Solar Panels vs. Tesla Solar Roof: Here's the Difference

When you think of solar panels, you likely picture black or blue rectangles lined up in rows on a roof, but some solar roofs might be hiding in plain sight.

Tesla's Solar Roof is possibly the sleekest solar solution out there. By integrating shingle-sized solar panels into a roof made of identical shingles, you get all the solar power with none of the visual cues. It's the highest-profile solar shingle solution available for people who love solar energy, but hate the look of solar panels.

There are some significant downsides, namely that the Tesla Solar Roof is quite expensive.

For homeowners interested in solar energy, that raises the question: Should you go with the standard solar panel system or try the less intrusive -- but pricey -- Tesla Solar Roof? Here's a rundown of the biggest differences between the two solar options.

Solar panels

Solar panels should be relatively familiar by now, as they have been gaining popularity and have become more affordable in recent years. An array can be located on your roof or set to stand in your yard, depending on what works best for you. While there are a variety of different brands and types of panels, they all offer a clean energy alternative to fossil fuel sources like coal or natural gas. Panels can be expensive, but in general, you can expect lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint and increased property value. 

Read more: Solar Panel Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Tesla Solar Roof

Instead of using panels, the Tesla Solar Roof turns your entire roof into your solar array. The Tesla Solar Roof uses tempered glass panels that replace your standard shingles, providing the same protection you'd expect from a traditional roof while also creating as much electricity as a standard solar array.

Solar panels or a Tesla Solar Roof?

Pricing

Price is tricky when it comes to solar systems because a lot depends on what your house and property can handle. There's the cost of solar panels and the infrastructure needed to support them. Local costs of permitting and labor will affect the installation costs. How many solar panels you need will also have an impact. You can get tax credits and other incentives for installing these systems, so that'll help ease the price somewhat. Industry data shows that the typical solar panel system costs between $3 and $4 per watt, so a 5 kW system might run you $15,000 to $20,000. 

Conventional solar panels are cheaper than the Tesla Solar Roof. Tesla has also faced some challenges in keeping the price down, which has been an issue for some people. Estimates suggest a price per watt (before adding a battery) of nearly $5 for the Tesla Solar Roof -- which would be $25,000 for a 5 kW system. (That's according to online estimates. Tesla doesn't operate a public relations department to field requests for comment and solar system pricing information is difficult to come by.) 

It's important to note that your entire roof with a Tesla system is not comprised of solar shingles. In fact, you can select what percentage of shingles have solar technology, and which are regular Tesla shingles. When considering cost, consider the longevity of more durable shingle technology as well, which will not need replacing as often as traditional shingles. While the cost of the actual solar system may be on the higher end, that cost reduces expenses elsewhere. 

Installation

The installation process for solar energy systems can be complicated. In general, traditional solar panels are easier because they can be installed in different places depending on the layout of your property -- either on your roof or on the ground. The Tesla Solar Roof can only be installed on your roof and is a bit more of a to-do since it requires replacing your entire roof. It may also be harder to find a contractor capable of installing a Solar Roof, although according to Tesla's online estimator, certified installers are available in many places.

Solar power capabilities

Both the Tesla Solar Roof and traditional solar panels will have a similar ability to meet your power needs, although your ability to scale your solar power system to your electricity needs might be more limited with the Tesla Solar Roof compared to panels, depending on how big your roof is an how high your energy needs are. It will likely be easier to expand a setup with traditional solar panels in the future if you find your electricity needs have increased. Solar panels are generally more efficient than the solar roof.

Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.

Winner for most: Solar panels

For now, conventional solar panels are the more flexible option for most people looking to switch to solar power. They are a proven product and are typically cheaper. 

Tesla's Solar Roof shows a lot of promise, but the custom tiles can be cost-prohibitive. For now, you may find it better to stick with the easiest path forward to save on your energy bill and shrink your carbon footprint.