Anyone with Tesla Solar Panels?

[SupraSaltyReefer]

Hey BAR, the idea of getting solar has popped up in my mind again. I get knocks on my door weekly from solar sales reps. Last year I finally gave in and went through the process of getting a quote from SunRun. Turns out they can only fit 12 panels on my roof and it will only produce about 33% of the energy I need on average. I was also turned off by the all horror stories I've read online about SunRun. So looking more in depth to Tesla Solar this time around. A few questions I have are below:

Does anyone here have Tesla Solar panels? If so, how long?
What was your experience with the install and ongoing solar production compare to what was estimated?
Has any issues arised after installation and how was it resolved?
If you have a different solar company why did you decide on this company instead?
Anything else you would advise on?

Thanks!

 

[Turkeysammich]

My brother does. He lives in Tiburon. He is an extremely detailed person. He said the designer was horrible for the solar panel placement. Something like only quoted 12 panels. Then my brother argued and said they could do like 20 plus In the end I think they did 24. Other than that he said it was smooth. But he a huge tesla fan. Oh he also said that they size the system smaller than the usage that you use now. He said it’s kinda industry standard. He’s had it for about 3 years. He likes it a lot.

 

[Srt4eric]

@JustinBolton has the tesla roof. It looks pretty slick.

 

[gmdcdvm]

No experience with Tesla. I had a good experience overall with Sunrun. With that being said they did try to sell me a smaller system. I think most companies try to sell you a system that covers about 90% of your current usage. This can make it more affordable, but I think they like to use a different rationale. The explanation is that you don't want to buy more than you need since you don't get a good exchange rate by selling it back to the grid.
My argument was that doing a 90% system based on current usage was not an accurate representation of what we would use. Our current usage was very conservative to avoid a large bill, and if we had solar we would likely use the AC and other lights more as a result. At the same time, we did not want a large true-up bill. We went with a system that maximized our panels and ended up with about 120% of our previous usage. Since we got the system, we definitely use the AC and other electrical items in the house a lot more than we used to. We have been pretty pleased with solar overall.

I did pay extra to get a battery to use as a backup and to help offset the cost of electricity during peak hours. We have had two blackouts lasting 6 and 12 hours. The peace of mind knowing my tanks could go on for days without issues was awesome. Our neighbor called my wife to ask if we had lost power. Ours was the only house on the block lit up like a Christmas tree when the outage occurred.

Unfortunately, the limiting factor for a lot of people is the size of their roof and the angle to the sun. This determines how many panels you can place and the efficiency of the systm.

Good luck! I know we talked about solar a year ago or so. It is a big decision. Hopefully it all works out.
G

 

[richiev]

I had solar installed right before the NEM 2.0 cutoff ended. I did a standard amount of over-analyzing, researching, and navel-gazing. My overall understanding is if you can get Tesla's design to work well in your situation, it's almost certainly the right choice. The main issue with Tesla is they're not doing their installs, and you get whoever they contract with. However, the prices of the Tesla panels are sooo much cheaper than the other ones (when doing a kW/$ calc) that they're impossible to beat and likely worth any headaches.

You can effectively get a Tesla solar + Tesla powerwall install for the same price as getting just panels from someone else. That powerwall part is important, because those are also by far the cheapest batteries out there, and some of the best. For current installs, with NEM 3.0 rules, for it to be cost effective to get solar you need to get a battery.

I however didn't go with Tesla. The main reason was at the time Tesla only allowed very specific sizing of the systems, and minimal control over the layout. Our place has a ton of roof visible from the road, and some tree coverage, so for long-term house value and higher system sizing I paid extra for someone else to do it. My understanding is that this has changed with Tesla now, and they do allow more varied installs.

My neighbors also had someone else do their install. Neither of us have had any success getting our installers to be responsive after they got their final payments. My neighbor's company went out of business, and therefore so did his warranty. My company did an overall good install, and completely ghosted me after they got their final payment. Won't even respond to my emails about asking for a battery quote. Again, the theory of non-Tesla being better service I have not seen proof of.

My main suggestions:

• no matter what you need a Tesla quote, including powerwall. It'll at least give you a bounds on the lower cost option, and you should assess all other quotes against it
• you need to price in a battery, given NEM 3.0. You can find a lot of info online on why, but the gist is solar cost effectiveness got screwed by regulators when NEM 2.0 became NEM 3.0, unless you get a battery
• the best battery option is also Tesla, and most places are likely going to quote your battery install as a Tesla one
• on customer service, there's no right answer. IMO it's much more likely a random non-Tesla company goes out of business than Tesla does, especially b/c Tesla is so much cheaper and has so much more money behind it. Your install/maintenance warranty disappears as soon as the company you used disappears.
• the easy answer, and probably right answer, is just go with Tesla, unless you run into a compelling reason it doesn't work for your place
• price in the cost of a roof if yours isn't recent. You don't want panels getting installed on a roof that needs replacement in a couple years.

