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Exactly how is that out of the reach of anyone but the wealthy?

Amortized over 30 years, it's barely over $110 per month and for most homes would bring the electric bill to near zero.

Assuming you'll be in the same house for 30 years is a big gamble. What if you need to move in 5 or 10 years? You're house value doesn't go up $40k when you put $40k tesla roof on top.

I would bet a tesla roof actually reduces your house value. Imagine the cost of any roof maintenance, or trying to find a roofer who can work on it without just doing more damage.

if you have to pay up front it’s way too hard. loans have interest.

It's hard, but not impossible. Your costs are higher than a traditional power company for 10 or 15 years until the panels are paid off, but then your costs are much lower than people with traditional grid hookup.

In terms of investment it doesn't beat the stock market, but you have the side benefit of killing the planet slightly less. You are also hedged against rate increases from your power company.

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