Energy
Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles showcased in new residential installation pictures
Pictures of Tesla’s Solar Roof tiles installed on a residential unit were recently shared online, showcasing the near-indistinguishable look of the photovoltaic roof system from traditional roofing material.
The photos of the solar roof shingles were shared by @Toblerhaus on Twitter, who stated that the tiles were “every bit as beautiful” as she had hoped. The Tesla fan further remarked that her home’s photovoltaic installation, which is rated at 9.9 kW, has made her family feel like they’re “living in the future.” Based on the images of the installation, @Toblerhaus appears to have opted for the tiles’ “textured” variant.
The first installations of Tesla’s Solar Roofs began last year, with CEO Elon Musk stating during the Q2 2017 earnings call that the tiles have already been installed on his and CTO JB Straubel’s houses. As we noted in a previous report, having the company’s employees as Tesla’s first Solar Roof customers is a clever strategy for the company, since doing so would allow the maintenance of a tight feedback loop with end users.
- A Solar Roof tile installation on a residential unit. [Credit: Amanda Tobler]
- A Solar Roof tile installation on a residential unit. [Credit: Amanda Tobler]
- A Solar Roof tile installation on a residential unit. [Credit: Amanda Tobler]
The Solar Roof tiles were among the key points of Tesla’s Q2 2017 update letter. In the investor communication, Tesla noted that the Solar Roof tiles, together with battery storage devices such as the Powerwall 2, are a step towards the company’s goal of helping customers achieve “sustainable energy independence.”
Tesla designed the Solar Roof tiles to be an option for customers who would like to have solar panels on their homes without committing to the questionable aesthetics of conventional photovoltaic systems. In Tesla’s Q2 2017 update letter, the Elon Musk-led company stated that the Solar Roofs would even prove to be affordable for customers in the long run, considering that the system will result in energy savings.
“Adopting solar has historically required a degree of aesthetic compromise, but Solar Roof provides clean energy from a better-looking roof. Furthermore, Solar Roof is more affordable than conventional roofs because in most cases, it ultimately pays for itself by reducing or eliminating a home’s electricity bill.”
- Tesla teased a photo of its employee Solar Roof installation on the 2017 Second Quarter Update Letter
- Tesla lifestyle reimagined by Miysis studio 3d
- Credit: Tesla
Tesla’s Solar Roofs were initially manufactured in Tesla’s Fremont factory. The production of the tiles was later transferred to the 1.2-million-square-foot Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo, NY, Tesla’s facility which Elon Musk states is capable of manufacturing up to 10 GW of energy products yearly.
The Solar Roof tiles were initially planned to enter production in the summer of 2017. Due to delays, however, the mass production and installation of the photovoltaic tiles were pushed back — first to late 2017, and then to 2018. Nevertheless, Tesla announced last January that it is starting the production of Solar Roof tiles in the Buffalo facility, and that customer installations are set to be conducted within the next few months.
If the recent pictures of @Toblerhaus’s Solar Roof installation are any indication, it appears like Tesla is just about to hit its stride in the rollout of its attractive and environmentally-friendly tiles.
Energy
Tesla Energy gains UK license to sell electricity to homes and businesses
The license was granted to Tesla Energy Ventures Ltd. by UK energy regulator Ofgem after a seven-month review process.
Tesla Energy has received a license to supply electricity in the United Kingdom, opening the door for the company to serve homes and businesses in the country.
The license was granted to Tesla Energy Ventures Ltd. by UK energy regulator Ofgem after a seven-month review process.
According to Ofgem, the license took effect at 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday and applies to Great Britain.
The approval allows Tesla’s energy business to sell electricity directly to customers in the region, as noted in a Bloomberg News report.
Tesla has already expanded similar services in the United States. In Texas, the company offers electricity plans that allow Tesla owners to charge their vehicles at a lower cost while also feeding excess electricity back into the grid.
Tesla already has a sizable presence in the UK market. According to price comparison website U-switch, there are more than 250,000 Tesla electric vehicles in the country and thousands of Tesla home energy storage systems.
Ofgem also noted that Tesla Motors Ltd., a separate entity incorporated in England and Wales, received an electricity generation license in June 2020.
The new UK license arrives as Tesla continues expanding its global energy business.
Last year, Tesla Energy retained the top position in the global battery energy storage system (BESS) integrator market for the second consecutive year. According to Wood Mackenzie’s latest rankings, Tesla held about 15% of global market share in 2024.
The company also maintained a dominant position in North America, where it captured roughly 39% market share in the region.
At the same time, competition in the energy storage sector is increasing. Chinese companies such as Sungrow have been expanding their presence globally, particularly in Europe.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.
Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.
Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.
“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.
“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”
Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.
“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”
Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.
Energy
Tesla Megapack Megafactory in Texas advances with major property sale
Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet.
Tesla’s planned Megapack factory in Brookshire, Texas has taken a significant step forward, as two massive industrial buildings fully leased to the company were sold to an institutional investor.
In a press release, Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet. The properties are 100% leased to Tesla under a long-term agreement and were acquired by BGO on behalf of an institutional investor.
The two facilities, located at 100 Empire Boulevard in Brookshire, Texas, will serve as Tesla’s new Megafactory dedicated to manufacturing Megapack battery systems.
According to local filings previously reported, Tesla plans to invest nearly $200 million into the site. The investment includes approximately $44 million in facility upgrades such as electrical, utility, and HVAC improvements, along with roughly $150 million in manufacturing equipment.
Building 9, spanning roughly 1 million square feet, will function as the primary manufacturing floor where Megapacks are assembled. Building 10, covering approximately 600,000 square feet, will be dedicated to warehousing and logistics operations, supporting storage and distribution of completed battery systems.
Waller County Commissioners have approved a 10-year tax abatement agreement with Tesla, offering up to a 60% property-tax reduction if the company meets hiring and investment targets. Tesla has committed to employing at least 375 people by the end of 2026, increasing to 1,500 by the end of 2028, as noted in an Austin County News Online report.
The Brookshire Megafactory will complement Tesla’s Lathrop Megafactory in California and expand U.S. production capacity for the utility-scale energy storage unit. Megapacks are designed to support grid stabilization and renewable-energy integration, a segment that has become one of Tesla’s fastest-growing businesses.








