As usual the event is lavish, thunderous, cinematic — very much in the style of Elon Musk. From Universal Pictures' film studios in Los Angeles, the CEO of Tesla Motors unveiled the latest innovation in renewable energy.

An integrated system of solar tiles, connected to the new Powerwall 2 battery, capable of generating electricity for domestic use and charging the car. All Tesla-branded, naturally. More precisely, Tesla/SolarCity. The announcement comes just days before a board vote that will decide whether to acquire the solar panel manufacturer in which Musk is already a shareholder.

The solar roof is integrated, stylish and more cost-effective

The new glass tiles with integrated solar modules will not compromise the aesthetics of the home — on the contrary, they will enhance them. There will be four different models, depending on the type of roof to be installed. It is worth noting that the resemblance to classic slate or terracotta tiles is remarkably realistic. According to Musk, the new tiles would be more durable than traditional ones; moreover, they are transparent to solar rays.

"The solar roof is infinitely customisable for a variety of different home styles, each uniquely engineered so that the photovoltaic cells are invisible," Tesla writes on its official website. "When combined with Tesla Powerwall, the solar roof will be able to power an entire home with 100 per cent renewable energy."

Elon Musk shows one of the solar tiles. Screenshot from video.

Panels and tiles will be manufactured at the SolarCity factory, which is close to being acquired by Tesla.

How a home roof would look with Tesla's new technology. A moment from the presentation.

The tile resembling terracotta.

The slate effect.

Here the panel is visible.

Tesla Powerwall 2, the second-generation battery.

The official presentation of the Tesla storage system, in Los Angeles.

United we stand

Musk's project appears complete: starting with the electric car, moving through the development of a storage battery, and now a product for energy generation that is both stylish and evidently crafted with care in every detail. The price, however, has yet to be announced.

Elon Musk ✓ @elonmusk

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Solar glass tiles can also incorporate heating elements, like rear defroster on a car, to clear roof of snow and keep generating energy

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The story is different for the Powerwall 2, improved in every respect. The battery has in fact doubled its performance compared to the previous version: 14 kWh of stored energy and 5 kW of power at a cost of just over 5,000 euros. Today the first version of Powerwall is on sale, including in Italy, at around 3,500 euros.

"This is a sort of integrated future," Musk explains. "An electric car, a Powerwall and a solar roof. The key is that it has to be beautiful, affordable and seamlessly integrated," Musk concludes.