Tesla's "solar roof" Event - Hosted at Universal Studios

[Garlan Garner]

Thats probably my biggest question. Not many people are going to think Tesla when they go to replace their roof. But if their insurance company's prefered installer offers them as an option...

I"m going to think Tesla now. I have some wind damaged south facing shingles missing. Its not very noticeable, however I'm thinking now......

I really hope they sell the product - not attached to a contract.

 

[Ulmo]

Press kit at Press Kit | Tesla

Copied here:

===

Tesla Energy


The world currently consumes 20 trillion kWh of energy annually.
In 2016, CO2 concentration levels permanently exceeded the alarming 400 parts per million threshold. Many climate scientists believe this level will have a catastrophic impact on the environment. According to NASA, 2016 also had the warmest September in 136 years of modern record-keeping.

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy – so that we can have a better future.
There are three key components that can help address climate change and have a positive impact on the world: sustainable energy generation, batteries and electric cars. These solutions already exist independently, but when combined, they become even more powerful.

Solar Roof


The Tesla and SolarCity solar roof is a complete roof that is beautiful, durable and brings renewable electricity production to any home or business. When Tesla and SolarCity embarked to design and engineer the solar roof together, the goal was to create the most beautiful and efficient roof ever – one that would make homes look better while reducing the cost of electricity.

The solar roof consists of uniquely designed glass tiles that complement the aesthetics of any home, embedded with the highest efficiency photovoltaic cells. It is infinitely customizable for a variety of different home styles, each uniquely engineered so that the photovoltaic cells are invisible. Customers can choose which sections of their roof will contain the hidden solar technology while still having the entire roof look the same. These new roofs will seamlessly and beautifully supply renewable energy to homes, battery storage systems and back into the grid creating savings for owners. When combined with Tesla Powerwall, the solar roof can power an entire home with 100% renewable energy.

The solar roof is offered in four beautiful styles – Textured Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Tuscan Glass Tile, and Smooth Glass Tile – to complement a variety of architectural styles.

Powerwall 2


Introduced in October 2016, Powerwall 2 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed to enable self-consumption of solar power, emergency backup, load shifting and other grid service applications. It is the second generation of Tesla’s original Powerpack product, which was first introduced to customers in 2015.

Powerwall 2 consists of a 14 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, liquid thermal control system, an integrated inverter and software that intelligently dispatches electricity when it’s needed most. The unit mounts seamlessly on a wall or on the ground, indoors or outdoors, and is integrated with the grid to export excess energy, maximizing the opportunity for economic benefit.

The battery can provide a number of different benefits to the customer including:

• Increasing self-consumption of solar power generation – The Powerwall can store surplus solar energy not used at the time it is generated and use that energy later when the sun isn’t shining. This functionality can extend the environmental and cost benefits of solar.
• Load shifting – The battery can provide economic benefit to its owner and the grid by charging during low rate periods when demand for electricity is lower and discharging during more expensive rate periods when electricity demand is higher.
• Back-up power – Assures power in the event of a grid outage.

Powerwall 2 specs:

• Mounting: Wall or Floor Mounted, Indoor/Outdoor
• Inverter: Fully integrated Tesla inverter
• Energy: 14 kWh
• Power: 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak
• Round Trip Efficiency: 89% for AC Powerwall, 91.8% for DC Powerwall
• Operating Temperature Range: –20°C to 50°C (–4°F to 122°F)
• Warranty: Unlimited cycles for up to 10 years
• Dimensions: 1150 mm x 755 mm x 155 mm (45.3 in x 29.7 in x 6.1 in)
• Weight: 122 kg (269 lbs)

Powerpack 2


The Tesla Powerpack system delivers broad application compatibility and streamlined installation for businesses and utilities by integrating batteries, power electronics, thermal management and controls into a turnkey solution.

Powerpack 2, Tesla’s second generation Powerpack system, began shipping to customers in September 2016. It features a new energy module and power electronics, providing twice the energy density of the previous Powerpack, and a more seamless integration into multiple levels of the grid. Powerpack 2 is also now matched with a new inverter, designed by Tesla and manufactured at the Gigafactory. This inverter is the lowest cost, highest efficiency and highest power density utility-scale inverter on the market. It also significantly simplifies the installation process of the entire Powerpack system by integrating a number of previously independent components into the inverter itself.

