RolandX,

You should reread the article. The roof with the Tesla tiles would cost $34,300 and save you $76,700 worth of electricity over 30 years. An alternative roof would still have a five figure cost.  As the southern US gets hotter over time, more and more home owners are interested in roof top solar to keep their air conditioning operating in case of a power interruption. In cities like Houston roof top solar could be a life saver.