Did anyone see the new Solar Roof from Elon Musk?

[Mindy Jensen]

Elon Musk has  just announced a new roof that went on sale today. Tesla's new Solar Roof will be available for US delivery in late 2017, and best of all it comes with an Infinity Warranty!

As a homeowner, I want one of these for my own house. Can you imagine not ever having to pay for a roof again? Plus the added benefit of solar energy production! I live in Colorado, where we get 330 days of sunshine every year. That's very little electricity I'm buying...

As a landlord, I want one to make my property more attractive. "Hey, rent from me and pay next to nothing in electric bills!"

As a Tesla shareholder, I can't wait to sell 12 billion of these roofs!

But what I really want to know is what YOU think about this idea? If you're in love with this idea, please share why. If you aren't, I'd like to know why, too.

[Nathan Gesner]

Go to their web site and run the calculator. My house would cost over $70,000. Even after a $21,000 tax credit it would net just $900 in 30 years. That's a savings of $30 a year.

Even if the roof tiles have a lifetime warranty, the system will require maintenance. The batteries alone cost $7000 and probably have to be replaced every 5-10 years. I suspect the sytem would cost at least another 50% in maintenance costs over a 30-year period.

For those that love solar because it saves the world, remember the panels do not grow on trees. They are manufactured in factories using materials dug out if the ground. Everything is transported. Parts wear out and end up in the landfill, particularly the batteries full of hazardous materials.

Maybe they'll sell like hot cakes and the price will drop enough in 10 years to make it worth my while. For now, it's just a cool idea.