Image: Tesla
Tesla has officially unveiled a new generation of solar panels and a redesigned panel mounting system, marking a major step forward for its growing energy business and its push toward a fully integrated home energy ecosystem.
Announced by Tesla Energy on Thursday, the new Tesla Solar Panel delivers 420 watts of power and introduces several notable upgrades over the company’s previous offering. Tesla says the panel uses the same cascading cell technology found in its Solar Roof tiles, creating 18 independent power zones. That’s three times more than conventional solar panels. This design helps reduce energy loss when parts of the panel are shaded by obstructions like chimneys or vents, ultimately producing more usable energy throughout the day.
The new panel also features an all-black, low-profile design that sits closer to the roof for improved aesthetics. It measures 71.1 inches by 44.7 inches by 1.57 inches, making it roughly three inches shorter and narrower than Tesla’s prior solar panel. Module efficiency is rated at 20.5%, and each panel weighs 49 pounds.
Alongside the panel, Tesla has introduced a new Panel Mount system designed to dramatically speed up installation. According to Tesla Energy, the mount enables 33% faster installs by using a groove-based frame system that eliminates traditional rails and clamps. The company says the new design also requires up to 15% fewer roof penetrations, helping preserve structural integrity while lowering installation costs. The low-profile mount is compatible with shingle, tile, metal, and flat roofs.
Tesla notes that the panel frame itself now acts as the rail, allowing the modules to latch directly into the mount. This rail-less approach not only simplifies installation but also reduces labor time, a major cost factor in residential solar projects.
The launch comes just months after Tesla introduced a new Solar and Powerwall combo lease option in the U.S., and as its energy division continues to post strong results. Tesla recently reported its fifth consecutive record quarter for energy gross profit, highlighting ballooning demand for products like Megapack, Powerwall 3, inverters, and now its U.S.-made solar panels.
Manufactured at Tesla’s Buffalo, New York, facility, the new solar panels complete Tesla’s end-to-end home energy lineup, allowing homeowners to pair generation, storage, and control under one ecosystem. With faster installs, higher output, and improved shading performance, Tesla’s latest solar hardware could make residential solar more attractive — and more accessible — than ever.
