Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s new solar technology is expected to have a significant impact on your future home HVAC systems. Homeowners are always looking for new and affordable avenues of sources of power, heat and water, like an energy saving tankless water heater. However, such technology often comes with a high price tag. Cost has always been the main concern of homeowners when considering environmental friendly power generation. Musk aims to solve this problem with his solar powered roof technology.
“Solar roofing looks better, lasts longer,
costs less and generates power,
making it a major factor in
homeowners’ decision making.”
Elon Musk’s Solar Technology
Musk recently unveiled a series of textured glass roofing tiles with integrated solar cells that look almost identical to traditional roof tiling. This also comes with a stylish update to the Powerwall. To give a practical look to the technology, Musk had the old roofing material stripped away from several houses in Los Angeles, and replaced with four shade and color styles of solar tile to see how they would look to the discerning eye. SolarCity has over the years grown to meet the increasing demand of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in the US.
When looking at it with the naked eye, the solar roof retains a traditional look. Musk attributes the aesthetically pleasing texture of the tiles to a unique coating that becomes see-through, depending on where you are viewing the panel from. The tiles look transparent from shallow angles. However, as you approach a viewing angle of just about 90 degrees, the solar cell becomes more visible. As a result, the tile permits the passage of overhead sunlight, the source of electricity.
“Musk recently unveiled a series of
textured glass roofing tiles with
integrated solar cells that look almost
identical to traditional roof tiling.”
There are those who expressed concern regarding the strength of this roofing technology. To ease concerns, Musk showed, through footage of a drop test, that his solar roof technology is more durable than materials like slate and clay. Musk mentioned that because this solar technology is made of quartz, it’s never going to wear out.
Musk hopes that solar panels can eventually be as appealing as electric cars, both for its look and for its positive impact on the environment. He believes that eventually, the installation of a solar roof will cost less than that of a regular roof. Cost is a key factor when homeowners are deciding on home HVAC design. Because of the promised low cost and the high level of durability, homeowners would be more inclined to have a solar roof installed over a traditional one.
The Solar roofs are used with the Telsa Powerwall. With storage of 14kWh and a peak power draw of 7kWh, a four-bedroom house could be powered for a day. This technology is a big step in sustainable energy generation and can significantly lower utility bills. After being installed, the panels make electricity wherever there is sunlight. For those times when there is no sunlight, Musk intends to integrate panels with a battery. So, you’ll be able to store and generate the battery during the day and light up the house at night.
Impacts to Your Home HVAC Systems
This technology can have a positive impact on home HVAC design. Using solar power, sunlight is converted into electricity. Thus, solar technology, such as this one, eliminates the need for natural gas or electricity. Solar roofing uses clean, free thermal energy from the sun. With such a substantial portion of energy consumption being attributed to the cooling and heating of water and air, solar cooling and heating plays a significant role in providing environmentally viable and sustainable solutions for these crucial needs.
People are always looking for ways to lower their housing costs. For this reason, Musk’s solar technology could change the way people design their heating and cooling systems. For instance, using an electric tankless water heater is another fantastic way to save money on your monthly electric bill. This is a more affordable means to having a continuous supply of hot water when contrasted to solar water heaters. Additionally, one of the biggest advantages of using an energy saving tankless water heater is that its plumbing is the same of that of a conventional tank type. This makes maintenance an effortless process.
So, if you think you can’t afford something like Elon Musk’s solar power technology, you may want to consider more economical avenues of power engagement. There are many tankless water heater brands sold for under $2,000. However, according to Musk, his solar roofing technology could provide long term homeowner savings in their utility bills, making the investment in solar roofing a favorable one.
“Musk’s new solar technology is
expected to have a significant impact
on your future home HVAC systems.”
This could make renewable energy the new standard for home HVAC home design. Solar roofing looks better, lasts longer, costs less and generates power, making it a major factor in homeowners’ decision making. Musk expects this solar technology to be available to consumers on or around late 2017.
Have you considered investing in solar roofing for your home?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Solar power is a terrific alternative in most climates. I don’t believe they would survive Canadian winters and our ridiculous snow loads. In certain parts of Canada they are able to use thermal heat from the earth or wind power.
Personally I think thermal energy is a great idea that needs to be developed further. I am not a big fan of wind power. Thanks for the education,
I love the idea of this I would love to have a power wall in my home and if I win the lotto this is one of my plans