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. 

*Certified installers vary by region—we always recommend requesting multiple quotes.

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.

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

​​Get your solar quote today.

Tesla allows customers to buy its system up-front in cash or take out a loan in select states. Solar loans work similarly to a home or auto loan, with customers paying a monthly fee to own their panels and benefit from solar incentives.

Tesla Solar Panel Cost

Tesla provides a cost calculator to estimate solar panel installation costs based on your location and average monthly electric bill. We requested a quote for a single-family home in Atlanta, Georgia, with an average monthly electric bill of $160. We received two system quotes:  “Meet Current Needs” and “Future Needs.” 

The “Meet Current Needs” quote included a 9.2-kilowatt (kW) system with 23 panels and 103% estimated energy offset for $25,116—before applying incentives. The “Future Needs” quotes additional options to anticipate any energy usage increases. These options include the following scenarios:

• Electrical vehicle (add up to four)
• Home addition (enter additional square footage)
• New pool
• Increased family size (add up to four)

We added a new pool and one family addition to our quote, which increased it to a 12-kW system with 30 panels and an estimated 134% energy offset. Tesla also provides a custom quote option, and the option to add up to 10 Powerwall batteries to each system.

Tesla solar panels include a 25-year performance warranty which promises at least 80% power capacity for the warranty’s duration. The company also has a 10-year comprehensive warranty. This applies to all solar system components, such as solar inverters, batteries, inverters, and any roof leaks or roof-mounting problems.

Tesla services all 50 states, but availability varies by ZIP code. Find additional solar providers in your area using the list below. 

Compare Tesla to other leading solar providers.

Is Solar Worth it?

Several factors affect whether a solar investment is worth it, such as cost, location, and energy needs. Consider the following factors before investing in solar energy.

• Climate and location: Solar panels work best with ample sunlight and cloudless days. Panels will operate on cloudy days, but your energy production will reduce. Areas with plentiful sunny days see the best cost-saving with solar energy. Frequent cloudy days and inclement weather will impact solar panels’ effectiveness, reducing your overall savings. 
• Cost: A solar system requires a significant monetary investment, so you want to ensure it’s the right option for your home. Homeowners should consider the up-front costs and estimated solar panel payback period. This period represents the time it takes for solar panels to pay for themselves through energy savings. The typical payback period takes six to 10 years but varies based on your financing options, system costs, and panel quality. 
• Energy usage and rates: In most cases, solar energy offsets energy costs and lowers your bills. You benefit most when your home has high energy use and electricity rates. Homes with low energy consumption or relatively low monthly bills won’t benefit financially from moving to solar. 
• Roof design: You’ll need ample space to house your solar array for rooftop installation. Homeowners with limited roof space might not accommodate enough panels to support their home’s energy use. Other limiting factors include roof pitch, skylights, and chimneys. 
• Solar incentives: Some states offer excellent incentives and credits to promote residential clean energy use. However, availability varies between areas. If your state offers little to no incentives, you’ll have fewer options to reduce installation costs, making your conversion less affordable. 

Solar Incentives and Rebates

As mentioned earlier, we received a Tesla solar panel system quote for $25,116. After applying for the federal solar tax credit, system costs dropped to $17,581. The federal tax credit reduces installation costs by 30%. This credit applies to your owed federal taxes, helping reduce your tax liability. Only customers who own their solar system can use the federal tax credit. 

Some states offer incentives, credits, and debits to help residents offset installation costs. Like the federal tax credit, state solar tax credits reduce your state tax liability. Sales tax exemptions eliminate sales tax from solar costs. With property tax exemption, you won’t incur additional taxes for adding a solar system. Net-metering programs allow homeowners to return excess energy to the grid for energy bill credits. Additional credits and rebates may come from your city, municipality, or utility company. 

Check our state solar incentive guides below to find solar savings in your area.

The Tesla app allows you to manage your Tesla solar system and other Tesla products at any time. The app displays a real-time power flow, showing how your Powerwall, grid connection, and solar system are working to power your home.

Below are the included Powerwall energy modes: 

• Self-powered: You draw from your energy storage to power your home. 
• Storm Watch: Tracks weather alerts and charges your Powerwall automatically in case of power outages. 
• Time-based control: Your system switches to stored energy when utility rates are high.

• Solar Panel Cost
• Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
• Are Solar Panels Worth It?
• Types of Solar Panels