Most have heard of the world-famous electric car company Tesla. It did not take long for the business to introduce additional environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources to the market. Some of these advancements include Tesla’s different solar technologies. But what exactly are the Tesla solar options?
Tesla solar options include solar panels, solar roof tiles, and the Powerwall for energy storage in a battery. Tesla solar is notable because it is the least expensive solar option on the market, and the battery storage and monitor systems are more advanced than the competitors. Tesla solar, with the Powerwall for battery storage, allows homeowners to sell their excess energy back to their power provider via Net Metering.
Have you been hearing more about the clean energy conversions that residential property owners and business operators are making? It is becoming quite widespread across the United States. Read on to find out what Tesla solar technology is, the advantages and disadvantages of installation, and how much Tesla solar costs.
Tesla Solar Panel Technology
The prototypes of Tesla solar panel technology were announced by Elon Musk back in 2016. About a month later, Tesla bought SolarCity, which was the largest residential solar power company in the United States at the time, for over $2 billion.
When SolarCity technologies merged with Tesla, the advanced solar panel technology was born. All of the solar products created by Tesla are outfitted with silicon solar cells that turn sunlight into electricity for powering homes and other property types.
Here are a few of the items described from Tesla’s solar technology line:
| Product Type | Features | Benefits | Property Type |
| Solar Panels and Solar Roofs | Custom designed for the property | Can operate 0-100% on solar energy | Residential and Commercial |
| Powerwall | Energy storage | 24/7 backup electric generator | Residential |
| Commercial Solar | Renewable microgrids | Eliminates diesel and utility costs | Commercial and Utility |
| Megapack and Powerpack | Commercial-sized energy storage | Batteries for storing solar power on the largest scale | Commercial and Utility |
All of the Tesla solar technology products are created with clean energy as the number one focus. Each is operated without burning fossil fuels, which have been shown to cause critical damage to the atmosphere. They are quiet, and the devices can power appliances for days without interruption.
Installing a Tesla Solar Technology System
Every solar product or system sold by Tesla is customized for the customer. Before a Solar Roof or any solar panels can be installed, a representative from the company talks customers through their process of:
Solar panels are installed just like any standard solar panel options.
Solar Roof requires the existing roof be removed. It makes most sense to add Solar Panels to existing homes, and install Solar Roof to new construction.
- Design: Including a custom solar panel plan for the property created through 3D modeling and aerial images
- Roof Removal: The old roof is torn off (for complete Solar Roof installations only)
- Waterproofing Service: A layer of protective coating is applied to the solar panels to ensure they are safe from outside weather elements
- Tile Installation: Professional solar panel contractors complete the Solar Roof or panel installation
Unique to Tesla’s solar technology is the sleek, low-profile appearance (both in solar panels and solar roof). The company backs its solar panels and solar roof with a 25-year warranty for longevity after installation.
What Size Does Tesla Offer for Solar Technology?
Tesla Solar Panels are each 400 watts. Depending on how much of your electricity bill you’d like to replace with solar will determine how many solar panels you will need.
To give you an idea of solar system sizes:
| Number of Panels | Solar Size | Area Covered | Power Rating |
| 12 | Small | 240 sq. feet | 4.8 kW |
| 24 | Medium | 480 sq. feet | 9.6 kW |
| 36 | Large | 720 sq. feet | 14.4 kW |
| 48 | Extra large | 860 sq. feet | 19.2 kW |
Most homes require between 28 to 34 solar panels. However, you always have the option of only partially operating on solar energy and maintaining your current electricity as well. You can be connected to your current electric set up in conjunction with the cleaner power source.
To figure out how many panels you will need, use the Tesla Solar Calculator.
The Pros and Cons of Installing a Tesla Solar Roof
Like with all advancements, Tesla’s solar technology has its positives and negatives. Take a look at a few of the most common features discussed among consumers.
- Cost: While the initial installation is much more than a traditional asphalt roof, the 25-year warranty and return on investment in energy savings suggest that it will pay for itself throughout the time it is still converting energy.
- Appearance: Unlike other solar panels on the market that look clunky, Tesla solar technology panels are sleeker. They do not fade as quickly as other options. In terms of solar energy, most believe they add curb appeal and increase property value.
- Conversions: Reports indicate that only about 25 percent of households in the country are set up in ways that can actually receive the most solar energy. Depending on where the property is located and how it is positioned, customers may not get the full power required or expected after a solar panel installation.
- Serviceability: Tesla solar technology has not quite reached all the areas in the United States yet. So in the case of a malfunction, not every location has a solar power contractor capable of working on a Tesla-designed system.
- Availability: Tesla solar technology has been slow to roll out. It may take up to two years or longer to get a service done after the initial evaluation and ordering process has been completed.
Before considering Tesla’s solar technology, it is imperative to weigh the pros and cons of your situation precisely.
How Much Does Tesla Solar Technology Cost?
Tesla solar panels are the least expensive solar panels on the market. Take a look at this table to get a better understanding of what Tesla solar technology costs are:
| Solar Panel Cost (Before Rebates) | Size of Tesla Solar System |
| $8,200.00 | 4 kW |
| $16,400.00 | 8 kW |
| $24,600.00 | 12 kW |
| $32,000.00 | 16 kW |
You can get a more exact figure of your system designed specifically for your location by creating it with a Tesla representative. Prices vary from state to state, and different products may be necessary for a particular solar system. To get a quick rough estimate, you can use the Tesla Solar Calculator.
Tax Rebates for Tesla Solar Technology
Tesla solar technology solar panels and Solar Roofs can be included on federal tax returns as of 2021. The government is paying residents and business owners that switch to solar, regardless of if it is Tesla or not, up to 26 percent of the original cost via tax rebates.
The current solar tax incentive as of 2022 is 26%.
Take off the tax incentives provided by the federal government in 2022, and your final cost will look more like this:
| Solar Panel Cost (After Rebates) | Size of Tesla Solar System |
| $6,068.00 | 4 kW |
| $12,136.00 | 8 kW |
| $18,204.00 | 12 kW |
| $23,680.00 | 16 kW |
The incentive is expected to run out at the end of the year unless Congress decides to renew it.
Is There Financing Available for Tesla Solar Technology?
Tesla does offer financing options for their Solar Roof installations. The availability is based on credit. Of course, there are other ways of getting a Tesla solar technology installation without using their financing solutions, including:
- Home equity loan
- Second mortgage
- Personal loans
- Credit card
Customers interested in Tesla solar technology should get a quote for their customized solar system first. No two projects are the same, so each final cost is specific to the property and products required.
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.
Conclusion
The electric car company Tesla purchased the largest residential solar panel provider in the United States, and Tesla solar technology was born. Now Tesla offers several solar technologies to choose from. Solar energy for homes and businesses is expected to become more prevalent in the country and around the globe in the upcoming years.
Switching to solar energy is without a doubt the more eco-friendly option. Property owners must decide if it is worth the cost through calculations of electricity savings and power usage. You must also determine if it is a home improvement that can fit into your budget.