depending on the home’s electricity needs.
Tax credits – Federal and local tax incentives reduce the installation cost by 30% or more, depending on location.
Permits – Tesla’s installation estimate includes permit fees, which vary by location.
Tesla Solar Roof tiles cost by kW
| Average electric bill (per month) | Solar Roof power recommended | Total price installed* |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | 5.21 kW – 7.22 kW | $73,500 – $135,200 |
| $150 | 7.82 kW – 10.83 kW | $78,200 – $141,700 |
| $175 | 9.12 kW – 12.64 kW | $80,500 – $145,000 |
| $200 | 10.42 kW – 14.44 kW | $82,900 – $148,200 |
| $225 | 11.73 kW – 16.25 kW | $85,200 – $158,500 |
| $250 | 13.03 kW – 18.06 kW | $87, 600 – $161,700 |
| $275 | 14.33 kW – 19.86 kW | $89,900 – $164,900 |
| $300 | 15.64 kW – 21.67 kW | $99,300 – $168,200 |
| $325 | 16.94 kW – 23.97 kW | $101,600 – $171,400 |
| $350 | 18.24 kW – 25.28 kW | $103,900 – $174,700 |
*Price before Federal Tax Credit. Including old roof removal, new roof installation, and Powerwall(s).
Tesla Powerwall installation cost
A Tesla Powerwall costs $11,500 for the first unit and $7,000 for each additional unit, including installation. Tesla’s Solar Roof must be integrated with at least one Powerwall and can connect to up to ten units. The Powerwall is a home battery that stores energy produced by the solar shingles.
Roof replacement
Roof replacement costs $5,700 to $12,000 on average, depending on the size and material.
A Tesla Solar Roof can be installed on top of a single-layer shingle roof in good condition. Contractors recommend installing on top of a roof that is less than 3 years old to take advantage of the solar roof’s full lifespan.
Tax credits and incentives
Tesla Solar Roofs and Powerwalls are eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit for installations before 2033. The credit decreases to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. Many states also offer tax credits or rebates for solar equipment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for local incentives.
Tesla solar shingles cost vs. solar panels
Solar panel installation costs $12,000 to $33,000 before tax credits or incentives. Traditional solar panels from Tesla and other manufacturers cost less than a solar roof system but are more efficient and produce more wattage.
| Roof size (square feet) | Solar panels* | Tesla Solar Roof* |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | $11,600 – $16,400 | $47,000 – $65,000 |
| 2,000 | $15,500 – $21,900 | $63,000 – $101,000 |
| 2,500 | $19,400 – $27,400 | $72,000 – $127,000 |
| 3,000 | $23,300 – $32,900 | $82,000 – $147,000 |
*Including roof replacement.
Alternative solar roof costs
Other solar roofs cost $21 to $40 per square foot installed from brands including:
GAF Timberline Solar – GAF’s solar shingles can be nailed down like standard asphalt shingles, making them easier to install than most other solar roof brands. GAF also manufactures asphalt shingles, roll roofing, and other roofing components.
CertainTeed Apollo II – CertainTeed’s solar shingles and tiles can be installed with a new shingle or concrete tile roof or integrated with an existing roof. CertainTeed also makes asphalt shingles, underlayment, and insulation.
SunTegra – SunTegra’s solar shingles and tiles are slightly larger than standard shingles and must be installed on top of an existing tile or shingle roof.
Luma Solar – Similar to a Tesla Solar Roof, Luma’s solar roofing includes active photovoltaic and inactive shingles to give the roof a more uniform appearance than other brands.
Solar shingles cost vs. other roofing materials
| Roof type | Average cost installed (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Solar shingle roof cost | $26 – $50 |
| Asphalt shingle roof cost | $3 – $5 |
| Tile roof cost | $7 – $25 |
| Metal roof cost | $5 – $16 |
| Slate roof cost | $10 – $30 |
Pros and cons of a Tesla Solar Roof
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Is a Tesla Solar Roof worth it?
A Tesla Solar Roof is typically not worth the high cost. Traditional solar panels produce more power, provide a higher return on investment (ROI), and cost less than a Tesla Solar Roof, even when factoring in the cost of roof replacement.
How long does a Tesla Solar Roof last?
A Tesla Solar Roof’s projected lifespan is 25 to 30 years, though the system has not been around long enough to determine if the projections are accurate.
Tesla’s Solar Roof comes with a 25-year warranty against material and design defects.
The solar inverter, Mid-Circuit Interrupter (MCI), and Powerwall come with a 10-year warranty.
How much electricity (kWh) does a Tesla Solar Roof produce?
A Tesla Solar Roof produces 5 kW to 23 kW or more of electricity, depending on the roof size, system size, sun exposure, and weather. Each active solar shingle has a maximum output of 71.67 watts.
How long does it take to install a solar roof?
Tesla Solar Roof installation takes 5 to 7 days on average, depending on the project size and complexity.
How efficient is the Tesla Solar Roof?
A Tesla Solar Roof’s efficiency is 17% to 20%.
Can you finance a Tesla Solar Roof?
Tesla Solar Roof financing is available in twenty-six states. Tesla offers financing with a 4.49% APR and a 10% down payment due at inspection.
Can you go off-grid with a Tesla Solar Roof?
Yes, you can go off-grid with a Tesla Solar Roof if you have sufficient Powerwalls with enough stored energy to meet your home’s energy requirements.
Getting estimates from solar roofing contractors
Before hiring a solar roofing contractor, be sure to:
Compare Tesla’s Solar Roof system to other solar shingle brands to determine which system best meets your needs.
Obtain a copy of your blueprints, if new construction.
For an existing home, have a copy of your most recent utility bill handy.
Visit Tesla’s solar roof design website to place your order.
Follow Tesla’s instructions for taking and uploading photographs of your home.
Schedule a site visit for a home energy assessment.
Confirm the installer is Tesla-certified.
Download Tesla’s mobile app to control your solar roof system and Powerwall.
Questions to ask
What size solar roof system do I need?
How many kW will the system produce?
How many Powerwalls will I need?
How much of my roof will feature solar tiles versus inactive tiles?
How soon after I place my order will the installation take place?
How long will the installation take?
Do I need to be home during the installation?
Will you install the solar roof on top of my existing shingles or add new shingles instead?
Will you submit the final application to my utility company to receive Permission to Operate (PTO)?