Tesla has begin trade its Solar Roof tiles as it endeavor to revolutionise   solar powered homes , with a promise of an infinite warrant that protect the tiles for life .

The company first announced the merchandise back inOctober 2016 . Now , you may pre - rate the tiles for a $ 1,000 deposit , with delivery expected in the US this summer and in other countries in 2018 .

In ablog post , Tesla say the typical homeowner would compensate about $ 21.85 per square metrical foot , and “ benefit from a beautiful raw roof that also increases the value of their home . ”

The primary selling point is that , unlike normal solar panel , these attend just like regular tile , giving a household a rather more conventional look .

They are made from glassful but are purportedly passing durable . A video place on Instagram by CEO Elon Musk showed that these tiles stood up much better to impacts like hail than others , and Tesla say they “ do not take down over meter like asphalt or concrete . ”

“ Solar Roof is the most durable roof available and the shabu itself will come with a guarantee for the life-time of your theater , or infinity , whichever come up first , ” they total .

However , while they might save money in the foresighted streak free-base on the vigour they return , they are not exactly cheap . Tesla has included a calculator , powered byGoogle Project Sunroof , so you may run out how much it costs .

The Vergenotes that a two - floor , 2,000 - square - animal foot home in New York state would cost about $ 50,000 to add the roofing tile , and return $ 64,000 in savings over 30 year .

Tesla argues , though , that in the long run , their Solar Roof will be cheaper than a formal roof because it subjugate or eliminates your base ’s electrical energy bill .

The tiles are design to work with Tesla ’s Powerwall , a bulwark - mounted power whole that uses atomic number 3 - ion batteries to lay in energy . This allows your house to collect energy during the day , for re - economic consumption at night . Excess energy could also be sold back to the power grid , providing another beginning of tax revenue for homeowners .

It makes sensation to put in them if you need an entirely new roof , but it might be hard to convince those who already have a roof of the toll savings over three decennary . Plus , you know , it is kind of expensive , despite being touted as cheaper than a regular roof over prison term , although hopefully the cost will amount down in future .