Model 3 - Solar Roof Panels - Confirmed

[ccap41]

"Tesla has created its own glass technology group, CEO Elon Musk announced this week on a conference call, reports Eletrek. Not only will this special glass be used for solar roof tiles, but it will also have automotive applications. In fact, the first car to receive the new glass will be the Model 3, Musk confirmed.

Last week, Tesla announced it would create actual solar roofs (as opposed to solar panels) that are highly durable and can provide power for homes. In a video posted to Twitter, Tesla showed off the strength of its new solar roof glass tiles. But the ultra-strong glass technology will apparently trickle down to the roof or windshield of the Model 3. The entry-level sedan offers a full-length glass roof spanning from the windshield to the rear window, making it the perfect vehicle for this tech. Then again, the Tesla Model S already features an open, airy panoramic roof, and the Model X has the largest glass panoramic windshield in production.

Musk took to Twitter to explain the benefits of the special glass.

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"Solar glass tiles can also incorporate heating elements, like rear defroster on a car, to clear roof of snow and keep generating energy"

The director of Tesla Glass is Mike Pilliod, who was a top materials engineer at Apple. He has patented innovations relating to glass, including glass touchscreens.
Source: Eletrek, Business Insider "

http://www.motortrend.com/news/tesla-model-3-use-glass-technology-solar-roofs/

I just thought this was waaaay too cool not to share!

[A Horse With No Name]

It would be in Americas interest to Keep Tesla going strong, they seem very innovation driven. Working for a company with the silicon valley corporate culture way of doing things would drive me nuts personally though.

[loki]

1 thing, if the car is parked, how often will a tesla be outside and not parked in a garage?

but otherwise cool...be using solar city tech i'm sure.

[ccap41]

I think it is more for while you're driving to power smaller things so less is taken away from the main battery pack and there aren't going to be many(or any) parked outside while at home but parking for work or shopping there will be plenty left outside.

[G. David Felt]

Cool tech, as the panels get better and better, you end up having longer drive range, better for self charging and just so many more things this can benefit.