I think most companies try to sell you a system that covers about 90% of your current usage.

As a minor note, PGE (and maybe regulations) set limits on how many kW your install can be based on your current usage. From a quick google, the limit is something like 150% of previous 12month usage, but there's some leeway I think for growth. For example, if you don't currently have an EV, you probably will at some point, so you may want to size to include that and therefore the system size can also include that I believe.

 

[JustinBolton]

I do have a Tesla solar roof (15kw and 2 pw3) and full transparency I am an employee and worked on my own install as part of a pilot.

 

[Darkxerox]

NEM 3.0 has really ruined the math for systems now. Pretty much requires a battery to get any benefit whatsoever. My old 2.0 system was 12 panels on a slightly smaller house and it covered like 150% of my needs. At true up they still owed me $800+.

I went with Sun First for two of my installs (my parents used them too) and they're really great at letting you modify the designs based off the theoretical Google Sunroof, very helpful with tech support well after the install, and get the installs done really fast.

I went with 17x Maxeon SPR-MAX6 435w panels, one power wall 3, and Enphase micro inverters due to the partial shading from the oak trees next door. We'll see how well it does when we have longer days but the back panels pretty much aren't connected until a faulty Tesla part gets shipped in.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

Thanks for all the feedback! I've been doing research and over analysis as well. Watched a ton of YouTube videos and joined the FB Tesla Solar groups. Since I own a Tesla I know for sure I want to go with Tesla Solar Panels and at least 1 Powerwall 3. I like the idea of everything in the same "ecosystem". I just had the initial Tesla virtual consultation yesterday. I paid the $100 deposit so Jake, my Project Advisor can start working on my system design. I think the issue I'll run into is the available roof space for the panels. My roof has 4 slopes and only 2 slopes are facing the ideal location for panels. At least that was according to the Sunrun assessment.

My annual 2024 usage was 20,260 kWh. So 1,688 kWh monthly average. Yeah, I know that's A LOT. Too many fish tanks and I wfh lol. So the panels will probably only offset my usage by 33-50% at most? Would it make sense to get 1 PW3 and the new PW3 Expansion?

I'll wait for Jake to complete the system design and see what his recommendation is.

 

[richiev]

Thanks for all the feedback! I've been doing research and over analysis as well. Watched a ton of YouTube videos and joined the FB Tesla Solar groups. Since I own a Tesla I know for sure I want to go with Tesla Solar Panels and at least 1 Powerwall 3. I like the idea of everything in the same "ecosystem". I just had the initial Tesla virtual consultation yesterday. I paid the $100 deposit so Jake, my Project Advisor can start working on my system design. I think the issue I'll run into is the available roof space for the panels. My roof has 4 slopes and only 2 slopes are facing the ideal location for panels. At least that was according to the Sunrun assessment.

My annual 2024 usage was 20,260 kWh. So 1,688 kWh monthly average. Yeah, I know that's A LOT. Too many fish tanks and I wfh lol. So the panels will probably only offset my usage by 33-50% at most? Would it make sense to get 1 PW3 and the new PW3 Expansion?

I'll wait for Jake to complete the system design and see what his recommendation is.

View attachment 64615

If you have very limited space, that's another reason to get quotes from alternative providers. There's other providers who have higher wattage panels. You'd want ones with not just higher wattage, but higher wattage for the same size.

Tesla still might be the best option, but worth investigating. Might give 10-20% improvement, but likely more than 20% more expensive.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

If you have very limited space, that's another reason to get quotes from alternative providers. There's other providers who have higher wattage panels. You'd want ones with not just higher wattage, but higher wattage for the same size.

Tesla still might be the best option, but worth investigating. Might give 10-20% improvement, but likely more than 20% more expensive.

Good idea. I'll wait for the Tesla design and compare all other quotes against it.

 

[Darkxerox]

Thanks for all the feedback! I've been doing research and over analysis as well. Watched a ton of YouTube videos and joined the FB Tesla Solar groups. Since I own a Tesla I know for sure I want to go with Tesla Solar Panels and at least 1 Powerwall 3. I like the idea of everything in the same "ecosystem". I just had the initial Tesla virtual consultation yesterday. I paid the $100 deposit so Jake, my Project Advisor can start working on my system design. I think the issue I'll run into is the available roof space for the panels. My roof has 4 slopes and only 2 slopes are facing the ideal location for panels. At least that was according to the Sunrun assessment.

