Can You Install Tesla Solar Panels Yourself?


Solar power is increasingly becoming a go-to option for a lot of homeowners. 

It’s now becoming easier and affordable to buy and install solar panels onto the roof of your home. You have probably already decided you want to get your own solar panels – and why not? Solar panels are a great way to supply your home with clean energy and they help you save money on your energy bills. 

Solar power has become so popular in recent years that in 2016, the clean energy company giant Tesla bought a solar company called SolarCity and now offers solar panels and solar roofing as part of their products. 

With a 25 year guarantee and a high amount of solar energy production, it’s easy to see why a lot of people are turning to Tesla for their solar panels. 

You may have noticed that they have included installation costs into their overall price, so if you are trying to be thrifty and save yourself some money, you are probably wondering if you can forgo the installation costs and install the solar panels yourself. 

Is that even possible?

Can You Install Your Own Tesla Solar Panels?

In short – no. 

Although you can install other kinds of solar panels yourself, it is not recommended you try to install Tesla’s solar panels all by yourself. There is a multi-step process to the installation of your Tesla solar panels, and without it you could end up with the wrong sized or sloped solar panels that will not remain secure to your roof. 

This is because Tesla’s solar panels can be designed and fitted exactly to your roof thanks to their cutting-edge technology before they even arrive at your house. They are not available in one size fits all like with other solar panel companies – your Tesla solar panels are individually made to be the best fit for your roof. Then, the installation team will ensure that your solar panels fit perfectly to your roof, that they are secure, and that they will function as you want them to. 

Even if installing your own Tesla solar panels was an option, it would only end in disaster – a disaster that could cost your thousands of dollars. So, although you may be disappointed that you can’t cut the installation cost and save yourself some cash, it is for the best. 

How Will Tesla Install My Solar Panels?

Tesla has a multi-step process when it comes to the installation of your solar panels.

The first step is that they will evaluate and assess your house. Once you have purchased your solar panels, you will be asked to complete a virtual home assessment. This assessment requires you to send Tesla important information regarding your home that is vital to choosing the design of your solar panels before they arrive on your doorstep. 

The virtual home assessment will ask you for details such as a recent utility bill, and photographs of your utility meter and air conditioning label. It is a quick and easy step that will take you roughly 15 minutes to complete.

Once Tesla has your home address and information about your utilities, they can then use high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery to view your home and begin to design your solar panels. They take into consideration the slope, angles, and the aesthetics of your home to create the best solar system so you can get the most energy out of your solar panels and they will not spoil the view of your home. 

This means that you can have the right sized solar panels for your roof. If you have limited roof space, you can still purchase Tesla solar panels as they will be designed to fit exactly into however much space you have available. However, this also means that you cannot request any changes on the day of your installation – the team will have to go away and redesign your solar panels, which will result in the process taking even longer. 

Your home will also have an in-person inspection prior to installation and Tesla will give you a pre-installation walkthrough to explain in depth what the process will be like and what you should expect. They will also set up a date with you for your installation to begin. 

On the day of your installation, someone over the age of 18 must be on site to allow the team access to your home. They will get to work straight away, and you will only be needed to stay the first hour before you can leave to do whatever you like. The installation team will keep on working to get your solar panels installed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The installation itself may take over a day to complete, depending on how many panels you ordered and how large your solar system is. However, on average, the installation will be at your home for most of the day. They will install your solar panels and any systems that come with it like a Powerwall

Once your solar system is fully installed, you cannot switch it on straight away. It needs to be inspected by an Inspector Coordinator. They will set up a date with you for them to give your home one final inspection before you can get the thumbs up to start your solar system. This is so the Inspector Coordinator can spot any mistakes or damage caused by the installation team, and these issues can be fixed before you start relying on your solar system for energy. 

Does Tesla Offer Discounts on Solar?

Tesla solar panels are already the lowest price solar panels 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 panels is by using an existing Tesla owners “referral link” when ordering your Tesla solar panels.

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

Conclusion

And that is the Tesla solar panel installation process! 

Without the installation fee, you cannot have Tesla solar panels that are uniquely designed to fit your home. This is why the installation fee is included in the price of the panels – because they have to be designed and made specifically for your home. 

Although you may be insistent that you can install your own solar panels, it is better to just leave it to the professionals. This way you know that the solar panels on your roof not only are a perfect fit, but that they are secure and function properly. Then, you can kick back and enjoy the benefits of green solar energy without any fuss or worries. 

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.

Recent Posts