Tesla is finally ready to start taking preorders for its solar roof tiles, but only two models will be available at first.
The news comes from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who took to Twitter to break the big news.
Tesla Solar Roof Tiles Ready To Order
The first two Tesla solar roof tile models to start shipping are the black glass smooth and textured, with the Tuscan and French Slate models set to become available in roughly six months.
@chriscardinal Black glass smooth and textured will be first. Tuscan and French Slate in about six months.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 10, 2017
Musk also added that the solar roof tiles will be available to order for "almost any country," albeit deployment (meaning delivery and installation) will take place this year in the United States and next year for other countries worldwide.
No official information is available yet regarding the price of the solar roof tiles, but the cost is expected to be similar to the price of a traditional roof plus electricity costs.
Tesla was initially slated to start taking orders for its solar roof tiles in April but delayed the big day until now.
Why Tesla Solar Roof Tiles?
Clean energy solutions are paramount to reducing the carbon footprint and protecting the environment, which in turn plays a crucial part in the fight against global warming.
Tesla is one of the most implicated clean energy supporters, aiming to offer climate-friendly products ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy solutions.
The company announced its solar roof project last year, aiming to deliver a solid alternative to regular roofing solutions. Musk said that most current solar roofs are not quite aesthetically pleasing, which is why Tesla's solar roof tiles are designed to look like traditional roof shingles, serving double duty by operating as solar power cells.
From most viewing angles, the solar roof tiles look just like ordinary roof tiles, but they allow sunlight to penetrate through the roof and generate energy when it reaches a flat solar cell.
Tesla Solar Roof: Clean Energy, Affordability, And Reliability
Musk previously touted that in addition to delivering clean energy, the Tesla solar roof tiles will also be more affordable and last longer than a regular roof. With no pricing available at this point, however, it's tough to tell whether Tesla kept its word regarding affordability.
Should this turn out to be accurate and Tesla's solar roof tiles do indeed prove to be more affordable and durable than regular roof tiles, it should significantly boost the adoption of solar energy technology since affordability and reliability will likely appeal to the masses.
The high price of renewable energy solutions has been among the greatest barriers to a wider adoption, but affordability could make them mainstream.
For more information about the new Tesla solar roof tiles, head over to the company's website. Would you go for this roofing solution, or would you rather stick to a traditional roof? Let us know in the comments section below.
