Tesla reopens $50,000 Roadster reservations ahead of October 1 unveil

This is car news, not a home energy story, but here's what's happening: Tesla has reopened reservations for its next-generation Roadster, asking for a $50,000 deposit ahead of an October 1 reveal event near Waco, Texas. Buyers put down $5,000 on a credit card now, described as refundable, then owe a $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days for the reservation to count.

This is actually the second round of Roadster deposits. Tesla first collected $50,000 reservations back in 2017, promising delivery by 2020. That car has never shipped, and some of those original depositors have had trouble even getting their money back years later. This time, Tesla is collecting deposits before showing anyone the actual production car. The October event is expected to include a stunt demo where the car appears to hover using thruster technology, though that demo car won't be street legal or for sale. Tesla says pricing, specs, and production targets will come at the reveal.

None of this affects home energy upgrades or rebates. If you're considering an EV purchase down the road, the one relevant tie-in is that charging it at home is cheapest with rooftop solar, since electricity rates have been climbing. But the Roadster itself, its price, and whether it ever actually gets built remain open questions.