Between one and 20 Powerpacks can be connected per Tesla inverter and systems can easily accommodate multiple inverters, enabling flexible system sizing and design for any project. Scalable from 200 kWh to 100+ MWh, Powerpack 2 is the new standard for commercial and utility scale battery solutions.

For Businesses
Powerpack 2 helps businesses gain greater control, efficiency and reliability across the electric grid by enabling them to:

• Avoid peak demand charges
• Buy electricity when it’s cheapest
• Participate in grid services
• Microgrid or back up for critical business operations in the event of a power outage
• Maximize consumption of on-site renewable power

Highlighted Customers
The StubHub Center
Home of MLS’s LA Galaxy, the StubHub Center recently powered up a 2 MWh (20 Powerpacks) system to help the stadium manage energy costs and reduce its impact on the Southern California power grid. Sports venues put a tremendous strain on the grid during short, powerful energy events. A Powerpack system enables StubHub to store electricity during off-peak times, when the grid is more capable and favors delivering excess electricity, then discharge to the stadium during peak evening hours when the grid is under its heaviest load. This project is the first deployment of battery storage technology at a major U.S. sports venue.

Irvine Ranch Water District
This 7 MW, 3.4 MWh (34 Powerpacks) Tesla Powerpack system represents the largest energy storage integration at any public water agency in the U.S.

Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges, Kruger National Park, South Africa
The Kruger National Park is the largest natural sanctuary in South Africa. This iconic protected ecosystem has environmental sustainability at the core of its mission. Now, an offgrid 3.15 MWh Powerpack system (15 Powerpacks) tied to on-site solar panels from SolarAfrica and will ensure that electricity for the lodges is generated locally, efficiently, and sustainably from renewable energy.

For Utilities
For utility scale systems, 200kWh battery blocks are grouped to scale from 500kWh to 100MWh+. These systems are capable of 2hr or 4hr continuous net discharge power using grid tied bi-directional inverters. Powerpack systems support applications including peak shaving, load shifting and demand response for commercial customers while offering renewable firming and a variety of grid services at utility scales. Powerpack enables utilities to:

• Firm up renewable generation by reconciling the intermittency of power from these sources and storing excess capacity to dispatch when it’s needed.
• Increase resource capacity. Powerpack acts as on-demand capacity (either generation or T&D), while adding resiliency to the grid.
• Ramp Control - Powerpack can act as a buffer while the power output from a large generation source is ramping up or down, delivering power instantly to smoothly transition output to the required levels.
• Provide ancillary services such as frequency response.
• Defer costly and time-consuming grid infrastructure upgrades. Powerpacks consume no water and don’t require detailed environmental reviews.
• Manage peak demand by deploying power within seconds or milliseconds.

Highlighted Powerpack Utility Customers:
Aliso Canyon Southern California Edison
Last year’s rupture in the Aliso Canyon natural gas reservoir caused a methane gas spill that displaced more than 8,000 Californians and released an unprecedented 1.6 million pounds of methane into the atmosphere. Los Angeles is still in need of an electric energy solution that ensures reliability during peak times and protects the city from the risk of rolling blackouts. Tesla is providing a 20 MW, 80 MWh Powerpack system at the Southern California Edison substation, which, once complete in 2016, will be the largest lithium ion battery storage project in the world.

Kaua’i Island
This 13MW SolarCity photovoltaic array plus 52MWh Tesla Powerpack system is being built under contract with Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC). The system will store solar energy created during the day and feed it to the grid during the evening hours to help reduce the amount of diesel power generation needed to meet the island’s electricity demand. This is the first time a utility has contracted for a system that stores and releases solar energy after sunset, and will help KIUC meet its goal of using renewable resources to generate half of Kaua‘i’s electricity by the end of 2019.

