Tesla Solar Review 2024 – USA TODAY

Tesla Energy is a household name in the residential solar energy industry. Though the company is best known for its CEO, Elon Musk, and its electric cars, it is also touted for its solar roof, which uses low-profile solar shingles to mimic the appearance of a traditional roof. The roof acts as a solar panel system using monocrystalline QCell panels that interlock seamlessly when installed. They have an efficiency rating between 19.3% and 20.6%, depending on the model.

In addition to this cutting-edge panel system design, Tesla is known for making the Tesla Powerwall, the industry-standard solar battery backup.

This Tesla solar review pulls from our home solar industry research, which included a survey of 1,000 home solar customers (with approximately 100 Tesla customers), an in-depth analysis of Tesla’s product specifications and warranty coverage, and expert insight.

For all its technical prowess, Tesla solar has less robust warranty coverage than other providers we’ve reviewed. Some reviewers mention difficulty scheduling installation and other gaps in communication.

Our thoughts on Tesla solar

Tesla didn’t make our list of the best solar installation companies. Based on our methodology, we rated Tesla 3.4 out of 5 stars due to its limited warranty options and poor customer service reputation. However, Tesla remains a solid contender due to its solar roof and overall product selection. The company is also one of the few solar installers that services all 50 states. 

What we like

We’re most impressed with Tesla’s solar roof. Using Qcells solar panels, Tesla crafts a system that mimics the appearance of a typical asphalt shingle roof and provides the same durability. Unlike solar panel racking systems, Tesla’s high-performance solar roof is stylish and won’t take away from your home’s aesthetic. If you prefer, the company also provides standard solar panel installation using Qcells panels, which are still sleek and technologically advanced.

We also like that Tesla provides quality solar batteries and inverters with a well-reviewed active monitoring smartphone app. With star ratings of 3.7 out of 5 on the Google Play Store and 3.6 out of 5 on the Apple App Store, the Tesla app lets you analyze your entire system performance. You can tweak energy consumption and system output to achieve personal energy and financial goals.

Though the company doesn’t focus on financial incentives as much as other providers, such as Palmetto and Trinity Solar, it does offer a price-matching policy. If you obtain a competitive quote and the same financing option and system specs within 14 days of the Tesla quote, the company will match the competitive pricing. The competitor quote cannot apply additional discounts and must include permit and installation costs.

What we don’t like

The biggest downside to Tesla is its customer service, which it shares across its automobile and solar energy departments. 

In addition to customer complaints about unfulfilled warranties, Tesla’s warranties are shorter than those of similar companies, such as SunPower. Though it includes a standard 25-year manufacturer warranty, it limits labor and production warranties to 10 years. We found that other solar panel companies, such as SunPower, provide more comprehensive warranty coverage. 

Tesla is also limited in what solar brands it supplies. The company has a close partnership with Qcells for all its solar panels, and you can only use Tesla’s in-house inverters and Powerwall batteries. Other solar installers, such as Elevation and Sunrun, provide products based on the supply chain or through multiple partnerships.

Compare top solar brands

Tesla’s warranty coverage is lacking compared to other top solar installers, and the company’s poor customer service further dipped its rating.

Tesla solar services

Tesla uses all-black, monocrystalline solar panels from Qcells for its installations. These panels have a concealed edge, no visible grid and a low profile. When installed, they interlock to form a single solid solar panel array that blends seamlessly with your home’s roof. The efficiency ratings of Tesla’s monocrystalline solar panels vary between 19.3% and 20.6%, depending on the model.

After researching other solar providers, we found that these panels are not the most efficient on the market. That title goes to SunPower, which provides panels that reach up to 25% efficiency. The Tesla panels still offer above-average energy production levels, making them a reliable investment.

Tesla also provides in-house inverters for its solar systems. The inverter helps convert the energy received from the sun in direct current (DC) into alternating (AC) energy for your home. We like that Tesla focuses on providing in-house inverters, as it makes any necessary repairs or upgrades easier for you.

Solar battery installation

The Tesla Powerwall is a highly sought-after solar battery option for homeowners. It boasts a sizable energy storage capacity and a long life span and warranty. The Powerwall batteries can be installed indoors and outdoors, and they are designed to be compact, making it easy to tuck them away in a convenient location, such as your garage. There are two models available: the Powerwall 2 and the Powerwall+.

While the Powerwall 2 works best to complement existing solar systems, the Powerwall+ can also integrate into novel energy systems, including entirely new components such as another AC unit or an electric vehicle charger. The Powerwall 2 can provide up to 13.5 kilowatt-hours of usable energy to power most appliances. However, larger 240-volt appliances, such as air conditioners, may require additional batteries.

Mobile app active monitoring

The Tesla app lets you monitor your roof’s energy production and home energy consumption in real time. It notifies you of system issues and offers remote control over energy production and storage systems that manage backup power reserves. With a user-friendly interface, you can easily analyze your monthly usage, view historical data and gain insight into your energy consumption patterns over time.

Other solar providers use Tesla’s app to assist with system monitoring — a necessity for residential solar energy. “All the advanced hardware in the world is nothing without great software that ties it all together,” said JD Dillon, chief marketing officer at Tigo Energy, when discussing the benefits of monitoring apps. Dillon explained that homeowners are able to catch unsuspected issues by actively monitoring and scheduling repairs and upgrades. “No human could keep up with or manage the data these systems process,” he added.

All the advanced hardware in the world is nothing without great software that ties it all together.