My annual 2024 usage was 20,260 kWh. So 1,688 kWh monthly average. Yeah, I know that's A LOT. Too many fish tanks and I wfh lol. So the panels will probably only offset my usage by 33-50% at most? Would it make sense to get 1 PW3 and the new PW3 Expansion?

I'll wait for Jake to complete the system design and see what his recommendation is.

View attachment 64615

You don't have to run all the same products in the same ecosystem though. I went with the Maxeon 435W panels with 22.5% efficiency vs. the Tesla 430W at 19.5% efficiency due to less than ideal roof angles to maximize output and with the Enphase microinverters because if your centralized Tesla inverter fails, you have to replace the whole unit which is orders of magnitude more expensive. They will fail too, my parents' Sunpower one lasted about 7 years and getting a replacement unit was hard because it had to be the same age/unit.

I still control and monitor everything through the Tesla app though so there's no interface loss.

 

[gmdcdvm]

20,260 kWh??? Man, back in the day the police would be suspicious you were growing marijuana in your garage. Hahahaha I have seen your house. I am not surprised by that usage.
G

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

20,260 kWh??? Man, back in the day the police would be suspicious you were growing marijuana in your garage. Hahahaha I have seen your house. I am not surprised by that usage.
G

Hence the new years resolution of consolidating tanks

 

[JustinBolton]

You don't have to run all the same products in the same ecosystem though. I went with the Maxeon 435W panels with 22.5% efficiency vs. the Tesla 430W at 19.5% efficiency due to less than ideal roof angles to maximize output and with the Enphase microinverters because if your centralized Tesla inverter fails, you have to replace the whole unit which is orders of magnitude more expensive. They will fail too, my parents' Sunpower one lasted about 7 years and getting a replacement unit was hard because it had to be the same age/unit.

I still control and monitor everything through the Tesla app though so there's no interface loss.

https://digitalassets.tesla.com/tesla-contents/image/upload/Tesla_Solar_Inverter_Architecture_White_Paper_NA-EN_12212022

 

[gmdcdvm]

Well,
Had a power outage last night. We are on the police and fire grid so it is rare for us to get an outage. We don’t get rolling blackouts. Looks like someone took out a power pole. We only knew about it because our neighbors texted wondering what was going on. Checked my phone and sure enough I had a notification from the Tesla app that we were on battery backup. Very seamless transition. Had the phone on silent and if our friends hadn’t texted I would not have known. Switched back to the grid about 2 hours later. This was also seamless.
It was nice not to have to worry about the tanks.

G

 

[IOnceWasLegend]

Hey BAR, the idea of getting solar has popped up in my mind again. I get knocks on my door weekly from solar sales reps. Last year I finally gave in and went through the process of getting a quote from SunRun. Turns out they can only fit 12 panels on my roof and it will only produce about 33% of the energy I need on average. I was also turned off by the all horror stories I've read online about SunRun. So looking more in depth to Tesla Solar this time around. A few questions I have are below:

Does anyone here have Tesla Solar panels? If so, how long?
What was your experience with the install and ongoing solar production compare to what was estimated?
Has any issues arised after installation and how was it resolved?
If you have a different solar company why did you decide on this company instead?
Anything else you would advise on?

Thanks!

We do have Tesla solar panels + 2x powerwalls. Caveat that we're in Roseville, which has its own electric utility provider, so we're not on PG&E.

1. We've had Tesla solar panels + the powerwall since early July 2024.

2. We were initially quoted 2 to 6 months for installation, and from submitting the order to installation took 6 months. To be honest, our experience with the process for the first few months was horrible, largely due to the rep we were assigned. The design process was very quick, as was the initial permit submission. The next 3-4 months, however, were various repetitions of, "Permit submitted, permit denied, agent told us 'it would be resolved in two or three days', agent was off by several weeks, then rinse and repeat." I think we went through either six or seven rounds of permit submission, rejection, resubmit permit. The installation itself was quick and painless and done in ~10 hours. My power was off for ~3 of those (and yours likely will be too, if you're having powerwalls installed)

We had a 7.7 kW system installed (Tesla) on top of our existing 4.1 kW system (Citadel). In September, which was the first full month we had them, we generated ~1650 kwH. In December, which was really cloudy up here, we generated 555 kWh. It took about 6 weeks for us to get PTO after the install.

