Fast read
Tesla’s Solar Roof promised a sleek, all-in-one solar solution that doubled as your roof. Nearly a decade after its announcement, it remains a niche product in the US. While technically impressive, it’s costly, slow to install, and limited in rollout. In 2025, Tesla has shifted focus toward battery storage, and traditional rooftop solar remains the more accessible, scalable option for most homeowners.
How is Tesla’s Solar Roof performing in the US?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the future of solar energy, you’ve probably heard of Tesla’s Solar Roof. The idea of a seamless, power-generating roof is undeniably appealing—especially from a brand synonymous with innovation. But in 2025, the question remains: is Tesla’s Solar Roof actually delivering? This article unpacks Tesla’s Solar Roof journey so far, how the product is performing today, and what it means for homeowners weighing their solar options.
What was the original vision for Tesla’s Solar Roof?
Back in 2016, Elon Musk revealed the Solar Roof as a glimpse into a cleaner, more integrated energy future. Unlike traditional solar panels mounted on top of existing roofing, Tesla’s tiles would replace your entire roof with glass-coated, solar-generating shingles. They’d look great, last decades, and connect seamlessly to Tesla Powerwalls and EV chargers. The pitch was especially compelling for homeowners needing a roof replacement anyway: why not make it generate power too?
How has the rollout gone over the years?
It’s been a rocky road. After early delays and redesigns, Tesla began limited installations in 2018 and ramped up with version three (V3) in late 2019. V3 promised faster installs and better cost-efficiency, but progress has remained sluggish. As of 2025, best estimates suggest only a few thousand US homes have a Solar Roof—far short of the scale Tesla originally envisioned. Tesla doesn’t break out Solar Roof figures in its energy reports, and the company has shifted its messaging toward battery storage and energy software in recent years. That silence speaks volumes.
Why hasn’t the Solar Roof taken off?
- The price tag is steep
- A full Solar Roof installation often exceeds USD $100,000. That includes tearing off the existing roof, replacing it with a mix of active and dummy Tesla tiles, and adding a Powerwall or two. By contrast, a high-quality rooftop solar system might cost a third of that—and can often be added to your existing roof without major structural work.
- Installation is complex
- This isn’t a job for any roofer. Tesla uses its own teams or vetted partners, and installs require careful planning. Wait times, cancellations, and last-minute scope changes have been common complaints. Even by 2025, reports of project delays and inconsistent rollout persist.
- Customer service hasn’t kept up
- Tesla’s customer service—especially for post-installation support—has drawn criticism. Homeowners have reported difficulties getting issues resolved, booking maintenance, or receiving clear communication. For a premium product, expectations are higher.
Is the product itself any good?
From a technology standpoint, yes. The tiles are durable, weather-rated, and visually elegant— arguably the best-looking solar option available. They’re designed to handle hail, wind, and fire, and they integrate smoothly with Tesla’s Powerwall battery and app ecosystem.
But even with those strengths, Solar Roofs aren’t as energy-efficient as traditional solar panels. Because the tiles are flush with your roof pitch (rather than tilt-optimised), they often produce less energy per square metre—especially on east- or west-facing surfaces.
What’s happening in 2025?
Tesla continues to offer the Solar Roof, but it’s no longer a flagship product. In fact, the company has shifted its energy division’s focus more heavily toward battery storage (like the Powerwall and Megapack), which is seeing much faster adoption globally. Recent versions of the Solar Roof (like V3R) have aimed to reduce install time and parts complexity, but geographic availability remains patchy. Tesla hasn’t expanded into new markets at the scale once promised—and growth in solar deployments overall has declined in recent quarters.
Meanwhile, other players are entering the solar roof market. Companies like GAF Energy in the US and emerging European brands are offering integrated solar roofing with more competitive pricing or local support models. The idea of an “invisible solar system” isn’t dead—but Tesla is no longer the only game in town.
So, is a Tesla Solar Roof worth it?
It depends on your circumstances. If you’re building a new home or need a full roof replacement, are already deep in the Tesla ecosystem, and value aesthetics above all else—it may be a smart, future-ready choice. But if you’re simply looking to cut your energy bills or emissions, a traditional solar system—paired with a good battery and inverter—will likely deliver better value, faster returns, and far more installer options.
Final thoughts
Tesla’s Solar Roof is still one of the boldest ideas in residential energy—but nearly a decade in, it’s clear the rollout hasn’t matched the vision. High costs, slow installs, and service issues have kept it from the mainstream.
If you’re exploring solar, your best move is to compare all your options. At Your Energy Answers, we connect Australian homeowners with accredited local installers who offer honest, brand-neutral advice—whether you’re curious about solar tiles or tried-and-true panels. Either way, the smartest solar system is the one that works for your home, budget, and energy goals.
