Tesla CEO Elon Musk turned a lot of heads last fall by unveiling his much-anticipated ‘solar shingle.’ And while many in the roofing industry watched, few believe the spectacle of his announcement will cause a true pivot in how advancements in residential solar technology will reach the masses.
Musk’s solar shingle mimics traditional tile roofing, but encased within the translucent glass tiles are solar cells designed to capture the sun’s rays and convert them into enough energy to power the households they cover. His flamboyant announcement — made live from a Hollywood soundstage designed like a typical neighborhood of upscale homes — coincided with the release of Tesla’s latest version of the PowerWall home battery.
He stated his ambition to create a seamless synergy between solar technology that can power both a typical home and Tesla’s electric vehicles already on the market.