Roof tiles with built-in solar panels have been unveiled by Tesla chief executive Elon Musk.

 

The tiles, made from glass, are intended to be a more attractive way to add solar panels to homes, compared with currently-used solar technology.

 

The launch took place in Universal Studios, Los Angeles, on what used to be the set for the television show Desperate Housewives.

 

Bringing the solar tiles to the Desperate Housewives set was a way of displaying the idea’s key selling point: it looks far better than solar paneling. Musk jokingly described it as a “sweet roof!”.

 

No price was given for the tiles, which come in a variety of colours and styles, though Musk did say it would be cheaper than fitting a traditional roof and then adding solar on top.

 

Also part of the launch was Powerwall 2, Tesla’s home battery product. The primary function of the Powerwall is to store any surplus energy from the solar panels. It will cost $5,500 (£4,511), Musk said. (BBC)

 

 

PHOTO: Tesla's electric car, Powerwall and solar roof are shown by Tesla Motors Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk, unveiling new energy products aimed at illustrating the benefits of combining his electric car and battery maker with solar installer SolarCity Corp, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 28, 2016.

CREDIT: REUTERS/Nichola Groom.