Vector
Vector, New Zealand’s largest energy infrastructure company, is looking at storage of all types, from distributed systems behind the meter using Tesla Powerwall to large scale grid-tied systems using Powerpack. The Glen Innes substation in a residential neighborhood has seen increasing loads in recent years as the neighborhood is growing rapidly. Vector was able to replace the need for expensive and time consuming conventional upgrades to its substation by installing a 1MW/2.3MWh Powerpack system, which is purposed to reduce grid load during high peak times.

Powerpack 2 specs:

• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Inverter efficiency: 99%
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Energy: 200 kWh to hundreds of MWh
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Power: 50 kW to 100+ MW
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Round Trip Efficiency (whole system): 89%
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Operating Temperature Range: –30°C to 50°C (–22°F to 122°F)

Tesla + SolarCity
A combined Tesla and SolarCity will be able to offer customers better and more affordable ways to drive clean cars, use battery packs to consume energy more efficiently, and make use of solar energy. A suite of integrated sustainable energy products will add aesthetics and function to households and businesses while reducing cost. What’s more, customers will benefit from just one installation, from one company, for a seamless system that just works.

Tesla already offers batteries and electric cars, and SolarCity already offers sustainable energy generation. Together, Tesla and SolarCity have introduced an integrated system that illustrates what the companies can do together. This system is beautiful, customizable, and offers a smart and simple way for people to live sustainably.

 

[plankeye]

My so-far unasked questions:

1. The demo tiles Mr Musk held - I could not see anything like electronics on their backs. Obviously, all tiles need be interconnected and on down to the integrated Powerwall...but how?

2. How has Tesla placated every jurisdictions' fire departments, who seem to have a thing against their firemen getting electrocuted when penetrating roofs?

3. What are the efficiency #s of these panels?

Apparently there is a press Q&A occurring right now and I'm assuming we'll get answers to at least some of the Qs raised so far -

I think I saw the connectors on one of the tiles.

 

[Garlan Garner]

My so-far unasked questions:

1. The demo tiles Mr Musk held - I could not see anything like electronics on their backs. Obviously, all tiles need be interconnected and on down to the integrated Powerwall...but how?

2. How has Tesla placated every jurisdictions' fire departments, who seem to have a thing against their firemen getting electrocuted when penetrating roofs?

3. What are the efficiency #s of these panels?

Apparently there is a press Q&A occurring right now and I'm assuming we'll get answers to at least some of the Qs raised so far -

# 2 solution = SolarEdge. All DC on the roof.

 

[Garlan Garner]

Press kit at Press Kit | Tesla

Copied here:

===

Tesla Energy


The world currently consumes 20 trillion kWh of energy annually.
In 2016, CO2 concentration levels permanently exceeded the alarming 400 parts per million threshold. Many climate scientists believe this level will have a catastrophic impact on the environment. According to NASA, 2016 also had the warmest September in 136 years of modern record-keeping.

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy – so that we can have a better future.
There are three key components that can help address climate change and have a positive impact on the world: sustainable energy generation, batteries and electric cars. These solutions already exist independently, but when combined, they become even more powerful.

Solar Roof


The Tesla and SolarCity solar roof is a complete roof that is beautiful, durable and brings renewable electricity production to any home or business. When Tesla and SolarCity embarked to design and engineer the solar roof together, the goal was to create the most beautiful and efficient roof ever – one that would make homes look better while reducing the cost of electricity.

The solar roof consists of uniquely designed glass tiles that complement the aesthetics of any home, embedded with the highest efficiency photovoltaic cells. It is infinitely customizable for a variety of different home styles, each uniquely engineered so that the photovoltaic cells are invisible. Customers can choose which sections of their roof will contain the hidden solar technology while still having the entire roof look the same. These new roofs will seamlessly and beautifully supply renewable energy to homes, battery storage systems and back into the grid creating savings for owners. When combined with Tesla Powerwall, the solar roof can power an entire home with 100% renewable energy.

The solar roof is offered in four beautiful styles – Textured Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Tuscan Glass Tile, and Smooth Glass Tile – to complement a variety of architectural styles.

