A Guide to Leasing Tesla Solar Panels


A Guide to Leasing Tesla Solar Panels

Consumer interest in solar energy has been big over the past several years. It is a more sustainable resource than that derived from natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy, making it more environmentally-friendly. However, solar systems can still be somewhat expensive, so knowing your options is very important.

While solar systems can be expensive, leasing Tesla solar systems is another option. However, this can be somewhat confusing, especially as there are many options available for both homeowners and business owners. Read on to learn about the many things to take note of if you are interested in the installation of a Tesla solar system.

Leasing Vs. Buying Tesla Solar Panels

Among the many things to take note of if you are interested in the installation of a Tesla solar system is whether it is best to lease or purchase a system. Originally, it was only possible for buyers to purchase the Tesla solar systems if they were interested in going solar with Tesla.

Buying the system proved to be a little bit costly, and it was this that led the brand to begin offering customers other ways to invest. These included the ability to purchase the system by way of a loan and its affordable and subscription service, which made it easier than ever for homeowners to get sustainable solar energy.

Both have proven popular. Details such as regional pricing, which reduces the average monthly bill to lower than the standard cost of the monthly subscription in an area, also help customers save money as soon as they install their new systems.

These things have made Tesla’s solar system a cost-effective option and a choice that is great for the environment. Because of this, more people than ever are now using Tesla’s solar system subscription service as a way to get sustainable energy right in their very own homes.

What You Get With a Tesla Solar Subscription

As already mentioned, Tesla now offers multiple ways to invest in its solar systems. These options include the ability to purchase its solar systems and the ability to purchase the system by way of a loan in addition to its subscription service.

Each of these programs has different parameters, and it is important to note the parameters of each before choosing a program. It might be easy enough for many individuals to know which program is right for their needs. Others may need a little more information to know whether or not to make the investment. Details to consider include:

  • No cash is needed upfront.
  • Customers do not retain ownership of the solar system.
  • No fee is necessary for the cancellation of the service.
  • Tesla keeps the solar energy tax credit.
  • Tesla will keep and maintain the system for the customer.

Also important to note is that customers begin making payments once their solar panels are turned on. Customers will make a deposit for their solar system that covers their first month of service. Additionally, payments will be made on the monthly anniversary dates of customers’ systems being turned on.

Who Qualifies for a Solar System?

Among many important things to note is that at present, not all individuals in the United States are able to have a solar system installed at their homes. Only some states currently allow the installation of Tesla solar systems. These include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Mexico.

Additionally, an individual must own their home, and their home must be listed on the utility bill with a qualifying utility company. Examples of some qualifying utility companies include the Arizona Public Service Company in Arizona and Eversource Energy in Connecticut.

The lowest prices can be found in states such as Arizona or New Mexico, where it costs $50 per month for the small system. However, the largest installations can be upwards of $260 per month in California, so be warned the price can vary greatly depending on the size of the system and your location.

Understanding the Benefits of Tesla Solar Energy

The benefits of solar energy cannot go understated, as they produce a more sustainable and far cleaner energy source. Using solar panels allows individuals to produce this energy right at home. Tesla helps take this to the next level with its solar system, which uses sleek, low-profile panels requiring no visible mounting hardware.

Homeowners see numerous benefits when making the switch to Tesla solar energy. Not only is it cleaner and more environmentally-friendly, but it can also be more cost-effective. Individuals can lower their energy costs by taking control of the amount of energy they are using on a regular basis.

Finally, the Tesla solar system can be a way to help increase a home’s overall value. Whether purchasing or subscribing to the system, a home can significantly increase in value with this kind of addition. Therefore, you do not only get savings on solar power, but you stand to gain more overall.

Components of the Tesla Solar System

Most people will think of flat solar panels when they imagine a solar system. While this is indeed a part of the overall Tesla solar system, it is only one small part of the whole.

As a subscriber, multiple components will be installed at your home. Additionally, you will have the option for certain parts to be installed as desired.

