US-based Tesla Inc. has begun taking orders for its solar roof tiles, Chief Executive Elon Musk said. According to him, Tesla’s solar roof will be cheaper than a regular tile roof, although more expensive than asphalt tiles. To make a pre-order, an advance payment of $1,000 is needed.

SolarCity will start solar panels installation in the US in summer. The company will begin to accept overseas orders next year. At the moment, glass glossy and matt shingles are available for ordering. Later, there will appear stone and clay roofing tiles.

The solar roof will contain one third of active solar cells, but buyers could increase the number of tiles with solar panels. According to the company’s estimates, to repay the costs for the solar roof for 30 years, 35% of solar tiles are enough. On average, installation of the solar roof will cost $21.85 per square foot, or $220 per square meter. Tiles with solar panels will cost $42, while the price for regular riles will be $11.