Home industry observers have mixed opinions about Tesla’s recent unveiling of its new solar roof tiles. The electric car company, which plans to acquire PV installation firm SolarCity, is aiming to meld solar electricity generation with electric vehicle technology. Tesla’s tiles are more aesthetically appealing than standard PV panels and are said to be more resilient than traditional roofing materials, including terra-cotta, clay, and slate tiles. A key issue influencing whether the tiles generate widespread appeal will be cost—both upfront and long-term. The consensus is that it’s too early to say whether the tiles will turn out to be a niche product or one with mass appeal.
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