After just five short years of selling their Powerhouse shingles, Dow Chemical has decided they are done with the solar shingle business and have decided to shut shop. Although these shingles were undoubtedly easier to install and less bulky than traditional solar panels, the venture just wasn’t meant to be. So where does that leave everyone that is thinking of having solar power installed within their homes? Are they now just confined to the traditional style solar panels? Thanks to Elon Musk, no. He has come up with an alternative to traditional solar panels in the form of solar roofs.
These new solar roofs have been designed to look more natural and integrated with the overall roof and not simply a clunky add-on product like traditional style solar panels. Musk envisioned the idea as he realized that over 5 million roofs are replaced every year in the United States, so just small portion of this number would generate a lot of profit. Homeowners can now feel confident that there is an alternative to solar power without having to pay for a new roof and panels at the same time. While these new style roofs look more appealing, they also add protection and create a more permanent renewable energy source within the home.
With the merging of Tesla with SolarCity, the new partnership is looking to show former rival, Dow Chemical, just how it should be done within the solar industry. The mergers are seeking to capitalize on those who are looking to replace their existing roofs by providing them with a durable, superior renewable energy product to power their home as well as protect it. Customers should see the price of their roof being paid for by the amount of money they will save on energy bills with the installation of the new roof.
The introduction of the new solar roofs will not replace SolarCity’s existing products, but will be added to the range. The idea is to give customers an alternative to traditional style solar panels and should open them up to an additional 30-40% of homeowners that may have passed on solar power otherwise. And, it will be Tesla’s integrated battery technology that will be storing the power while being installed in SolarCity’s roof. This should help with marketing. Knowing that Tesla is behind the technology will give some customers peace of mind.
The solar power market is booming right now, and if Musk can get the balance just right with the introduction of these solar roofs, then this move could transform the whole industry. Just the PV market alone has risen by 19% since 2014, and it’s still rising today. Employment in solar energy in the United States has grown by 20% and is also showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. So, if you are due a roof replacement anytime soon and want a durable, cost efficient, environmentally friendly option, then look for a solar roof and be amazed at what it can do for you and your home.
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