Tesla Solar Panels

As the core component of the Tesla solar system, the solar panels used in the system are top-of-the-line. These panels are all-black and are a high-efficiency option designed to look great and last as long as possible, having a lifespan of approximately 25 years. The panel systems come in a range of sizes:

  • Small – 12 Panels, Covers 240 sq ft
  • Medium – 24 Panels, Covers 480 sq ft
  • Large – 36 Panels, Covers 720 sq ft
  • X-Large – 48 Panels, Covers 960 sq ft

Choosing the right size solar system can make a big difference. Being able to keep up with demand and produce enough energy by means of solar power can greatly reduce costs with the simple installation of a solar system.

Tesla Solar Inverters

While solar panels are a vital part of a solar system, it is also important to think about the other parts of your system. Among the more important parts of your system to consider are the solar inverters.

The solar inverters are the part of your system that converts electricity into a form that appliances, electronics, and lighting in the home can actively use. When sunlight shines on a solar panel, it activates solar cells and causes electrons to move around, which in turn leads to a reaction that creates direct current or DC energy.

However, the majority of homes use AC or alternating current energy. Most homes using AC energy is why an inverter is necessary to transform the direct current energy created by the solar system into the “correct” type of energy.

Tesla Solar System Mounting Hardware

The mounting hardware used in a solar system may not seem to be the most important detail. However, it can make a tremendous amount of difference, especially when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of the system.

The Tesla solar system is designed to be low profile in appearance with approximately 30% fewer anchor points on the roof than traditional installations. In large part, this is due to the mounting hardware used in the installation of the system.

Another bonus of the mounting hardware used in the Tesla solar system is that it results in fewer issues over time. Having fewer issues helps ensure homeowners do not see many problems and have a better overall lifespan with their solar system.

Optional Solar System Components

In addition to those parts of the solar system that come standard, homeowners also have the option to choose extra components for their system. These extra options are available whether they purchase their solar system or they are subscribing to the solar system service. Among the various components a homeowner can choose from are:

  • Additional solar panels – Homeowners can increase the size of their system with the addition of extra solar panels.
  • Solar Roof – Three times stronger than standard tiles, the Solar Roof also provides clean solar energy.
  • Powerwall – This home battery system offers protection in the event of area power outages.

With the addition of these components, homeowners can have a fully-functional and aesthetically-pleasing solar system for their home that will help it continue increasing in value year after year.

Leasing Tesla Solar Panels as a Commercial Customer

Tesla offers a special service to commercial customers interested in subscribing to a solar system rather than purchasing a solar system. However, it is important to note that, at present, this service is only available to customers in California.

Commercial customers in California can subscribe to the Tesla solar system plan if they belong to one of two utility companies:

  • Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
  • San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE)

Also important to note is that commercial customers may only subscribe to the solar system plan if they own their own building or have permission from the building owner to install a system. Currently, commercial solar systems are available in sizes including 40 kW, 120 kW, and 240 kW.

Using the Tesla Solar System

Are you leaning towards becoming a Tesla solar system subscriber? If so, there are certainly many benefits to signing on and becoming a member of their program. Of course, those who think they may want to subscribe likely want to know more about how the Tesla solar system works before signing on.

There are many things homeowners should be aware of. The Tesla solar system offers plenty of convenience to subscribers. Overall, it is easy to use, even for those who are not incredibly tech-oriented.

Additionally, the initial installation and setup of the Tesla solar system is a fairly simple process. Adding on at any time is also far easier than with many other similar solar panel programs. This is among the many reasons why so many homeowners choose Tesla’s program above other solar panel programs.

Installation and Setup of the Tesla Solar System

Tesla aims to make the installation process for their solar systems as simple as possible. The company takes care of everything for their customers. Among the many details Tesla will take care of in the setup and installation process are:

  • Gathering remote aerial imagery of one’s property
  • Designing the solar system
  • Gaining any necessary permits for installation
  • Receiving approval to power on the solar system

Their actions to take care of setup and installation ensure homeowners have to do as little as possible once they contact Tesla to set up their solar subscription. If you are getting a solar subscription with Tesla, you can be assured of a worry-free process from start to finish.

