Tesla Solar Reviews, Services and Costs (2024)

Name: Tesla Energy
Brand: Tesla Energy

Tesla stands out for its consistently low prices and nationwide availability, but falls short when it comes to customer service and wait times. Read our comprehensive review to find out if Tesla is right for you.

Updated: Apr 17, 2024

Written by Faith Wakefield

Written by Faith Wakefield Author

Faith Wakefield is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds economics and English degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her work has been featured on EcoWatch, The World Economic Forum and Today’s Homeowner. In her free time, she loves to binge-watch personal finance videos on YouTube, collect books and spend time in nature.

Edited by Tori Addison

Edited by Tori Addison Editor

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Tesla might be known for electric vehicles (EVs), but its solar products have also become popular since acquiring SolarCity in 2016. Tesla produces solar panels, solar shingles and solar batteries that offer customers a sleek aesthetic, durability and strong performance.

Tesla scored well in our review standards for its price-match guarantee, high-quality batteries and large network of local installers which allow for nationwide service. The company lost points for its poor reputation for customer service and longer than average wait times for installation and repairs.

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Sunrun earned 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our methodology and is our pick for solar leases. Sunrun offers both a prepaid and monthly solar lease option, so you can either pay upfront and lock in 25 years of solar savings or pay month by month. You can finance your solar panels with the company’s BrightAdvantage solar loan program, which requires no upfront costs.

We also like that Sunrun offers a wide range of solar services, including EV chargers and backup batteries. Customers also have access to system monitoring.

Sunrun offers three financing options: cash purchase, loan or lease.

Pros

Extends panel insurance to protect against theft or damage
Provides 24/7 customer support through an online chat feature
Offers two solar leasing options

Cons

Battery availability can vary depending on your location
Does not include detailed product information on its website

Sunrun customers who left positive reviews wrote about responsive customer service and friendly employees.

“My solar system was connected last week and I couldn’t be happier with the company and its employees. Everyone I dealt with was courteous, efficient and professional. The whole process was so easy. [Sunrun] handled the necessary paperwork, installation and scheduled all of the required inspections. I recommended Sunrun to friends, relatives and neighbors without hesitation. It’s nice to know there are companies that place a priority on customer care, [and] Sunrun is a wonderful example.” —Viola U. via the BBB

“I’m very happy with my rep that helped throughout the whole process and really liked being able to get answers quickly through a text. Also, I like how [Sunrun] broke down the entire program and helped us understand our arrangement plan.” —Dan Y. via the BBB

Unhappy Sunrun customers reported that customer service was slow to respond and resolve system issues.

“Sunrun has a terrible response time with resolving issues. I am approaching one month with no solar service and have not received notification the problem will be resolved anytime soon. Meanwhile, my utility bill doubled and I still have to pay the monthly lease for a service I am not getting. I wish [Sunrun] would arrive and take [its] equipment so I could join a solar company that is more efficient. I have gone through customer service three times and I still have not heard back in three business days!” —Christoper C. via the BBB

Tesla Solar At a Glance

Our pick for panel design

4.2

Pros and Cons of Tesla Solar

One of Tesla’s most attractive features is its price match guarantee which allows it to consistently offer the lowest prices on the market. Although their pricing is strong, customers often mention experiencing long wait times and poor customer service.

How Tesla Scored in Our Methodology

Considering our detailed scoring methodology, Tesla Solar earned a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Notably, the company received high scores in the cost and financing, reputation and warranty categories.

Flip Card Tesla Solar Rating

MarketWatch Rating 4.2 / out of 5 stars

Rating is based off of MarketWatch Methodology Guidelines

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Rating breakdown

Cost and Payment Options 5 / 5

Services 3 / 5

Reputation 3 / 5

Warranty 5 / 5

Customer Support 2.5 / 5

Industry Experience 4 / 5

Sustainability 4 / 5

Where is Tesla Energy Available?

Tesla Energy started offering solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2016 with its acquisition of SolarCity, which had been in business for more than 10 years prior. Since then, Tesla has expanded the availability of its solar services to homeowners nationwide.

However, when speaking to the company, a representative told us that service areas vary according to your ZIP code. Check with a Tesla Solar representative to determine whether the company offers solar system installation services for your home.

What is Tesla Solar’s Installation Process?

