Tesla Solar Panels Review
Known for its electric vehicle innovation, Tesla expanded its advanced technology to the solar industry. The Tesla Energy division offers high-quality residential panels. solar roofing, and battery solutions to help homeowners save on energy costs. In our in-depth review, we’ll explore Tesla’s solar products, warranties, and customer reviews to see how it stacks up to other top solar installers in the nation.
Important Note: Tesla makes solar panels and batteries but it doesn’t install them. Choose from one of the Tesla certified installers below to get your Tesla batteries or solar panels installed.
Our Take on Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla has developed innovative residential solar tech, including low-profile efficient panels, advanced solar roof tiles. and its exclusive Tesla Powerwall battery. We found navigating Tesla’s website for a sample quote easy. Its transparent pricing and streamlined ordering systems made it simple to shop for a new system without the help of a sales representative. The company offers long-term product and performance coverage for its systems, but its 10-year comprehensive warranty falls short of other providers. In addition, we learned that many customers were dissatisfied with the company’s poor customer service, waiting months for technical support and servicing.
Tesla Solar Overview
- BBB rating: A
- Year founded: 2015
- State availability: 50 (availability varies by ZIP code)
- Warranty: 10-year warranty for product, inverter, and roof leaks and 25-year performance guarantee
- Payment options: Full payment, solar loan (select areas)
Best Solar Companies of 2023
These are the best solar companies in Maine, according to our research and ranking methodology.
- Tesla: Best Solar Tech
- SunPower : Best High-Efficiency System
- ADT Solar : Best Solar Warranty
- Sunrun : Best Solar Panel Leasing
- Blue Raven Solar : Most Reputable
- Green Home Systems : Best Solar Roofs
- Elevation : Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
- Palmetto Solar : Best Customer Support
Pros and Cons of Tesla Solar Panels
Pros 24/7 solar panel monitoring through its mobile app Instant online quotes available Solar panel price-match guarantee
Cons Long wait times for repairs, per customer reviews Shorter equipment warranty than other providers Third-party solar system installations only
Tesla Solar Services and Panel Options
Tesla uses its own solar panels for installations. Its all-black, minimalistic panels have no visible grid, a concealed edge, and a low profile. The panels interlock when installed, forming one solid solar panel array that blends with your home’s aesthetics. These monocrystalline (mono) solar panels have efficiency ratings between 19.3% and 20.6%, depending on the model. This type of panel offers excellent energy production and has the longest life span. Based on our research of other solar providers, we found that these panels are not the most efficient panels available. However, they offer above-average energy production levels, making them a solid investment. Tesla also includes in-house inverters for its solar systems. The inverter helps convert the direct current (DC) energy received from the sun into alternating current (AC) energy for your home. Its inverters operate at 97.5% efficiency, much higher than the average range of 93%–96%. Higher inverter efficiencies lead to better energy conversion for your home.
Other Solar Products Offered by Tesla
- Powerwall : The Tesla Powerwall solar battery has become a favorite among homeowners due to its excellent storage capacity, life span, and warranty. It comes in two models: the Powerwall 2 and the Powerwall. While they work best as an addition to existing solar systems, the Powerwall integrates into a new energy system well.
- Solar roof : The Tesla solar roof serves as an alternative to traditional rooftop panels. They offer the durability of traditional roofing material with the power of solar technology. These sleek, solar tiles blend into your home’s design, providing a less noticeable installation than traditional rooftop panels. The Tesla roof is an excellent option when building a new home or when replacing your current roof.
Why Install Tesla Powerwall in Your Home?
Batteries combat many concerns homeowners have when installing solar panels in Canada. Although one can install solar panels without Powerwall, and Powerwall without solar, energy storage systems complement solar power systems brilliantly.
With Powerwall, people no longer have to rely on the grid which is commonly powered by carbon-intensive fuels such as coal or natural gas. Powerwall allows solar power systems to generate electricity when the grid goes down and provides homeowners more energy independence and control.
Self Powered Home
Using Tesla Powerwall with a solar power system reduces one’s reliance on the electricity grid. Independent sustainable living is now possible without sacrificing lifestyle.
Powerwall’s capacity allows one to use stored solar energy during the day and night with little to no reliance on utility companies and their often dirtier fuel sources.
Backup Energy
If a crisis emerges or the grid drops out. are you prepared?
Tesla Powerwall provides backup energy for your home when the grid goes down. As climate change presents more extreme patterns, the risk of being ill-prepared grows.
Residents of California can attest to this after devastating wildfires in recent years disrupted a relatively stable grid.
Time of Use Control
Some jurisdictions charge users more for electricity at certain times of the day, referred to as time-of-use billing or TOU. If your electricity is TOU structured, home battery energy storage systems provide substantial financial advantages.
One can charge batteries from solar or when grid electricity are low, and discharge batteries when grid electricity are high.