Once everything is set up, homeowners will begin making their monthly payments. Homeowners begin making payments from the moment the system is powered on. One of the most important things a homeowner or business owner should be aware of is that their deposit will cover their first month of service with the Tesla solar system.

Working With the Tesla App

Among the many benefits of using the Tesla solar system is the ability to control and monitor your home’s energy by way of the Tesla mobile app. This app is the same one used to control many features in Tesla vehicles, making it a convenient option for those who are already used to using the app on a regular basis.

With the Tesla app, individuals can manage various features associated with their home solar system. For example, they can easily monitor their home energy and check their Powerwall to see how it is interacting with their home system. Homeowners can even see the historical usage of their home’s Powerwall from the mobile app.

Other handy features available in the app include the ability to set a reserve for power outages. This ability can help ensure homeowners always have a little bit of additional power available on the off chance there is some outage. Setting the Powerwall at 20% from the app ensures there is always a bit of power available in case of an emergency.

Making Changes to Your Subscription

There might be times when you want to make a change to your Tesla solar system subscription. Fortunately, the company makes it quite simple to do this, so you do not have to worry about any problems arising when you are signed up to a plan with the company.

One of the many changes an individual may want to make is adding to their Tesla solar system. For example, someone may want to increase the number of solar panels included in their system. Tesla allows a homeowner to do this at any time by updating their subscription agreement. However, downsizing is not available at the moment.

Homeowners may also find they want to add a component such as the Powerwall to their solar system. While the Powerwall is not available as a part of the subscription, it can be purchased separately and used along with a solar system.

Canceling a Tesla Solar Subscription

While unfortunate, not every homeowner will find that the Tesla solar system is the right service for their needs. Tesla makes it easy for homeowners to cancel their Tesla solar system service at any time.

The company charges no fee for homeowners to cancel their contracts. However, it should be noted that once a contract is canceled, the system’s solar panels will remain on a homeowner’s roof until:

  • The homeowner reactivates the plan
  • The homeowner makes arrangements with Tesla for the removal of the solar panels

It should be noted that if the homeowner contacts Tesla to have the solar panels removed, this process costs approximately $2500. However, sometimes there might be other specifications in a homeowner’s contract.

Does Tesla Offer Discounts on Solar?

Tesla solar is already the lowest cost-per-watt solar on the market, but are there any other ways to save money when ordering?

In short, the only way to get a discount on Tesla solar products is by using an existing Tesla owners “referral link” when ordering.

Tesla has did this same “referral program” concept with it’s vehicles and essentially it allows new customers to get a discount on their purchase by using an existing customers personal referral link.

In regards to Tesla solar discounts, using a Tesla referral link when ordering will save you $300 off solar panels or $500 off solar roof.

The referral discounts are typically only available for a limited time before Tesla stops offering the discount, so take advantage of the savings while you can.

tesla solar panel discount

What Happens if You Sell Your Home?

One of the last things many people may want to know if they are interested in signing on with the Tesla solar system subscription is what may happen if they sell their home while using the system. It is good to note that Tesla has plans in place for this as well.

Homeowners can work with the individuals planning to purchase their property about the possibility of transferring the plan to the new owners. If the new homeowners are in agreement, a simple transfer can take place. In fact, this might be a selling point for the home, meaning it could add appeal value to the home when selling.

However, if the new homeowners are not in agreement, all a current homeowner needs to do is cancel their current Tesla solar system subscription as they would otherwise. The same rules apply as if they were canceling their subscription in any other situation. Therefore, even if it does not add appeal, it is a simple fix and brings no harm.

In the end, leasing a system can be a fantastic option for those who are not sure if they will stay in their current home. If you purchase a system, it can be detrimental if you move quickly. However, with leasing, you stand to lose less and gain similar benefits.

Solar Discounts:

Greg

The articles here on ThatTeslaChannel.com are created by Greg, a Tesla vehicle and Tesla solar expert with nearly half a decade of hands-on experience. The information on this site is fact-checked and tested in-person to ensure the best possible level of accuracy.

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