Tesla has been making waves in the electric vehicle industry for years, but its EVs aren’t the only eco-friendly option in the company’s lineup. It’s branched out into the solar industry, making revolutionary moves toward advanced, aesthetically pleasing solar solutions.
But are these stylish panels a good choice for your home? This article explores our take on Tesla solar panels to help you decide if this provider is the best fit for your solar energy needs.
Are you looking for the best solar energy system for your home? Find the best local solar companies in our solar panel home guide.
4.6
Our Rating
Our Preferred Solar Installers
Tesla is just one of many popular companies in the solar industry. However, there are several other brands we strongly recommend for our readers. Use the panel below to retrieve free estimates from these top contenders:
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
Our Take on Tesla Solar Panels
Tesla solar panels are a great option. Their standout technology allows you to combine the solar panels with Tesla’s mobile application and Powerwall battery, and the panels are sleek and modern, featuring a low-profile design and gridless all-black looks that come at a surprisingly competitive cost. Through the Tesla app, you can view all information related to your solar system from the palm of your hand, including energy production, diagnostics, system status, and more.
What’s more, while most solar providers have a limited service area, Tesla is available in all 50 states — but on the downside, the wait for Tesla solar panels is longer than that for other brands.
Tesla Solar Pros & Cons
The tabs below provide a high-level overview of Tesla’s benefits and drawbacks for solar installation. Keep these points in mind as you navigate the rest of the review.
What We Like About Tesla’s Solar Panels
If you prefer a clean, sleek appearance and aren’t interested in the clunky, painfully obvious panels offered by many manufacturers on the market, Tesla’s solar options might be a great fit for you. The company offers two types of panels, allowing you to select the option that best matches your home’s aesthetic.
The panels feature a skirted edge and a sleek, all-black appearance that helps them blend seamlessly into your roof’s design.
In addition to the sleek looks, Tesla offers a handy app that enables convenient, 24/7 monitoring. The Tesla app allows you to connect all your Tesla products, including solar panels, Powerwall battery, EV charger, and Tesla car, in an easy-to-use interface for ultimate control.
Given all these perks, you might think that Tesla’s panels would carry an exorbitant price. On the contrary, they’re surprisingly affordable. And Tesla offers a price-match guarantee, ensuring you’ll always get the most out of your money.
Drawbacks of Tesla’s Solar Panels
Although Tesla’s offerings are tempting, you should consider a few downsides before moving forward. Some customers report issues with Tesla’s customer service team, citing lengthy wait times to reach reps and difficulty getting through at all. Since minor hiccups and questions are nearly inevitable with any product, this can pose a problem, as you might have a tough time getting help or an answer to your query.
In addition, customers also report long wait times for Tesla panel installation compared to other brands.
What Solar Panels Does Tesla Offer?
Tesla offers two types of monocrystalline solar panels: the S Series and the H series. The panels are packed with features to maximize their aesthetic appeal, from a minimalistic design with no visible grid lines to a concealed edge with a low profile.
When installed, these panels interlock with each other, forming one seamless array. The panels come in packages with a specified number of panels: small (12 panels), medium (24 panels), large (36 panels), and extra large (48 panels).
Tesla S Series
The Tesla S Series features panels with power outputs ranging from 420 watts (W) to 430 W, making them a great choice for larger homes or those with greater energy demands. The S Series are monocrystalline solar panels with the best efficiency rating and power capacity per square foot compared to panels using other technologies. However, the S Series’s efficiency rating of 19.8% is slightly lower than the industry standard of 20% and other panels available from Tesla. That said, they’re the better choice for homeowners on a tighter budget.
Tesla H Series
These panels are also monocrystalline and similar to the S Series options, although the specifications vary slightly. These models are available in varying power outputs between 395 W and 405 W and feature a higher efficiency rating of 20.6%. While the efficiency of Tesla’s panels is lower than that of many of Tesla’s competitors, the panels offer solid efficiency at a reasonable price.
What Additional Solar Products Does Tesla Manufacture?
Aside from its solar panels, Tesla offers a solar battery (the Powerwall) and a solar roof.
Tesla Solar Roof
The Tesla solar roof comprises sleek, modern solar shingles that mimic the look of regular shingles. These shingles act as tiny solar panels that replace your current roof, allowing you to prioritize aesthetics and ensure your home matches your preferences.
The solar roof from Tesla costs much more than solar panels — Tesla Solar Roof tiles cost $21.50 per square foot, while typical solar panels cost between $4 and $10 per square foot — but if you’re in the market for a new roof and a solar system, this could be a good upgrade for your home.
Tesla Powerwall
The Tesla Powerwall is a solar battery that comes in a few configurations. It stores renewable energy and pairs well with Tesla’s solar panels or solar roof, offering energy storage and an alternative to net metering and power outages.
