Yes, and the costs need to be brought down considerably.
The only reason alternative power is competitive in Europe is that conventional fuels are taxed so heavily there; e.g., gasoline is about 4x as expensive as in the US.
And, for example, it has only been recently that the manufacture of a solar panel requires less (conventional) energy than what the panel can be expected to produce over its lifetime.
Tesla's Solar Roof looks better than the old solar panels. This looks exactly like a roof. The roof's lifespan = 30 years. I guess you should buy the roof panels and won't come with the powerwall 2.
I know we sure could use something to save on energy costs up here but solar isn't the way to go. That's way too cheap and they aren't telling you everything else you'll need. Like a new roof to start. I have two generators and plenty of wood with a large fuel tank nearby for about a quarter of that cost. Sorry but I'll pass on that.
It might be an interesting option for the house owners.
And what is used to charge the Powerwall battery?
I doubt that the solar panels are included in the $5500.
As far as I have heard, the battery system, i.e. the energy storage capacity, needs to be improved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_storage
Yes, and the costs need to be brought down considerably.
The only reason alternative power is competitive in Europe is that conventional fuels are taxed so heavily there; e.g., gasoline is about 4x as expensive as in the US.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_energy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_storage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryogenic_energy_storage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient_energy_use
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_energy
http://www.utne.com/environment/renewable-energy-resources-ze0z1301zsau
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/hydrogen/tech.html
And, for example, it has only been recently that the manufacture of a solar panel requires less (conventional) energy than what the panel can be expected to produce over its lifetime.
Indeed, there's also the life cycle of the product, the carbon footprint, sustainability, safety, cost and, of course, the performance:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_lifecycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_footprint
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
Tesla's Solar Roof looks better than the old solar panels. This looks exactly like a roof. The roof's lifespan = 30 years. I guess you should buy the roof panels and won't come with the powerwall 2.
@ Dan:
Yes, they do look much better, but I'm sure they are expensive. And tax credits only pass the costs on to others.
The price will become cheaper in following years.
Maybe, if cost efficiency goes along with efficient energy storage for off-the-grid systems and 100 % ecological sustainability.
I know we sure could use something to save on energy costs up here but solar isn't the way to go. That's way too cheap and they aren't telling you everything else you'll need. Like a new roof to start. I have two generators and plenty of wood with a large fuel tank nearby for about a quarter of that cost. Sorry but I'll pass on that.