I need a new roof and would like to add solar, but can’t decide which way to go.
I have an updated contract from Tesla with the new pricing for a Solar Glass Roof + 1 Powerwall for an estimated $48,000 after tax credits.
I also got quotes for some SunPower panels and a new composite roof, which would also be about $48,000, after tax credit, for the cheapest shingles (though they don’t look too bad) plus solar / install. Obviously it would cost more if I want some slightly higher quality shingles. And even more if I put all the panels on the back side of the house where there’s less sunlight (so I would need more panels). So the whole thing would be $48,000 to $60,000, depending on panel locations and shingle quality, with no battery.
Tesla seems like the way to go on paper. It comes with a battery (the other option doesn’t) and seems to be a better quality roof. But I read horror stories of installations and service, and I would be locked into Tesla for all of it - not a problem per se, but potentially a problem if issues arise and I can’t get a hold of anyone. And it’s kind of an unproven technology (e.g., efficiency degradation over the years). Also a black roof wouldn’t be my first choice, but would probably be fine.
Am I overthinking these installation horror stories? Are most people actually happy with the process and maybe these stories are just overblown like a lot of the FUD around Tesla? While I think a lot of the bad press Tesla gets is way overblown, my sense is that the solar roof installation problems are based more on reality. So I’m just a bit nervous to go with the Tesla roof.
I’m in Northen California (PG&E) for whatever it’s worth. Both systems would be about 10KW. Anyway, I’d love to hear some opinions. Thanks very much.
I have an updated contract from Tesla with the new pricing for a Solar Glass Roof + 1 Powerwall for an estimated $48,000 after tax credits.
I also got quotes for some SunPower panels and a new composite roof, which would also be about $48,000, after tax credit, for the cheapest shingles (though they don’t look too bad) plus solar / install. Obviously it would cost more if I want some slightly higher quality shingles. And even more if I put all the panels on the back side of the house where there’s less sunlight (so I would need more panels). So the whole thing would be $48,000 to $60,000, depending on panel locations and shingle quality, with no battery.
Tesla seems like the way to go on paper. It comes with a battery (the other option doesn’t) and seems to be a better quality roof. But I read horror stories of installations and service, and I would be locked into Tesla for all of it - not a problem per se, but potentially a problem if issues arise and I can’t get a hold of anyone. And it’s kind of an unproven technology (e.g., efficiency degradation over the years). Also a black roof wouldn’t be my first choice, but would probably be fine.
Am I overthinking these installation horror stories? Are most people actually happy with the process and maybe these stories are just overblown like a lot of the FUD around Tesla? While I think a lot of the bad press Tesla gets is way overblown, my sense is that the solar roof installation problems are based more on reality. So I’m just a bit nervous to go with the Tesla roof.
I’m in Northen California (PG&E) for whatever it’s worth. Both systems would be about 10KW. Anyway, I’d love to hear some opinions. Thanks very much.
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