Eli5: Why didn’t some form of solar shingle/form end up successful?

Question

I know there probably is a good reason, either the tech, financial trade offs, etc.

And I’m not a homeowner but I’ve been watching on the topic lately.

Wouldn’t serving as a roof have a significant offset to the true cost? Even at 50% off the roof?

It seems they do the opposite, build on the existing ones.

Edit roof not form

In: 42

Answer 1

Solar roof is harder to do maintenance on, and also harder to adjust to follow the sun if that’s a concern. It’s cheaper to have it on a dedicated mount on the ground, where you can clean or manage it easier