You can combine multiple Powerwalls to increase your home’s energy storage capacity. It’s a popular option for homeowners nationwide for its features, so it’s a worthwhile consideration.
What Solar Panel Technology Does Tesla Use?
Tesla is known for its high-tech, luxurious vehicles, and unsurprisingly, the luxury feel also infuses Tesla’s solar designs. The company uses high-end solar panel technology to produce quality panels that are easily controllable through a convenient app.
Monocrystalline Photovoltaics (PV)
Like many other manufacturers, Tesla’s solar panels are photovoltaic (PV). This solar technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials that capture light. Monocrystalline panels use pure silicon solar cells and have the best efficiency compared to other technologies (polycrystalline and amorphous), but they cost more.
When the sunlight streams onto the panels and hits the panels’ solar cells, the electrons are knocked loose, creating an electric current. The electrons flow through a circuit integrated into the panels, generating energy. The more panels there are, the more electricity the solar array can generate.
Tesla Solar App
Many solar providers offer monitoring technology for user convenience, but few offer the bells and whistles in Tesla’s solar app. It features a sleek and modern user-friendly interface that acts as the control center for your home’s solar setup.
The best part of this app is its compatibility with Tesla’s other products, including its Powerwall battery and EV charger. It allows you to control all system components from a single place conveniently. You can monitor your system’s performance live, browse through its historical production, and view its status/diagnostic information.
Using a Powerwall with your solar power system lets you control and manage your home’s energy setup, even when the power goes out. On top of that, you can track the amount of energy you redirect to the grid, making it easy to stay on top of your credits.
While the app features a straightforward interface, owing to its numerous capabilities, there might be a learning curve as you familiarize yourself with it. You can always ask your installer for help navigating the app or consult Tesla’s support services.
Do Tesla Solar Panels Perform Well in Inclement Weather?
Tesla’s solar panels are not just aesthetically appealing; they’re also durable. They can withstand temperatures from -40ºF to 185°F, making them an excellent choice for the frigid cold of Northern United States winters and the sweltering heat of South and Southwest summers.
These panels perform well in other types of harsh weather, including hail, wind, rain, snow, and ice. Tesla’s solar panels meet applicable Underwriters Laboratories standards for hailstone resistance and are certified to international standards ensuring they are weatherproof, dust-tight, and can handle any snow load mother nature throws at them.
How Much Do Tesla Solar Panels Cost?
Tesla solar panels are surprisingly affordable — coming in at prices far lower than many competitors. Tesla solar panels cost around $2.30 per watt, considerably less than the national average of $2.94 per watt.
While the average cost will vary based on the system size necessary for your home, most Tesla solar panel setups cost between $9,000 and $40,000. However, Tesla offers a price-match guarantee, so if you get a quote on a comparable system from another brand, bring it to Tesla’s attention to ensure you get the best price possible (you must meet specific requirements to get the price match).
The cost of adding a Tesla Powerwall to your solar setup is between $9,000 and $14,000 more. Purchases with multiple Powerwalls come with a discount, so the price can vary drastically based on your chosen setup.
Does Tesla Offer Any Financing Options?
Going solar isn’t cheap, so financing options are essential for many homeowners to make the switch. Unfortunately, Tesla’s financing options are limited. While most solar providers offer cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and PPAs, Tesla allows homeowners to purchase its systems up-front in cash or take out a loan.
The cash purchase option is the most cost-effective of the duo but may not be feasible for all homeowners. Instead, a loan might be the better option as it allows homeowners to pay off the system over time.
Solar loans are similar to home or auto loans and generally available through financial services industry leaders. Loan options vary based on your state, so ensure you verify it’s a valid option before proceeding.
Are There Other Ways to Save Money on Tesla Solar Panels?
Tesla’s solar panels are some of the most affordable options on the market, but they still aren’t cheap. Here are a few of the best ways to save on your solar panels, up-front and over time.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
The Federal Solar Tax Credit is an excellent way to save on your solar investment. The savings comes via your next tax return and can give you a sizable cut on taxes you owe for that year.
As of 2023, the federal tax credit sits at 30% and will remain at this percentage until 2033. In 2034, the credit is scheduled to begin dropping in increments until it reaches zero in 2036. While it isn’t a direct discount on your initial purchase, the credit is an ideal way to save on your solar investment.
Net Metering
Numerous states have net metering policies that work in favor of homeowners. While it isn’t a direct way to save money on your initial solar purchase, net metering can be an excellent path to savings long-term. The policy allows you to send extra energy your solar panels generate back to the grid. Generally, you’ll receive credits for the excess energy.
This means you’ll have credits when your panels don’t produce enough to match your energy needs and you have to pull from the grid. If you have enough credits, you can eliminate your electric bill.