3. No issues have arisen after installation.

4. We initially tried to go with Citadel solar rather than Tesla right after we purchased our home. I was very clear it was new construction and that we didn't know our average consumption yet, they assured me there would be no issue, and we moved forward. After signing docs and system design, we were then told we had to live in our existing home for at least ten more months (one year) to establish utility usage before we could upsize the solar array included with the house, and pressured to purchase the batteries. After a year here, we did price comparison shopping and Tesla was, by far, the cheapest option for us.

5. Depending on how old your roof is, I'd advise looking into the solar roof (instead of solar panels) if you're approaching the age you need to replace the roof.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

We do have Tesla solar panels + 2x powerwalls. Caveat that we're in Roseville, which has its own electric utility provider, so we're not on PG&E.

1. We've had Tesla solar panels + the powerwall since early July 2024.

2. We were initially quoted 2 to 6 months for installation, and from submitting the order to installation took 6 months. To be honest, our experience with the process for the first few months was horrible, largely due to the rep we were assigned. The design process was very quick, as was the initial permit submission. The next 3-4 months, however, were various repetitions of, "Permit submitted, permit denied, agent told us 'it would be resolved in two or three days', agent was off by several weeks, then rinse and repeat." I think we went through either six or seven rounds of permit submission, rejection, resubmit permit. The installation itself was quick and painless and done in ~10 hours. My power was off for ~3 of those (and yours likely will be too, if you're having powerwalls installed)

We had a 7.7 kW system installed (Tesla) on top of our existing 4.1 kW system (Citadel). In September, which was the first full month we had them, we generated ~1650 kwH. In December, which was really cloudy up here, we generated 555 kWh. It took about 6 weeks for us to get PTO after the install.

3. No issues have arisen after installation.

4. We initially tried to go with Citadel solar rather than Tesla right after we purchased our home. I was very clear it was new construction and that we didn't know our average consumption yet, they assured me there would be no issue, and we moved forward. After signing docs and system design, we were then told we had to live in our existing home for at least ten more months (one year) to establish utility usage before we could upsize the solar array included with the house, and pressured to purchase the batteries. After a year here, we did price comparison shopping and Tesla was, by far, the cheapest option for us.

5. Depending on how old your roof is, I'd advise looking into the solar roof (instead of solar panels) if you're approaching the age you need to replace the roof.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I've been working with Tesla on the system design. My roof is 18 years old and still in good condition so will be looking into the panels.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

Update on my Tesla Solar plans. I've been working with my Tesla advisor on system designs. I've been dragging my feet so it gives me more time to do some research.
In 2024 I use about 20,069 kWh/yr, yeah it's a lot, too many fish tanks lol.

Initial system design was for 10 panels and 2PW3 for a 4.1 kW system which would be a 33% Offset. Finance for 15yrs at 7.5% interest on $26,973.35. Monthly payments would be $240.78.

Second design, would require me to hire a roofing company to relocate 3 pipes/vents so I can fit 3 more panels for a total of 13 panels and 2PW3 for a 5.33 kW system which would be a 43% Offset. Finance for 15 years at 7.5% interest is $30,313.38. Monthly payments would be $271.74.

I know the batteries are not really beneficial at the moment since I won't even be producing enough energy to fill them, but I figured it would be cheaper to get them installed now vs later in the future. Does that make sense? @JustinBolton any thoughts on this? I also plan on reducing the number of fish tanks I have so that should reduce my overall electricity consumption.

Still trying to decide if going solar makes sense since I'll still have to pay PG&E a big chunk, but with them increases prices 1.5% already in 2025 and they increased rates 12.8% in 2024 I think this may be a good long term investment since I don't plan on selling this house any time soon.

 

[Turkeysammich]

This is what I can tell you from the years that I’ve been doing diy solar. Pge is always gonna go up. More panels the better. Solar is extremely addictive. Buy the biggest batteries you can afford. Cuz it’s banking money that you can spend later when the sun goes down or if tomorrow isn’t as sunny as today was. See if you can pay it off early without pre payment penalty. But then I’m a cash kinda guy. Unless you can make 10% somewhere else to cover your 7% loan.

 

[SupraSaltyReefer]

This is what I can tell you from the years that I’ve been doing diy solar. Pge is always gonna go up. More panels the better. Solar is extremely addictive. Buy the biggest batteries you can afford. Cuz it’s banking money that you can spend later when the sun goes down or if tomorrow isn’t as sunny as today was. See if you can pay it off early without pre payment penalty. But then I’m a cash kinda guy. Unless you can make 10% somewhere else to cover your 7% loan.

What do you mean by addictive? As in always wanting to add more panels and run everything off solar?
I plan on paying it off earlier, luckily there is no prepayment penalty.

https://www.tesla.com/support/energy/solar-panels/learn/tesla-solar-financing