Tesla Takes the Lead Once Again in Solar
For a long time, many believed that solar paneling would never catch on. “It’s too unattractive,” some said. “People won’t want those unsightly shingles on their home.” “It’s too expensive,” argued others, “it’s not worth the cost.” Other arguments included feeling that solar panels wouldn’t provide enough energy, wouldn’t last, or would be replaced by an even more efficient form of energy transfer at some point down the road.
We know now that all of those concerns about rooftop solar shingles were overblown, but Elon Musk, the pioneer who is looking to change humanity for the better with projects like Tesla Motors and their high-quality electric cars, SpaceX and its planned trips to colonize Mars and now Solar City, which hopes to become a leader in sustainable energy, is going about proving it in a big way.
Musk, Tesla and Solar City
When Musk and Tesla unveiled his proposed solar energy system, the world took notice. In addition to looking fantastic, the system seemed like the ideal solution to a big renewable energy problem: Storage. Musk introduced a Powerwall that is fed by his solar panels and that can currently supply enough energy to run a two-bedroom house for a day, or forever, when hooked up to the rooftop solar system.
But the truly amazing thing is that the textured glass roofing shingles that make up the solar panel roof will actually be cheaper to make and install than some current high-end roofs, like those made of slate or terra cotta. The shingles are also lightweight and durable, reducing shipping costs.
With Musk’s roof panels, you wouldn’t even know you were looking at a solar roof unless someone told you. You would likely think you’re looking at a great house with a beautiful roof, little suspecting the added bonus that the residents inside are getting all their energy for free.
Solar Panels for Everyone, Not Just Environmentalists
Musk is making his roof available in four styles: Slate, Tuscan, Smooth Glass, and Textured Glass, designed to mimic the appearance of actual roof materials currently in use, which they do admirably. In doing so, Musk has made solar paneling an appealing option for almost everyone.
He has addressed almost all the concerns people have about using solar energy to power their home through solar panels: appearance, cost, and effectiveness. So how did he do this? The simple answer is: In much the same way as he approached the electric car.
Rather than try to work around the reasons people were reluctant to try more sustainable energy options, he faced them head on. Where others may have said of both the electric car and solar paneling – the high price and garish appearance are just the cost of being a responsible citizen – Musk has always thought differently.
To move forward, he thought, you have to meet the people where they are. Some people are willing to make sacrifices for the environment; many are not. Why force those people to come along when you can get them to come along willingly by making the morally correct choice also the more desirable one.
It’s that kind of thinking that led to the development of these amazing solar panels.
Solar Panels and the Future
Now, it remains to be seen whether Musk’s new solar panels and the Solar City energy system will work the way he intends it to. Early indicators are good, but this is still in the rollout stage, and a lot can happen when you move from theory to practice.
Field-testing of these solar panels may uncover problems that people were previously unaware of. But what’s important is that Musk showed us what was possible when it comes to solar energy and solar paneling. He showed us that solar is the wave of the future, and the sooner you jump on board, the sooner you get to be part of that revolution.
That’s a sentiment just about anyone can get behind.
[Image via Tesla]
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