Local Rebates
Some cities, states, and utility companies offer solar incentives. These may include additional tax credits, rebates, and sometimes direct payments. Availability varies based on location and utility provider, so you’ll need to check.
Price Match
Tesla offers a price match guarantee, so even though these panels are priced competitively, you can ensure you get the best price. If you find a lower price per watt through another solar installer for a different brand’s solar panels, you can notify Tesla and take advantage of its price match guarantee (assuming all requirements are met).
State Tax Exemptions
Depending on your state, you may qualify for a local tax exemption. In other words, you may not have to pay sales tax on your Tesla solar system.
Does Tesla Offer Good Solar Panel Warranties?
Tesla’s solar warranties are comparable to those of competitors, even though the language surrounding the warranty is vague and somewhat confusing. From the limited information available, we can determine that all Tesla solar panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee.
This guarantee ensures your solar setup will produce at least 80% of its original capacity at the warranty’s end. In addition, the panels come with a comprehensive 10-year warranty, covering all of the solar system’s components, including batteries and solar inverters, and roof-mounting problems and roof leaks. While a few leading providers offer slightly longer comprehensive warranties, this length is relatively standard in the industry.
Tesla solar panels can outlast their 10-year warranty or even their 25-year performance guarantee. The exact lifespan of your system hinges on factors specific to your situation, including your local climate, energy demands, and usage.
How Can You Get Tesla Solar Panels Installed?
Tesla’s panels are widely available, with service in all 50 states. If you want a Tesla solar setup for your home, your first step is to contact Tesla. The company handles the entire solar panel installation, from initial design to activation.
Here’s what you can expect from the installation process:
- Assessment: The process starts with an initial assessment to iron out details about your home. Tesla uses aerial technology to survey your roof, measuring the area and slope remotely.
- Design: After assessing your home, Tesla uses the collected data to design a system specifically for your home and energy needs.
- Permitting: This step is a crucial part of the installation process and can take a couple of weeks, as Tesla will work with local authorities to gather necessary permits and paperwork.
- Installation: You’ll need to schedule an installation date with Tesla and be present during the installation for at least the first hour. Tesla claims it can complete an installation in just one day, so the team (either Tesla or a third-party solar installer the company arranges, depending on your area) will wrap up the installation by the day’s close.
- Inspection: After the installation is complete, Tesla will work with local building authorities to arrange and complete an inspection. This inspection ensures the system is installed to code and meets all safety regulations.
- Activation: Once your solar setup passes inspection, Tesla will complete the necessary paperwork with your local government. At this point, Tesla receives a permission to operate (PTO) notice for your system, and it’s time to activate it. This part of the process can take up to six weeks, so do your best to be patient.
Use the tool below to find a qualified Tesla solar installer near you.
What Are Customers Saying About Tesla Solar Panels?
Tesla has a mixture of positive and negative customer reviews across various sites, including on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile, where it maintains an A+ rating. Mixed reviews on solar providers aren’t unusual, as many customers only review a product if they have a negative experience, so it’s important to keep this in mind as you sift through reviews.
That said, it’s still essential to consider customer complaints carefully, as they can provide valuable insight into your potential experience with the company.
Happy Tesla customers report satisfaction with prompt installations, beautiful panel aesthetics, and outstanding savings with the price match guarantee. Conversely, dissatisfied customers cite issues with lengthy wait times for installation and difficulty reaching customer service.
These reviews are comparable to those for other leading manufacturers and solar installation companies, as nearly every manufacturer has at least a few negative reviews mixed in with positive feedback. However, Tesla stands out for a common theme of lengthy wait times across the board, which is something to consider as you weigh your options. That said, Tesla has more positive reviews than negative ones.
How Does Tesla Compare to Other Solar Panel Manufacturers?
Tesla holds its own compared to other panel manufacturers, although it has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, Tesla solar panels are considerably more affordable than other options on the market, like SunPower panels (check out our appraisal of SunPower solar solutions). The price-match guarantee, which is fairly uncommon in the industry, helps ensure you get the best price for your solar panel system.
In addition, Tesla’s panels feature an aesthetically pleasing design with a low profile, skirted edges, an all-black layout, and no visible grid lines. While several solar panel manufacturers are moving toward more modern looks, Tesla only offers sleek, clean designs, making it an excellent pick for homeowners who don’t want to compromise their home’s aesthetics.
However, Tesla falls short when considering efficiency, as these panels aren’t quite as efficient as others. For example, SunPower has the most efficient solar panels with 22.8% efficiency ratings. Tesla’s most efficient panel features an efficiency rate of just 20.9%. While this rating isn’t drastically lower than the top ratings, it falls short of many industry-leading efficiency ratings.