Powerwall 2


Introduced in October 2016, Powerwall 2 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed to enable self-consumption of solar power, emergency backup, load shifting and other grid service applications. It is the second generation of Tesla’s original Powerpack product, which was first introduced to customers in 2015.

Powerwall 2 consists of a 14 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, liquid thermal control system, an integrated inverter and software that intelligently dispatches electricity when it’s needed most. The unit mounts seamlessly on a wall or on the ground, indoors or outdoors, and is integrated with the grid to export excess energy, maximizing the opportunity for economic benefit.

The battery can provide a number of different benefits to the customer including:

• Increasing self-consumption of solar power generation – The Powerwall can store surplus solar energy not used at the time it is generated and use that energy later when the sun isn’t shining. This functionality can extend the environmental and cost benefits of solar.
• Load shifting – The battery can provide economic benefit to its owner and the grid by charging during low rate periods when demand for electricity is lower and discharging during more expensive rate periods when electricity demand is higher.
• Back-up power – Assures power in the event of a grid outage.

Powerwall 2 specs:

• Mounting: Wall or Floor Mounted, Indoor/Outdoor
• Inverter: Fully integrated Tesla inverter
• Energy: 14 kWh
• Power: 5 kW continuous, 7 kW peak
• Round Trip Efficiency: 89% for AC Powerwall, 91.8% for DC Powerwall
• Operating Temperature Range: –20°C to 50°C (–4°F to 122°F)
• Warranty: Unlimited cycles for up to 10 years
• Dimensions: 1150 mm x 755 mm x 155 mm (45.3 in x 29.7 in x 6.1 in)
• Weight: 122 kg (269 lbs)

Powerpack 2


The Tesla Powerpack system delivers broad application compatibility and streamlined installation for businesses and utilities by integrating batteries, power electronics, thermal management and controls into a turnkey solution.

Powerpack 2, Tesla’s second generation Powerpack system, began shipping to customers in September 2016. It features a new energy module and power electronics, providing twice the energy density of the previous Powerpack, and a more seamless integration into multiple levels of the grid. Powerpack 2 is also now matched with a new inverter, designed by Tesla and manufactured at the Gigafactory. This inverter is the lowest cost, highest efficiency and highest power density utility-scale inverter on the market. It also significantly simplifies the installation process of the entire Powerpack system by integrating a number of previously independent components into the inverter itself.

Between one and 20 Powerpacks can be connected per Tesla inverter and systems can easily accommodate multiple inverters, enabling flexible system sizing and design for any project. Scalable from 200 kWh to 100+ MWh, Powerpack 2 is the new standard for commercial and utility scale battery solutions.

For Businesses
Powerpack 2 helps businesses gain greater control, efficiency and reliability across the electric grid by enabling them to:

• Avoid peak demand charges
• Buy electricity when it’s cheapest
• Participate in grid services
• Microgrid or back up for critical business operations in the event of a power outage
• Maximize consumption of on-site renewable power

Highlighted Customers
The StubHub Center
Home of MLS’s LA Galaxy, the StubHub Center recently powered up a 2 MWh (20 Powerpacks) system to help the stadium manage energy costs and reduce its impact on the Southern California power grid. Sports venues put a tremendous strain on the grid during short, powerful energy events. A Powerpack system enables StubHub to store electricity during off-peak times, when the grid is more capable and favors delivering excess electricity, then discharge to the stadium during peak evening hours when the grid is under its heaviest load. This project is the first deployment of battery storage technology at a major U.S. sports venue.

Irvine Ranch Water District
This 7 MW, 3.4 MWh (34 Powerpacks) Tesla Powerpack system represents the largest energy storage integration at any public water agency in the U.S.

Singita Lebombo and Sweni Lodges, Kruger National Park, South Africa
The Kruger National Park is the largest natural sanctuary in South Africa. This iconic protected ecosystem has environmental sustainability at the core of its mission. Now, an offgrid 3.15 MWh Powerpack system (15 Powerpacks) tied to on-site solar panels from SolarAfrica and will ensure that electricity for the lodges is generated locally, efficiently, and sustainably from renewable energy.

