Was primed to purchase Tesla solar panels for my 1913 craftsman style home, but after inspection Tesla cancelled. Aggravatingly, Tesla was very reluctant to say why - after much effort, a supervisor explained that there were concerns that the roof wouldn't be sturdy enough to support them. I was told that if I could have a structural engineer certify that the roof could hold at least 3 pounds per square foot Tesla might reconsider. Admittedly, the rafters visible in the attic are farther apart than they would be in modern construction. But I'm 200 pounds and walk around on the roof regularly; the Tesla site inspector was on the roof, too. Neither of us fell through, so I'm pretty sure the roof can withstand 3 pounds/sq. ft.
The rub is this - I can't seem to find a structural engineer willing to do calcs for my roof for less than $3,500. Obviously, if the roof is found sturdy enough pursuant to that review it might be worth the money to proceed, even though the expense would be wasted money. But if the roof is found to not be able to meet the Tesla standard, that money would be completely wasted. Structural engineer could also give advice on whether and how roof structure could be strengthened if it's a close call, but that would be even more money, both for the plan and for whatever construction would be called for. That would probably make installing solar financially unfeasible.
So the question: Has anyone gotten this response from Tesla solar before, and were they really willing to go forward if you provided proof that your roof was strong enough?
The rub is this - I can't seem to find a structural engineer willing to do calcs for my roof for less than $3,500. Obviously, if the roof is found sturdy enough pursuant to that review it might be worth the money to proceed, even though the expense would be wasted money. But if the roof is found to not be able to meet the Tesla standard, that money would be completely wasted. Structural engineer could also give advice on whether and how roof structure could be strengthened if it's a close call, but that would be even more money, both for the plan and for whatever construction would be called for. That would probably make installing solar financially unfeasible.
So the question: Has anyone gotten this response from Tesla solar before, and were they really willing to go forward if you provided proof that your roof was strong enough?