TOU is only available in certain regions. Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and NWT for example, generally do not use time of use electricity billing.
Clean Home Energy Control
Tesla Powerwall mobile app gives users incredible control over their home’s energy in real time.
Users can set charge/discharge times as well as set ongoing battery reserve amounts. Through the app, users can see in real time how energy is flowing between the grid, Powerwall, solar panels and home’s loads. Insightful data is presented in clean graphs showcasing home consumption, solar electricity generation and grid exports.
Want to keep 50% battery capacity for ‘just in case’ situations?
Want to discharge your entire battery instead of using grid electricity?
A few clicks on the app will customize Powerwall to your liking.
Tesla Powerwall 2 Highlights and Specifications
Tesla Powerwall capacity and performance specifications are unrivaled in the home energy storage market.
Powerwall Highlights
Powerwall has an integrated inverter to allow direct connection to any electrical panelboard. Powerwall can be mounted outside, although it is not recommended for most Canadian climates. Batteries operate best when kept at or near room temperature.
Powerwall is touch-safe, child and pet friendly with no exposed wires, hot vents or toxic gases. Up to 10 Powerwalls can be mounted together in a system.
Tesla Powerwall Technical Specifications
Power: 7kW peak / 5kW continuous
Dimensions: 1150mm x 753mm x 147mm (H x W x D)
Installation: Indoor or outdoor. Floor or wall mounted.
Operating Temperature:.20C to 50C
How Battery Energy Storage Systems Work
Grid-tied applications are the most common integration for Powerwall in Canada. It is now possible to go fully off-grid (no electrical connection to utility grid) with Powerwall or to provide backup power in commercial applications.
Tesla Powerwall replicates the frequency of the electrical utility grid, called grid-forming. This feature allows solar panels to continue to operate in the event of a grid outage, contrary to the typical anti-islanding behaviour which turns solar power systems (specifically, the inverter(s)) off in the event of an outage.
Grid-Tied
Remaining grid-tied is the most economical option if your property has an existing electrical utility connection. This is explored further below.
Grid energy and stored energy interplay with each other seamlessly and automatically. When the grid goes down, Powerwall senses the disruption and continues to provide energy.
No delays. No manual switching required.
Grid-tied Powerwall installations in Canada come in two forms – whole home backup and critical loads backup.
As the name suggests, whole home backup provides electricity to the entire home. This option typically requires multiple Powerwalls to adequately power your home.
Powerwalls (and solar panels) tie into your main electrical panel and all loads receive energy in the event of a grid outage.
Critical Loads
Powering critical loads is a more common approach to installing grid-tied Tesla Powerwall in Canada. By powering critical loads only, clients can reduce the number of Powerwalls required to satisfy their needs and in doing so, save capital.
This method requires moving a home’s essential loads into a separate subpanel. In the event of an outage, these critical loads will be supplied by Powerwall and solar energy while the non-essential loads in the main panel remain dormant.
You and your family can weather any storm and still live a comfortable lifestyle with an operating fridge, freezer, internet, boiler, and select switches outlets.
Off-Grid
Through a recent addition, living off-grid with Tesla Powerwall is now possible
If electrical utility connections are too costly to install or simply not desired, off-grid living is now possible without sacrificing lifestyle.
Off-grid installations require a minimum of 2 Powerwalls and an internet connection. It is highly recommended to have an additional generator (diesel, gas, or propane) on site in case there are prolonged dark periods.
Commercial Energy Storage
Tesla recently released an application update to allow Powerwall to provide backup power to 208V commercial services.
This is a breakthrough addition to now allow the safe backup of critical commercial infrastructure such as servers, computer banks and other important hardware.
How Long Will Powerwall Last in an Outage?
How long Powerwall lasts in an outage is referred to as days or hours of autonomy. The autonomy of a BESS is based on its capacity as well as what loads are being used and for how long.
Tesla has compiled an excellent tool to gauge autonomy based on different load scenarios.
Powerwall will last approximately 1 to 2 days but can be extended to 7 days by modifying lifestyle choices or by adding additional Powerwalls. Solar panels will charge Powerwall, but it may be wise to consider how long it would last without solar input should the power go out in winter or during extended cloudy periods.
Is it Better to be Grid-Tied or Go Off-Grid with Powerwall?
Whether it is better to be grid tied or live off grid depends on your desire, budget and property.
If the home is grid-tied currently, remaining that way will be the most economical. Specifically, a critical loads-only grid-tied Powerwall installation would be most favourable financially. For many, grid-tied Powerwall installations are a fair balance between having backup energy, energy independence and saving money.
‘Cutting the chord’ is a common desire for those who want to take energy independence to the next level but this may be cost prohibitive for the average BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, YT or NWT homeowner.