For Utilities
For utility scale systems, 200kWh battery blocks are grouped to scale from 500kWh to 100MWh+. These systems are capable of 2hr or 4hr continuous net discharge power using grid tied bi-directional inverters. Powerpack systems support applications including peak shaving, load shifting and demand response for commercial customers while offering renewable firming and a variety of grid services at utility scales. Powerpack enables utilities to:

• 
  
  
  • Firm up renewable generation by reconciling the intermittency of power from these sources and storing excess capacity to dispatch when it’s needed.
  • Increase resource capacity. Powerpack acts as on-demand capacity (either generation or T&D), while adding resiliency to the grid.
  • Ramp Control - Powerpack can act as a buffer while the power output from a large generation source is ramping up or down, delivering power instantly to smoothly transition output to the required levels.
  • Provide ancillary services such as frequency response.
  • Defer costly and time-consuming grid infrastructure upgrades. Powerpacks consume no water and don’t require detailed environmental reviews.
  • Manage peak demand by deploying power within seconds or milliseconds.

Highlighted Powerpack Utility Customers:
Aliso Canyon Southern California Edison
Last year’s rupture in the Aliso Canyon natural gas reservoir caused a methane gas spill that displaced more than 8,000 Californians and released an unprecedented 1.6 million pounds of methane into the atmosphere. Los Angeles is still in need of an electric energy solution that ensures reliability during peak times and protects the city from the risk of rolling blackouts. Tesla is providing a 20 MW, 80 MWh Powerpack system at the Southern California Edison substation, which, once complete in 2016, will be the largest lithium ion battery storage project in the world.

Kaua’i Island
This 13MW SolarCity photovoltaic array plus 52MWh Tesla Powerpack system is being built under contract with Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC). The system will store solar energy created during the day and feed it to the grid during the evening hours to help reduce the amount of diesel power generation needed to meet the island’s electricity demand. This is the first time a utility has contracted for a system that stores and releases solar energy after sunset, and will help KIUC meet its goal of using renewable resources to generate half of Kaua‘i’s electricity by the end of 2019.

Vector
Vector, New Zealand’s largest energy infrastructure company, is looking at storage of all types, from distributed systems behind the meter using Tesla Powerwall to large scale grid-tied systems using Powerpack. The Glen Innes substation in a residential neighborhood has seen increasing loads in recent years as the neighborhood is growing rapidly. Vector was able to replace the need for expensive and time consuming conventional upgrades to its substation by installing a 1MW/2.3MWh Powerpack system, which is purposed to reduce grid load during high peak times.

Powerpack 2 specs:

• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Inverter efficiency: 99%
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Energy: 200 kWh to hundreds of MWh
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Power: 50 kW to 100+ MW
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Round Trip Efficiency (whole system): 89%
• Inverter: Tesla inverter
• Operating Temperature Range: –30°C to 50°C (–22°F to 122°F)

Tesla + SolarCity
A combined Tesla and SolarCity will be able to offer customers better and more affordable ways to drive clean cars, use battery packs to consume energy more efficiently, and make use of solar energy. A suite of integrated sustainable energy products will add aesthetics and function to households and businesses while reducing cost. What’s more, customers will benefit from just one installation, from one company, for a seamless system that just works.

Tesla already offers batteries and electric cars, and SolarCity already offers sustainable energy generation. Together, Tesla and SolarCity have introduced an integrated system that illustrates what the companies can do together. This system is beautiful, customizable, and offers a smart and simple way for people to live sustainably.

Wow....what did you do? Post the whole website? Thanks though...its very informative.

 

[Owner]

Will you be able to buy these at Home Depot and have a regular roofer do most of the work? Or is this require a Solar City person?

 

[Garlan Garner]

I saw the $5500 price tag for PowerWall 2.....didn't I?

 

[Owner]

I saw the $5500 price tag for PowerWall 2.....didn't I?

Yes you did.

 

[AudubonB]

DC kills just as nastily as AC; and all conventional PV panels are DC.

How does SolarEdge solve this?

 

[Garlan Garner]

DC kills just as nastily as AC; and all conventional PV panels are DC.

