SolarCity Roofing Might Cost the Same as Traditional Shingles It seems like Elon Musk is being intentionally vague on this.

By Timothy J. Seppala

This story originally appeared on Engadget

Business Insider (UK) via Engadget

Elon Musk might make grand statements, but he has a track record of backing them up with results. Like creating reusable spacecraft, for example. But Musk's latest sentiments about his SolarCity energy company might break that streak.

"I don't want to commit 100 percent to this yet, but it's looking quite promising that a solar roof will actually cost less than a normal roof before you even take the value of the electricity into account," he said, on a recent investor's call. "So, the basic proposition would be, 'Would you like a roof that looks better than a normal roof, lasts twice as long, costs less and by the way generates electricity?' It's like, why would you get anything else?"

Here's the thing, though: Roofing prices can vary wildly depending on size of the house, roof pitch, complexity of the job and any possible structural repairs. Your location factors into cost as well. A nicer slate or tile roof can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000, for example. So, maybe Musk isn't too far off, but don't expect to get solar-panel shingles on your house for the price of typical asphalt ones you can grab at Home Depot.

Timothy J. Seppala is an associate editor for Engadget.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Career

What Is 'Task Masking'? Young Workers Retaliate Against Return-to-Office Mandates With a Viral Strategy.

Many professionals value the flexibility of remote work — and they're not reacting well to forced in-office returns.

Side Hustle

This 30-Year-Old's $6,000-a-Month Side Hustle Started Making Money 'Immediately' — But He's Not Quitting His Day Job

Derrick Mathy works in orthopedic surgical device sales and is on a mission to bring people together in real life.

Business News

UnitedHealthcare Offers Employees Voluntary Buyouts to Meet 'Evolving Needs'

The health insurance giant could resort to layoffs if it doesn't meet resignation quotas with buyouts.

Starting a Business

The Mindset that Helped Me Start 5 Companies Before Age 30

If you were completely rational, you would never attempt anything.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.