Recently, Tesla and collaborator Panasonic unveiled a line of new solar panels that can fit neatly onto existing roofs, rather than requiring users to replace roof tiles. The line comes as part of Tesla’s recent deal with Panasonic to create solar cells at its ‘Gigafactory 2’ in Buffalo, New York. According to Electrek, Panasonic will create the panels for Tesla’s exclusive use.

These panels were created with a sleeker, subtler look to remedy a current barrier to many people installing solar panels on their homes: aesthetic appearance.

“Our solar panels blend into your roof with integrated front skirts and no visible mounting hardware. The result is a clean, streamlined look,” says Tesla. They are 325-watt and “exceed industry standards for durability and lifespan.”

These panels can be hooked up to Tesla’s Powerwall, a huge lithium-ion battery that stores renewable electricity and can also be charged from the grid at night at off-peak prices for use during the day.

In January, Tesla began US production of lithium ion batteries at its Nevada Gigafactory, and hopes to decrease production costs and retail price of electric cars and battery storage.

Source: Loughran, Jack. “Tesla unveils discreet solar panels for any roof type, in collaboration with Panasonic.” Engineering and Technology. April 10 2017.