Tesla Solar Panels History and State Availability
Since purchasing SolarCity in 2016, which had been in operation for more than ten years, Tesla Energy has been selling solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Since then, Tesla has increased the number of homeowners who can access its solar services statewide. However, a corporate official informed us that service zones differ by zip code in each of the 50 states. To find out if Tesla Solar provides its solar system installation services for your property, speak with a representative of the company.
Pros and Cons of Tesla Solar Panels
Here are a few highlights to consider about Tesla Solar:
– Offers solar shingles, which create a sleek, aesthetic solar PV system
– Offers a solar panel price-match guarantee
– User-friendly mobile app provides 24/7 monitoring
Cons
– Tesla’s warranty is vague and confusing when compared to other solar providers
– Customers have mentioned long wait times for installation and repairs
Tesla Solar Panel Options
In the solar sector, Tesla’s understated solar tiles are distinctive. In order to maintain a low profile, these smaller panels with no discernible grid might imitate the appearance of roof shingles. The panels have the appearance of a typical roof when they are linked.
Additionally, the business provides monocrystalline solar panel systems. Its fixed sizes—small (12 panels), medium (24 panels), large (36 panels), and extra-large—simplify the process (48 panels). The most effective solar panels available are monocrystalline ones. Tesla’s solar panels have an average efficiency of 19.6% and can produce 425 watts. Because they can work between minus 40 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit, its panels are also tough.
Along with its battery storage, the Tesla Powerwall, Tesla also provides energy storage and an alternate solar power generator. Your solar panels produce electricity, which is collected and stored by the Powerwall solar battery. Your home will have backup power from this energy storage system during the night, periods of low sunlight, and power outages.
Tesla Solar Installation and Services
Tesla takes care of every aspect of installing your solar system, including site assessment and Permission to Operate (PTO). Find out more about the Tesla installation procedure here:
- Site inspection: Tesla measures the area and slope of your roof using remote aerial technology. The size of the solar system needed to power your home will be decided in consultation with the firm at this time.
- Design and permitting: Before the installation, a few actions must be taken. Tesla works with any local organization, such a utility commission, to secure all necessary permissions and paperwork. Tesla designs your system to meet the construction of your home and your energy requirements.
- Installation: When everything is ready, you contact Tesla to arrange a time for installation. For the first hour of the installation, you must be present at your home. The business asserts that it can complete the installation of its systems in a single day. Your system will be activated and set up to only produce the energy needed to power your home and charge your Powerwall if you also ordered a home battery.
- Inspection: Tesla coordinates an inspection with your local building department. This examination guarantees that the installed system complies with all safety and building code requirements.
- Activation: Tesla gets a PTO notice for your system whenever it completes all the required documentation with your local authorities. According to Tesla, this procedure might take one to six weeks.
Tesla also provides any replacements or repairs required by its ten-year comprehensive guarantee for its solar devices. Any Powerwall solar batteries, solar inverters, and problems with roof leaks from the mounting system are covered by this guarantee.
To manage your Tesla solar system and any other Tesla items you possess, Tesla also provides a smartphone app. With the help of this software, you can easily monitor and manage your Tesla EVs, Powerwall batteries, and solar panels all in one place. The Powerwall and solar system’s interaction is shown in real-time on the Tesla app, which also allows you to establish personalized settings for the system’s generation and storage of solar energy.
Tesla Solar Panel Warranties
A 25-year performance guarantee and a 10-year total warranty are included with every Tesla solar panel. Any component of the solar system is covered by the extensive guarantee for repairs and replacements.
According to the 25-year performance guarantee, the panels must function for at least 25 years at 80% or more of their nominal power capacity. Other solar companies frequently give performance guarantees with no restrictions on power capacity.
Tesla Solar Panels Cost and Payment Options
Tesla offers a cost estimator online that bases its calculations on your address and average monthly electric bill to determine how much solar panels will cost. The price of solar panels is on the higher end of the spectrum, according to Tesla. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that in 2021, a 6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) system cost on average between $16,000 and $21,000.
For a 2,000 square foot house in Dallas with an average monthly electric expenditure of $170, we requested Tesla quotations. The area of the roof is about 2,329 square feet. Each purchase also includes a single $10,000 Tesla Powerwall.
| System Size | Wattage | Estimated Price | Estimated Price After Incentives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (12 panels) | 4.80 kW | $20,147 | $14,909 |
| Medium (24 panels) | 9.60 kW | $29,794 | $22,048 |
| Large (36 panels) | 14.40 kW | $39,441 | $29,186 |
| Extra-Large (48 panels) | 19.20 kW | $49,088 | $36,325 |
| Solar Roof (2,329 sq. ft.) | 14.12 kW | $75,200–$87,400 | $57,800–$66,800 |
Tesla Solar’s website allows you to request a price by entering your home’s address and average monthly electricity cost. You must get in touch with the business and participate in a virtual survey with a customer service representative to get a more precise estimate. This procedure include analyzing your energy requirements and doing a satellite assessment of your home.
Through a cash purchase or loan in some states, Tesla customers always own their systems.
- Solar loan: With a solar loan from Tesla, you can eventually purchase the system by paying a monthly charge. This function is comparable to a home or car loan, and you still have access to all solar incentives.
- Cash purchase: If you have the money, you may also buy a Tesla solar system outright. Because you eliminate loan interest and gain access to solar panel ownership tax credits, this method is the most economical way to pay for a solar PV system.
Ive been trying to contact tesla to sell my home. I’ve emailed them for over a month as you cannot speak to a live person. The replies are never what you ask for and when you reply it takes another week for them to reply. So now i can’t sell my home until they get their crap straight.
I have had Solar City Tesla for 7 years. I am 61 years old. It was the worst mistake I have made in my entire life. This is the WORST company I have ever dealt with. I am talking with an attorney now and I am going to have someone remove these panels and trash them. Tesla can sue me, I’ll represent myself pro se with an attorney friend for advice. I’ll drag it out as long as I can. I don’t even care if I lose. I just hate these evil bastards. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY FOR ANYTHING! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
The guys showed up in the late afternoon for my install and they did a great job of coordinating and making sure the install went smoothly and quickly! They cleaned up as soon as they had finished and explained to me the next step in the process. Great job guys!
We have had 2 solar systems and 3 power wall batteries installed at our house on two separate occasions. Each time the crew that was sent for the installation was friendly and professional. We love our system as well! Highly recommend.
Tesla technology, both the hardware and the software seem top notch, and the technicians who came out to the house were awesome. Unfortunately I’ve been having non-stop problems with the install (flickering lights, switching back and forth between Grid and Powerwall, blew up my HVAC controller) and Tesla is simple non-existent for support. They don’t respond to emails, they don’t respond to Twitter, they don’t publish a phone number that I could find. So you’re screwed is anything goes wrong, and the chances of “something” going wrong during the “warranty” period is essentially 100%. So the warranty is essentially worthless if you can’t actually get in contact with them.