Tesla certified installers handle every part of your solar system’s installation, from site inspection to Permission to Operate (PTO) approval. Learn about the installation process with Tesla:

Site inspection: Tesla surveys your home and roof using remote aerial technology to measure the area and slope. You will work with the company at this stage to determine the solar system size needed to power your home.
Design and permitting: A couple of steps occur before system installation. First, Tesla will design a system to fit your home’s structure and energy needs. Then, the company works with any local institution, such as a utility commission, to obtain all necessary permits and paperwork.
Installation: Once everything is prepared, you schedule an installation date with Tesla. You will have to be present at your house for the first hour of the installation process. The company claims it can finish system installations in one day. If you also ordered a home battery, Tesla will activate and configure your system to produce enough energy to power your home and charge your Powerwall.
Inspection: Tesla works with your local building department to arrange an inspection. This inspection ensures your installed system meets building codes and safety regulations.
Activation: Once Tesla completes the necessary paperwork with your local government, it receives a PTO notice for your system. Tesla will also submit an interconnection request to set up net metering with your utility company if it is available in your area. Tesla claims this process may take anywhere between one and six weeks.

Read our review of the top companies to select a reputable solar installer near you.

What Services Does Tesla Solar Offer?

Tesla offers the following solar products and services:

Solar panels
Solar shingles (Tesla Solar Roof)
Solar backup batteries
EV chargers
Solar system monitoring

Tesla Panel Options

Tesla offers two solar options: traditional solar panels or solar shingles. Both options generate solar energy for your home. However, solar shingles have no visible grid, replicating the aesthetic of roof shingles for a low-profile design. Solar shingles mimic the look of a standard roof when interlocked together.

Image of Tesla Solar shingles (courtesy of Tesla)

On the other hand, Tesla’s monocrystalline solar panel systems offer a more traditional appearance. Tesla’s panels can produce 425 watts and feature an average efficiency rate of 19.6%, which is standard for monocrystalline panels. Its panels are also durable and can operate in temperatures from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Image of Tesla Solar panels (courtesy of Tesla)

Tesla Battery Options

Tesla offers energy storage and an alternative solar power generator with its battery, the Tesla Powerwall. The Powerwall solar battery collects and stores any excess energy your solar panels generate to provide backup power for your home during the night, low sunlight weather and power outages.

The Tesla Powerwall (courtesy of Tesla)

According to Chris Baker, sales operations manager at NC Solar Now, “The Tesla Powerwall is the best battery on the market.” He also noted that the PowerWall is becoming increasingly popular as net metering policies change around the U.S. and solar battery technology advances.

What Warranties Does Tesla Energy Offer?

All Tesla solar panels include a 25-year performance guarantee and a 10-year comprehensive warranty. The performance guarantee ensures your solar modules will generate at least 80% of the manufacturer’s nameplate power capacity for at least 25 years.

The 10-year comprehensive warranty covers repairs and replacements of solar system components, including Powerwall solar batteries, solar inverters and issues with roof leaks from the mounting system.

Learn more about Tesla’s solar warranties on its website.

Tesla Energy Cost and Payment Options

According to our October 2023 survey of homeowners with solar, respondents with Tesla solar panels typically paid between $25,000 and $30,000 for their system. We also obtained quotes from Tesla for a 2,000-square-foot home in Dallas with an average monthly electric bill of $170. Based on our quote, the average upfront cost for a Tesla solar system is between $16,000 and $23,000 before incentives and rebates.

The table below outlines pricing based on system size, including total costs before and after solar incentives like the 30% federal solar tax credit. Prices do not include a Tesla Powerwall, which costs around $9,200 per unit before installation and $11,500 with installation. Although the Powerwall is not required, your solar installer may recommend one or more batteries for your home depending on your needs.

System Wattage (rounded to the nearest kilowatt)	Estimated Price Before Incentives	Estimated Price After Incentives
7 kW	$15,354	$10,747
9 kW	$19,869	$13,909
11 kW	$24,385	$17,070
13 kW	$28,901	$20,231

Tesla is one of the few solar panel companies that offer an online quote tool. With this tool, you can get an instant online estimate of the cost of a Tesla solar panel system based on your home and energy needs. Additionally, Tesla offers a price match guarantee for similar solar panel systems.

Tesla offers solar loans if you do not want to pay for your entire system upfront. It does not currently offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). However, your local Tesla Certified Installer may offer additional financing options.

Tesla Solar Panel Reviews

Tesla Energy has a limited number of customer reviews available online specifically for its solar panels, making it more difficult to fully understand the company’s overall customer experience.

That being said, positive reviews commonly mentioned quick and smooth installations. On the other hand, negative reviews mentioned that the company’s customer service was slow and unresponsive.

