Tesla founder Elon Musk has launched power-generating roof tiles that can be integrated into the company's Powerwall energy storage units.

The tiles come in four styles - smooth glass, Tuscan slate, textured glass, and slate glass - and are indistinguishable from regular tiles to passers by. The solar panels are visible when looked at closely.

Musk, who also developed the Tesla electric car, said he believes there will be a three-pronged solution to lowering the world's carbon emissions: the electric car, energy storage, and the solar roof.

"It's an obvious three-part solution," he said at the solar tile launch on the set of Desperate Housewives in Los Angeles last weekend. The event was also the launch of a new version of the Powerwall product, which can store double the energy.

Two Australian firms are hoping to bring the solar roof tile product into Australia, according to reports in The Australian.

Natural Solar, which installed the first Tesla Powerwall batteries in Australia, applauded the development of solar roof tiles.

“The announcement of the solar roof will allow many Australians to integrate their solar into the build of a new home with the new aesthetically pleasing tiles,” said Natural Solar in a statement.

Musk provided no costings for the tiles.

See also:

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