JD Dillon

Tesla solar’s installation process

The Tesla solar roof is a unique roofing system that utilizes glass tiles containing photovoltaic cells to capture the sun’s energy and produce electricity. It is a separate service from Tesla’s standard solar panel installation. The system’s design is technologically advanced and sleek, similar to other Tesla products.

It’s important to note that you’re not simply adding solar panels to your existing roof by choosing the Tesla solar roof. Instead, you’re getting a brand-new roof comprising a combination of regular and photovoltaic shingles. The result is a roof that protects your home from the elements and converts solar power into electricity.

Tesla follows the same standard steps for installation as other solar installers. Tesla initially used in-house installers, but we’ve seen recent reports from Electrek stating that Tesla will use third-party installers in 2024. 

• Consultation: Tesla conducts a site inspection of your home and roof using remote aerial technology to measure the area and slope. At this stage, you will work with the company to determine the size of the solar system required to power your home.
• Design and permitting: Tesla designs a solar system that fits your home’s structure and energy needs. Tesla will then work with your local utility company and commission to obtain all necessary permits and paperwork.
• Installation: Once everything is in place, you can schedule an installation date with Tesla. It usually takes one day, or approximately eight hours, for Tesla to complete the installation. Plan to be present for the first hour of the installation process. If you order a home battery, Tesla will activate and configure your system to produce enough energy to power your home and charge the Powerwall.
• Final inspection and activation: After installation, Tesla will work with your local building department to arrange an inspection that ensures the installed system meets building codes and safety regulations. Tesla will complete the necessary paperwork with your local government and receive a permission to operate (PTO) notice for your system. If net metering is available in your area, Tesla will submit an interconnection request to set it up with your utility company. This process usually takes between one and six weeks, according to Tesla.

Warranties

All Tesla solar panels come with two types of warranties. The first is a 25-year performance guarantee, which promises that the solar modules will generate at least 80% of the manufacturer’s nameplate power capacity for at least 25 years. If the panels don’t live up to the promise, Tesla works to remedy the issue for free. The second is a 10-year comprehensive warranty covering repairs and replacements of solar system components, such as Powerwall solar batteries, solar inverters and roof leaks from the mounting system.

Pricing and quotes

Our October 2023 survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar revealed that Tesla customers paid roughly $17,602 on average for their solar power systems, with some systems being around 9-kilowatt (kW). This is one of the highest average quote prices our survey showed. However, this price is still cheaper than the national average for a 6-kW system, estimated to be $18,960, according to recent reports published by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Using a Chicago address with a monthly electricity bill of $180, we got an instant quote on Tesla’s website for a solar panel system with a Powerwall. Tesla recommended a 12.96-kW solar panel system with three Powerwalls, which came to $13,608, including all “possible incentives.” Tesla doesn’t disclose what these incentives entail other than the federal solar tax credit. Without incentives, the system’s price is an estimated $31,104.

Tesla offers payment methods that provide full ownership. This allows you to claim the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a government incentive provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. The IRS offers a Residential Clean Energy Credit to encourage the use of solar energy systems. Per the current guidelines, solar system owners can deduct some of their qualified solar expenses from their federal income tax returns. The ITC presently covers 30% of the installation cost for solar systems. This means you can reduce your owed federal taxes by 30% of your solar panel system’s overall price.

Tesla works only with solar loans and full cash purchases, which provide the most cost-effective outcomes when going solar. However, depending on your financial goals, you might benefit from considering a solar lease with a different provider. 

• Full purchase: This payment option offers the best value for money regarding solar energy systems. If you choose to make a cash purchase, you will become the sole owner of the system without extra financing costs over time. Additionally, you may be eligible for the federal solar tax credit and local incentives.
• Solar loan: This financing option allows you to pay a monthly fee that includes interest to own the solar panels while still taking advantage of solar incentives.

Customer thoughts

Tesla struggles when it comes to customer service. Though it features low customer service ratings and an overall negative online presence, the company does feature some positive reviews aimed at the quality of its products and installation. For example, recent Reddit threads mention having had good experiences with Tesla’s solar services overall. However, negative reviews cite extended wait times, unfulfilled warranties and poor communication. 

These mixed experiences could be a result of the company using subcontracted, third-party installers. Though this is becoming a common practice in the solar industry, we’ve noticed that companies using in-house installers tend to have a better reputation overall. 

Final take: Tesla provides high-quality solar roofs, but be ready for unpredictable customer service

Overall, the best thing about Tesla solar is its solar roof. The solar roof is a unique offering many other solar installation companies have yet to adopt. It remains Tesla solar’s flagship service, and the company cares about providing quality installations with this unique offer. You can also still opt for a standard solar panel system with Tesla. The company offers fairly standard system performance with durable QCells solar panels ranging from 19.3% to 20.6% efficiency. 

Though the Tesla app is a quality active monitoring app, most monitoring and upkeep relies on you rather than the company. Other providers tend to integrate ongoing support with their solar panel and battery installations, such as maintenance plans and cleaning, and as a result, they feature higher customer service scores.

We recommend you get a quote from Tesla and two other local solar installers. This approach lets you compare each provider’s pricing, offerings and warranty coverage. You can also use them to your advantage due to Tesla’s price-match policy.

Our rating methodology for solar companies

You benefit most from working with a solar installer that is responsive and transparent and that offers a breadth of service options. We evaluate solar installers on a variety of key factors, including their customer service, breadth of services, consultation process, website experience, panel quality, payment options, financing availability and warranty coverage. 

We rate and compare solar installers using our in-depth methodology. Installers are scored out of 100, and we then divide the final score by 20 to get the 5-star rating we include in our reviews.

Apple App store, Google Play and BBB information is current as of January 2024.

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