Company | Our Rating | Superlative | Availability | Panels |
 | Highest Quality Panels | All 50 states | SunPower Panels, made with Maxeon Solar Cells. | |
 | Best Financing Options | 22 states | Numerous brands, including Trina and Canadian Solar | |
 | Best Customer Service | 11 states | Numerous tier-one brands, monocrystalline only | |
 | Most Widely Available | All 50 states | Qcells | |
 | Best Customization Options | 9 states | Qcells | |
 | Best Protection Against Damage | 19 states | LG and LONGi | |
 | Best Product Selection | 10 states | Numerous brands including Panasonic, LONGi, &LG. |
So, Are Tesla Solar Panels Worth It?
Overall, Tesla’s solar panels are worth considering for their affordability, design, and availability — but above all for their superior integrated technology. The Tesla mobile app can monitor, control, and optimize your solar energy system. Tesla’s solar products (solar panels, solar batteries, inverters, and solar roofs) all work together to energize your home under a sleek, modern aesthetic.
However, while Tesla panels may be ideal for some homes, they might not be the best fit for others. For example, if you want solar panels with the best efficiency on the market, you should look at SunPower instead.
To ensure you make the best solar investment, we recommend thoroughly considering all aspects of your situation, including your location, budget, and energy needs, and getting quotes from several solar providers.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
FAQs About Tesla Solar Panels
How much do Tesla solar panels cost?
While Tesla solar panels are cheaper than many competitors, they’re not the most budget-friendly pick. On average, a Tesla solar panel setup costs $9,000 to $40,000, depending on factors specific to your situation.
How long is the wait for Tesla solar panels?
The wait for Tesla solar panels can be lengthy, so it’s important to plan accordingly. While some panels are delivered in just a few months, others can take up to one year before they arrive. The timeframe will depend on several factors, including your location and vendor availability.
What are the drawbacks of Tesla solar shingles?
Tesla panels come with quite a few upsides over the competition. First and foremost, Tesla is a technology giant that excels in new tech and innovation. Its panels are among the best in the industry in terms of efficiency.
Tesla panels also come with a production warranty for 25 years. This guarantees that your panels won’t drop under 80% efficiency over 25 years of normal use.
In addition to the production warranty, the company offers a 10-year comprehensive warranty covering all components, labor, and roof leaks. Roof leak coverage is uncommon in the solar industry, so this is a great perk.
Finally, Tesla panels are widely available. The company focuses its efforts on manufacturing and outsources installations to third parties. While this can mean below-average customer service in some cases, the company can provide fast service throughout the country.
How long has Tesla Solar been in business?
The main drawbacks of Tesla solar shingles are the cost and the need to replace your roof. These shingles aren’t cheap and tend to be far more expensive than Tesla’s solar panels. In addition, these shingles replace your roofing material. If you recently replaced your roof or have a roof that is still in excellent quality, replacing it might not make sense.
Are Tesla solar panels worth it?
Tesla solar panels are a worthwhile consideration, as they offer solid efficiency ratings, a decent warranty, and aesthetically pleasing designs at an excellent value. However, the answer to this question will ultimately hinge on your personal preferences, budget, and energy needs.
Methodology: How We Rank Solar Panels
Solar panels not only make your home more environmentally friendly, but they also make your home more energy efficient. The review experts at Today’s Homeowner want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your home. We strive for transparent and accurate information, which is why we base our ratings on publicly available information and customer feedback.
A solar panel brand can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched dozens of solar panels to develop the following formula:
- Tier (25 points): Solar panel Tiers represent the quality of a solar panel. Tier 1 solar modules are considered the best solar panels due to their reliability and warranty coverage, which is why solar panels with Tier 1 status perform the best in this category.
- Cost per watt (20 points): The cost of solar panels is one of the most important factors, as the price can range from $2.50 per watt to well over $3 per watt. Many homeowners consider the price of solar panels when doing their research, which is why we always include this data point in our methods. Solar panel brands that cost $2.50 or less perform best in this category, while the more expensive panels cost $3 per watt or more.
- Efficiency range (20 points): Solar panel efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a new solar panel for your home. Efficiency is how much energy a solar panel can convert from the sun into usable energy for your home. The higher the efficiency, the better the panel, which is why solar panels with an efficiency of 22% or more score the best in this category.
- Panel options (20 points): It's important to have the best solar panel for your home, but it's equally important to have a variety of panel options so you can choose the one that best suits your energy and budget needs. There are three types of panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. A solar panel brand will perform best in this category if it has all three types.
- Warranty period (10 points): A solar panel is only as good as the warranty behind it. A warranty on your solar panel can save you thousands of dollars in the event of an unexpected failure. The best solar panels have a 25-year warranty, but some go even further and have a 30-year performance guarantee.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