How does SolarEdge solve this?

Well I have a rapid shutdown button I had to install outside my house. In 7 seconds each solar panels output drops to 1VDC .05W current. That's done from the relationship between my SolarEdge Inverters and the matching power optimizers.
The button is connected to the Inverters inside my house.

I couldn't get approval for Enphase because that system had AC straight on the grid. running all over my roof. That required lightning arrestors and Air Conditioner disconnect connectors and all kinds of permits. I initially installed Enphase, but decided to follow local regulations. Solar Edge fit the bill.

 

[AudubonB]

There's a pic now up on Electrek of a blow-out of the new roof: 6 layers of shingle plus several masks (circuitry, of a sort) and channels (think wiring, I'll bet) and so on...

And thanks, Garlan.

 

[Ulmo]

# 2 solution = SolarEdge. All DC on the roof.

Are you sure? A/C is often safer than D/C.

 

[jcee]

Now I can put solar on the front of my house. My home faces South and I didn't want to put any traditional panels up that face South because of aesthetics.

My house is stucco and the rear gets blasted with sun (I'm in OH so probably more so than the roof). Maybe next iteration is solar stucco/siding? Make it so, Elon!

 

[Ulmo]

Wow....what did you do? Post the whole website? Thanks though...its very informative.

Firefox on Mac: Select (from web page), Copy & Paste into TMC message writing. Easier than actually writing a real message, really.

 

[Garlan Garner]

Are you sure? A/C is often safer than D/C.

All I can speak of is my setup. I've installed both on my roof. <------- not had it installed.....I actually installed it.

 

[Garlan Garner]

Firefox on Mac: Select (from web page), Copy & Paste into TMC message writing. Easier than actually writing a real message, really.

Gotcha. Makes sense.

 

[Ulmo]

Ordering now open at Tesla Powerwall. Takes a credit card. I gave Tesla $1,000 for a deposit for 2. Shows up on my credit card as "TESLA MOTORS DEPOSIT".

From the order page, which allows quantities of 1-9 (with $500 deposit required for each):

Two 14 kWh Powerwall batteries $11,000

Installation and supporting hardware starts at $1,000

Total estimate $12,000

Requires $500 deposit for each Powerwall

Total cost excludes sales tax, permitting and fees.

Installations begin January 2017.

The above installation and supporting hardware estimate is fixed regardless of number of powerwalls ordered, and the rest are times the number of PowerWalls reserved.

Tip: copy the URL (screenshot if your URL shows) for the "Thank you for your order" text. It has an "EN"# that might be important. But, it immediately showed up in MyTesla, so no problem there.

Now, in Tesla.Com MyTesla:

Here's the email I got:

Thank you for taking this important step in building a clean energy future. Your deposit for a Powerwall is confirmed.

What’s Next?
An energy specialist will follow up with you to discuss the details of your order and home energy needs. Powerwall 2 installations are scheduled to begin in early 2017.

Welcome to the Tesla Family!

Attached to that email is a "Powerwall Order Agreement" that I skimmed thrice and still don't understand. I'll start parsing it at some point later when it begins to matter more to me.

---

More info at Our solar roof has integrated solar you can’t see | SolarCity

and @TeslaMotors is tweeting pics of the roofs.

 

[Garlan Garner]

My house is stucco and the rear gets blasted with sun (I'm in OH so probably more so than the roof). Maybe next iteration is solar stucco/siding? Make it so, Elon!

That's interesting.

I have found that installing solar panels on the East and West side of my home yields a distinct advantage in the summer time however a disadvantage in the winter time when the azimuth / arc of the sun is much lower in the southern sky. There is another home in my neighborhood that I installed solar on the south side...and over the last 4 years...I have yielded better annual results. Fancy that.

 

[Garlan Garner]

Ordering now open at Tesla Powerwall

Get your credit card out.

Oh my. What did I do. I gave Tesla $1,000 for ... huh, not sure what!

LOL... whatever it is...you will like it.

Unless you bought some kind of contract.

 

[S'toon]

I wonder how many Powerwalls you can hook up in parallel.