Solar power is now cornerstone of sustainable energy solutions in the world. So its only natural that companies like Tesla are at the forefront of revolutionizing solar technology.
Quick View:
- Confused picking the size of solar panels from Tesla? Prioritize quantity over accommodation from Tesla’s standard and large-size solar panels that they offer.
- Considering third party alternative over Tesla’s solar panel technology? Remember that Tesla acquired SolarCity in 2016, integrating solar technology into their overall energy ecosystem.
- Considering installation? Make sure to maintain roof orientation, shading, and structural integrity.
This is why Tesla solar panel dimensions and sizes play a crucial role in optimizing energy production and aesthetic integration.
The Evolution of Tesla Solar Panels
Here’s a brief overview of the evolution of Tesla’s solar panels up to 2021:
SolarCity Acquisition (2016)
Tesla’s entry into the solar panel industry began in 2016. They had successfully acquired SolarCity.
This was a solar energy services firm created by Elon Musk’s cousins and was one of the top home solar installers in the United States at the time.
At that time, it had started with 15,273 staff. However,by the end of 2016, it had 12,243 people as staff.
Solar Roof Announcement (2016)
Tesla revealed its ambitious Solar Roof project shortly after acquiring SolarCity. It had ambitiously attempted to integrate solar panels into roof tiles.
This would offer homeowners an aesthetically beautiful and energy-efficient option. In 2019, the biggest competitor of Tesla regarding solar panels would be Sunrun.
Initial Solar Panel Offerings
Tesla kept selling standard solar panels for residential and business establishments. These solar panels were sleek and low-profile, making them less noticeable on rooftops.
Solar Roof Rollout (2017-2021)
The Solar Roof suffered manufacturing and installation scale issues. But Tesla kept at it to enhance the technology and expand its availability.
As an example, we have the integration of solar panels with Tesla’s Powerpack. This helped users to store energy on overcast days.
Understanding Tesla Solar Panel Dimensions and Size Options
The amount of solar power for your home depends on various parameters. This includes the size of your roof and your normal monthly electricity costs.
It also depends on the location of your property. Because the amount of sunlight exposure may vary.
The electricity requirements of your home matter, as well as the local price of electricity.
Tesla offers the following four different sizes of solar power systems:
- Small: 4.8 kW. It consists of 12 panels.
- Medium: 9.6 kW. It consists of 24 panels.
- Large: 14.4 kW. It consists of 36 panels.
- Extra-large: 19.2 kW. It consists of 48 panels.
These panels are available in specific dimensions. The approximate dimensions in inches are:
- 39″ x 66.5″
- 40″ x 66.5″
- 41″ x 66.5″
- 42″ x 66.5″
- 43″ x 66.5″
- 44″ x 66.5″
- 45″ x 66.5″
On Tesla’s website, you can find out the types of roof these panels may go with. You can learn about Tesla’s panel series efficiency from here. And you can check out roof coverages according to size from here.
To get a rough estimation of what dimensions of the Tesla solar panel you require, take a look at the following examples:
- A 6.8 kW system (16 panels) was quoted by Tesla for the South side of the roof in Las Vegas. Where you get a lot of sun. It was estimated to produce roughly 12,514 kW/y.
- A 7.8 kW system (with a 6.7 inverter) in Portland OR was installed and estimated to generate about 10,000 kWh each year.
- A South-facing 9.6 kW system with 24 panels in California in the SF East Bay area is estimated to produce 18.02 mW production/year. Here, there’s moderately less sun in a year than in Las Vegas
When you’re getting quoted by Tesla, you should keep these things in mind. It will help you to estimate whether you are getting the perfect deal or not.
Considerations During the Installation of Tesla Solar Panels
Please remember that the specific installation process may vary based on your location, roof type, and the Tesla solar panel model you choose.
Before you install the Solar panel, read through this page carefully.
Of course, the basic of installation of Tesla Solar panels have the following progression:
- Initial Consultation
- Site Assessment
- Design and Proposal
- Permitting and Approval
- Equipment Ordering and Installation Scheduling
- Installation
- Inspection and Connection
- Monitoring and Maintenance
- Turning on the System
But you don’t have much say over these steps, Tesla will mostly take care of everything. But what you can have a say on are discussed below:
- Communicate your energy needs and goals with Tesla. If you need a large installment so that you get a good production, tell them that. Discuss your budget and financing options as well.
- The energy production you get from the panel is heavily influenced by your orientation. Inclining the panel towards the southern exposure is the way to go. Convery this preference to the installers.
- It is also preferable to remove/move vent pipes rather than rearranging the panel arrangement to accommodate them. Depending on the city, certain vents can be chopped down and panels erected over them.
- If your system is quite large, don’t shy away from a main panel upgrade. You can also consider other improvements.
- Utility problems are mostly local. It will depend on the location you are in. You may be aware that city inspection (for building code considerations) is required in addition to utility inspection and/or permission.
- Tesla will take some measurements on your home rafter system, underlayment, roofing system, and local codes and come up with the dimensions for you. However, some people face the problem of Tesla solar panels not attaching to the side skirts. Take this thread for example. Calling them back to finish the installation properly is what you should do.
This is about everything you should consider. For specificities, search through Tesla forum. You may find someone with very similar situation.
Read Also: Tesla Model S Roof Replacement Cost Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How Efficient Are Tesla Solar Panels
About 20%. Tesla systems often include Power Walls (Lithium batteries) and an excellent gateway/software package for optimizing parameters.
Can Tesla solar panels be installed on all types of roofs?
The specific roof types mentioned on the Tesla website include asphalt shingle, tile, metal, and flat roofs. But only during the site assessment, Tesla will determine if your roof is suitable for solar panel installation.
Are Tesla solar panels customizable in terms of size and layout?
No, they come in limited dimensions. One has to adjust according to their roof type and location and energy needs with these fixed dimensions.
Do Tesla solar panels come in different colors to match my roof’s aesthetics?
No. But Tesla’s standard solar panels have a low-profile, sleek design in a black frame and solar cell appearance. This should look good on all roofs.
Can I combine Tesla solar panels with Tesla’s Powerwall energy storage solution?
Yes. You can use Tesla solar panels with Tesla’s Powerwall or Powerwall 2 energy storage products.
