Tesla Solar Panels Cost & Services Review (January 2024) – MarketWatch

Tesla Energy started offering solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2016 with its acquisition of SolarCity, which had been in business for more than 10 years prior. Since then, Tesla has expanded the availability of its solar services to homeowners nationwide.

However, when speaking to the company, a representative told us that service areas vary according to your ZIP code. Check with a Tesla Solar representative to determine whether the company offers solar system installation services for your home.

Tesla certified installers handle every part of your solar system’s installation, from site inspection to Permission to Operate (PTO) approval. Learn about the installation process with Tesla:

1. Site inspection: Tesla surveys your home and roof using remote aerial technology to measure the area and slope. You will work with the company at this stage to determine the solar system size needed to power your home.
2. Design and permitting: A couple of steps occur before system installation. First, Tesla will design a system to fit your home’s structure and energy needs. Then, the company works with any local institution, such as a utility commission, to obtain all necessary permits and paperwork.
3. Installation: Once everything is prepared, you schedule an installation date with Tesla. You will have to be present at your house for the first hour of the installation process. The company claims it can finish system installations in one day. If you also ordered a home battery, Tesla will activate and configure your system to produce enough energy to power your home and charge your Powerwall.
4. Inspection: Tesla works with your local building department to arrange an inspection. This inspection ensures your installed system meets building codes and safety regulations.
5. Activation: Once Tesla completes the necessary paperwork with your local government, it receives a PTO notice for your system. Tesla will also submit an interconnection request to set up net metering with your utility company if it is available in your area. Tesla claims this process may take anywhere between one and six weeks.

Read our review of the top companies to select a reputable solar installer near you.

Tesla offers the following solar products and services:

• Solar panels
• Solar shingles (Tesla Solar Roof)
• Solar backup batteries
• EV chargers
• Solar system monitoring

Tesla Panel Options

Tesla offers two solar options: traditional solar panels or solar shingles. Both options generate solar energy for your home. However, solar shingles have no visible grid, replicating the aesthetic of roof shingles for a low-profile design. Solar shingles mimic the look of a standard roof when interlocked together.

Image of Tesla Solar shingles (courtesy of Tesla)

On the other hand, Tesla’s monocrystalline solar panel systems offer a more traditional appearance. Tesla’s panels can produce 425 watts and feature an average efficiency rate of 19.6%, which is standard for monocrystalline panels. Its panels are also durable and can operate in temperatures from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Image of Tesla Solar panels (courtesy of Tesla)

Tesla Battery Options

Tesla offers energy storage and an alternative solar power generator with its battery, the Tesla Powerwall. The Powerwall solar battery collects and stores any excess energy your solar panels generate to provide backup power for your home during the night, low sunlight weather and power outages.

The Tesla Powerwall (courtesy of Tesla)

According to Chris Baker, sales operations manager at NC Solar Now, “The Tesla Powerwall is the best battery on the market.” He also noted that the PowerWall is becoming increasingly popular as net metering policies change around the U.S. and solar battery technology advances.

All Tesla solar panels include a 25-year performance guarantee and a 10-year comprehensive warranty. The performance guarantee ensures your solar modules will generate at least 80% of the manufacturer’s nameplate power capacity for at least 25 years.

The 10-year comprehensive warranty covers repairs and replacements of solar system components, including Powerwall solar batteries, solar inverters and issues with roof leaks from the mounting system.

Learn more about Tesla’s solar warranties on its website.

According to our October 2023 survey of homeowners with solar, respondents with Tesla solar panels typically paid between $25,000 and $30,000 for their system. We also obtained quotes from Tesla for a 2,000-square-foot home in Dallas with an average monthly electric bill of $170. Based on our quote, the average upfront cost for a Tesla solar system is between $16,000 and $23,000 before incentives and rebates.

The table below outlines pricing based on system size, including total costs before and after solar incentives like the 30% federal solar tax credit. Prices do not include a Tesla Powerwall, which costs around $9,200 per unit before installation and $11,500 with installation. Although the Powerwall is not required, your solar installer may recommend one or more batteries for your home depending on your needs.

Tesla is one of the few solar panel companies that offer an online quote tool. With this tool, you can get an instant online estimate of the cost of a Tesla solar panel system based on your home and energy needs. Additionally, Tesla offers a price match guarantee for similar solar panel systems.

Tesla offers solar loans if you do not want to pay for your entire system upfront. It does not currently offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). However, your local Tesla Certified Installer may offer additional financing options.

Tesla Energy has a limited number of customer reviews available online specifically for its solar panels, making it more difficult to fully understand the company’s overall customer experience.

That being said, positive reviews commonly mentioned quick and smooth installations. On the other hand, negative reviews mentioned that the company’s customer service was slow and unresponsive.

Because Tesla Energy manufactures solar equipment and has third-party solar companies complete installations, customer experiences can vary. We recommend reading reviews of the solar company installing your Tesla solar panels to understand the provider’s reputation.

Overall, Tesla offers industry-standard solar systems in terms of efficiency and cost. The Tesla solar shingles and roof have a sleek approach to design, and the company provides a solid guarantee for its work. In addition, the Tesla Powerwall is one of the most reputable solar batteries on the market. Finally, the Tesla app makes controlling and monitoring your system approachable from anywhere at any time.

Ultimately, we recommend requesting estimates from several solar companies to decide which one best fits your needs and budget, and if going solar is worth it for you. Click the panel below to compare quotes from our top-rated national solar installation companies.

Gain insight into top-rated providers and affordable choices when it comes to necessary home services.