// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Why are more roofs not made of solar tiles?
From installer to instructor Kate Collardson (left) has a long history in solar systems
Some people in the US "still hate the look of solar", Kate Collardson acknowledges.
She would know. Collardson handles operations for the Solar Service of Colorado, a solar maintenance and inspection company. She's also held just about every other job in the industry, from installer to instructor.
For those that hate the look of solar panels, an alternative is a solar roof, where the tiles (or shingles) house solar cells, but look much the same as regular tiles.
This is especially important for historic buildings, where heritage rules limit changes to their appearance.
For many people, the first time they'd heard of this product category was in August, when Tesla's website stopped offering solar roofs, external. This followed disappointing sales and a lawsuit over sudden price hikes, external.
Other companies have also pulled out, but Tesla's decision in particular sent shockwaves through the solar roof industry.
Some see it as a death knell for solar tiles; others, as an opportunity.
Tesla abruptly stopped marketing its solar tiles in August
For instance, the small Swiss company Freesuns is considering expanding to the US.