Because Tesla Energy manufactures solar equipment and has third-party solar companies complete installations, customer experiences can vary. We recommend reading reviews of the solar company installing your Tesla solar panels to understand the provider’s reputation.

“A neighbor referred me to this firm [Tesla] as I had no idea where to start. Being retired, I was concerned about saving money. The system that was built for me was able to save me 50% on my monthly electricity costs. Every dollar counts at my age so I am more than happy to accept those savings.” —Amirat via the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

“When the presentation was done remotely, I was skeptical at first, but Tesla Solar Energy quickly dispelled that concern. The presentation was outstandingly professional. The installation was quick and my system is already producing as expected.” —Landon via the BBB

“Very poor customer service. I paid for my panels in full, and three weeks later, my submission has not been sent to my electric company for approval. Extremely unresponsive customer service [and] constantly changing project managers. I would not recommend Tesla for your solar panels.” —Nancy via the BBB

“Absolutely horrible post-installation service support. My system has been down for over four months following a ‘remove and reinstall service so I could fix my leaking roof. Very slow to respond. Everything is scheduled out for three to four weeks, then [Tesla] finds something broken and you wait another three to four weeks for a technician to come and troubleshoot. My system is still down and I really have no idea when it will be fixed — [Tesla] says it is waiting for a part. All of this after paying for a ‘premium’ solution and services at a ‘premium’ price.” —Ryan via the BBB

The Bottom Line

Overall, Tesla offers industry-standard solar systems in terms of efficiency and cost. The Tesla solar shingles and roof have a sleek approach to design, and the company provides a solid guarantee for its work. In addition, the Tesla Powerwall is one of the most reputable solar batteries on the market. Finally, the Tesla app makes controlling and monitoring your system approachable from anywhere at any time.

Ultimately, we recommend requesting estimates from several solar companies to decide which one best fits your needs and budget, and if going solar is worth it for you. Click the panel below to compare quotes from our top-rated national solar installation companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Solar

Tesla offers a smartphone app to manage your Tesla solar system’s energy usage and production. The app allows you to monitor and control your solar panels, Powerwall battery and Tesla EVs in one user-friendly space. The Tesla app displays a real-time power flow, which shows how your Powerwall and solar system work together and sets custom preferences for how you want the system to generate and store solar energy.

Yes, Tesla Solar is a legitimate company. It is a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc., a reputable company headed by Elon Musk. Tesla Solar has become a key player in the solar industry thanks to its innovative, visually appealing designs and expertise in renewable energy. Tesla Solar offers several solar energy solutions, including solar roof tiles, solar power systems and home batteries like the Powerwall.

The Tesla solar roof provides the benefits of renewable energy production and utility bill savings while offering a sleeker aesthetic than traditional solar panels. However, solar shingles cost more than traditional panels due to the complexity of integrating the tiles individually into your roof structure. Additionally, this product is only suitable if you are looking to install a new roof since you cannot install solar shingles with existing roofing.

Note that the availability of the Tesla Solar Roof is more limited than other Tesla products, as the company has rolled out this product gradually.

The Tesla Powerwall battery allows you to store solar energy to use at night, on overcast days and during power outages. This product is ideal if there is not a good net metering program where you live, or if you want to go completely off-grid.

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Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies

We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars.

Cost and payment options (20 points): Cost is one of the most important factors when installing a solar energy system. Solar providers that offer cash purchases and in-house loan financing earn full points in this category. Companies also receive bonus points for offering solar panel leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Services (20 points): In addition to solar installations, companies offering backup battery and electric vehicle charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring earn the most points in this category. Companies can also receive points for completing installations in-house, as opposed to using third-party contractors.
Reputation (20 points): To assess the reputation of each company, we consider Google star ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores and reviews, and NABCEP certification status. We also look at customer complaint rates on sites like the BBB and weigh how the company responds.
Warranty (15 points): We verify that each company offers workmanship, product and performance warranties on all of its solar installs. A provider earns more points for extending warranties that meet or exceed industry standards, including 10 years for system workmanship and products and 25 years for panel performance.
Customer Support (10 points): Solar companies that offer virtual consultations, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support and high customer satisfaction with backend support earn the most points in this category.
Industry Experience (10 points): Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.
Sustainability (5 points):To measure sustainability, we assess each company based on whether it shares a detailed sustainability statement or ESG disclosures on its website. We also conduct research to see if companies offer end-of-life panel disposal programs or have eco-friendly community partnerships.

Faith Wakefield Author

Tori Addison Editor