Tesla Discontinues Solar Roof Tiles Nearly a Decade After Launch

Tesla (TSLA) has stopped selling its solar roof tiles, the premium integrated photovoltaic product launched by CEO Elon Musk nearly a decade ago as a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional panels. The company's website for the solar roof now redirects to its offering for conventional solar panels, according to a Reuters report.

A Shift in Solar Strategy

The discontinuation of the solar roof product was first reported by Electrek last week. As of the report, Tesla had not responded to a request for comment on the change. The move marks a significant shift in the company's residential energy strategy, moving away from a high-end, integrated product to focus on its more conventional solar panel business.

Tesla's solar strategy now centers on the traditional panels it produces at its factory in Buffalo, New York. The company began delivering these panels to residential customers this year.

A Product with High Ambitions

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Musk unveiled the solar roof tiles in 2016 as part of the justification for Tesla's acquisition of SolarCity, the installation company run by his cousins. The product was designed to look like normal roof tiles, blending seamlessly into a home's architecture.

Despite the high-profile launch, the product faced production and installation challenges. In 2021, the company had set a goal of 1,000 installations per week, but industry estimates suggest the actual number of completed projects was significantly lower.

Future Solar Investments

While the solar roof tile is being discontinued, Tesla's broader ambitions in the solar sector remain. The company filed plans this month for a $10.1 billion solar-cell factory outside Houston, Texas. According to the filing, the new facility is projected to create 9,712 permanent jobs, indicating a long-term commitment to solar cell manufacturing on a massive scale.