Living off-grid in Canada requires additional energy storage capacity (and investment) relative to battery systems that supplement the grid. Additionally, off-grid living generally requires an additional backup generator just in case adverse weather or equipment issues arise.
Am I eligible to claim the federal solar tax credit?
You might be eligible for this tax credit if you meet the following criteria:
- Your solar PV system was installed between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2034.
- The solar PV system is located at a residence of yours in the United States.
- Either:
- You own the solar PV system (i.e., you purchased it with cash or through financing but you are neither leasing the system nor nor paying a solar company to purchase the electricity generated by the system).
- Or, you purchased an interest in an off-site community solar project, if the electricity generated is credited against, and does not exceed, your home’s electricity consumption. Notes: the IRS issued a statement (see link above) allowing a particular taxpayer to claim a tax credit for purchasing an interest in an off-site community solar project. However, this document, known as a private letter ruling or PLR, may not be relied on as precedent by other taxpayers. Also, you would not qualify if you only purchase the electricity from a community solar project.
What expenses are included?
The following expenses are included:
- Solar PV panels or PV cells (including those used to power an attic fan, but not the fan itself)
- Contractor labor costs for onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation, including permitting fees, inspection costs, and developer fees
- Balance-of-system equipment, including wiring, inverters, and mounting equipment
- Energy storage devices that have a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or greater (for systems installed after December 31, 2022). If the storage is installed in a subsequent tax year to when the solar energy system is installed it is still eligible, however, the energy storage devices are still subject to the installation date requirements). Note: A private letter ruling may not be relied on as precedent by other taxpayers.
- Sales taxes on eligible expenses
How do other incentives I receive affect the federal tax credit?
For current information on incentives, including incentive-specific contact information, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency website.
Rebate from My Electric Utility to Install Solar
Under most circumstances, subsidies provided by your utility to you to install a solar PV system are excluded from income taxes through an exemption in federal law. When this is the case, the utility rebate for installing solar is subtracted from your system costs before you calculate your tax credit. For example, if your solar PV system installed in 2022 cost 18,000, and your utility gave you a one-time rebate of 450,000 for installing the system, your tax credit would be calculated as follows :
However, payments from a public utility to compensate for excess generated electricity not consumed by the taxpayer but delivered to the utility’s electrical grid (for example, net metering credits) are not subsidies for installing qualifying property and do not affect the taxpayer’s credit qualification or amounts.
Payment for Renewable Energy Certificates
When your utility, or other buyer, gives you cash or an incentive in exchange for renewable energy certificates or other environmental attributes of the electricity generated (either upfront or over time), the payment likely will be considered taxable income. If that is the case, the payment will increase your gross income, but it will not reduce the federal solar tax credit. Note: A private letter ruling may not be relied on as precedent by other taxpayers.
Rebate from My State Government
Unlike utility rebates, rebates from state governments generally do not reduce your federal tax credit. For example, if your solar PV system was installed in 2022, installation costs totaled 18,000, and your state government gave you a one-time rebate of 450,000 for installing the system, your federal tax credit would be calculated as follows :
State Tax Credit
State tax credits for installing solar PV generally do not reduce federal tax credits—and vice versa. However, when you receive a state tax credit, the taxable income you report on your federal taxes may be higher than it otherwise would have been because you now have less state income tax to deduct. (The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 placed a 10,000 limit on state and local tax (SALT) deduction through 2025. Therefore, if a homeowner is still paying more than 10,000 in SALT after claiming a state tax credit, the state tax credit benefit would not effectively be reduced by the federal tax rate, as it would not impact federal taxes (due to the SALT limit).) The end result of claiming a state tax credit is that the amount of the state tax credit is effectively taxed at the federal tax level.
Who can join Origin Loop VPP?
To sign up, you need to:
- live within 50km of Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Melbourne CBD, Brisbane CBD, Wollongong, Adelaide, or Gold Coast metro
- have or buy a compatible battery system and inverter
- have a reliable internet connection so we can connect your battery to our Origin Loop VPP
- remain an Origin electricity customer for at minimum, 5 years.
Ready to join? Here’s what to do
You’ll need to let us know how to contact you, and if possible, some information about your property and how you use your energy.
To discuss your options and arrange a site inspection. Once your site has been inspected, we’ll confirm installation details and finalise your quote.
We’ll install your system
An expert will attend your home at a time that suits you to install your new system.
You’ll join Loop and the VPP
Your battery will connect to our VPP. We’ll access it from time to time to help manage energy supply and demand.
Connect your solar battery to Origin Loop virtual power plant
With no lock-in contracts and a 400 sign-up bonus, now’s a great time to join our network of connected home solar and battery systems.
Need help choosing the right solar battery storage?
With over a decade worth of experience setting up home solar systems across Australia, our experts can help you pick the right solar systems and determine which solar battery storage might be best for you. Ask us for a personalised quote.