When it comes to Tesla and solar power, people invariably think of the company’s solar roof tiles. The tiles (there are four different types) are great when you’re building a house and want to opt for something a bit more environmentally friendly to cover your house. However, that Tesla product only targets homeowners with new roofs. This week, Tesla unveiled Panasonic-made solar panels that can go on existing roofs.
The new solar panels were revealed when Tesla updated the Solar Panel section of its website. Tesla advertises the solar panels ability to “blend into your roof with integrated front skirts and no visible mounting hardware. The result is a clean, streamlined look.” On that front, I have to agree with them. If the stills are anything to go by, the resulting look is sleek and refined, and not too different from Tesla’s existing Solar Roof offers.
The new panels are of a deal Panasonic and Tesla agreed upon, with the panels being manufactured at the Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo. They will be manufactured by Panasonic for Tesla’s exclusive use. As a result, Tesla has confirmed that one production starts later this year, they will be used for all new residential projects going forward. Previously, the Tesla-owned SolarCity (which is the largest solar energy services provider in the US) used panels from a wide variety of different manufacturers and providers.
Furthermore, just like the solar tiles, these solar panels will also have seamless integration with Powerwall. Powerwall is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges with energy produced by solar panels, making that energy available when needed, day or night. Powerwall also enables the solar panels to produce energy during grid outages.
You can get a quote for the installation of the panels over on Tesla’s website.
