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Wow, I'm in the Bay Area as well, and the multiple local installers I got quotes from are generally 65% more expensive than Tesla.
It's going to almost if not entirely impossible for installers to compete with Tesla on cost. Tesla has cut everything to the bone. Most Solar companies spend almost ~$1/w just on getting customers, Tesla spends $0. It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. Tesla has pretty much 'broken' the industry.
Yet, even Tesla prices are double of what people in places like Australia. Are US labor rates that much higher?
but now with the rock bottom prices the panel quality and system design may have some compromises? Most people overlook the inverter sizing and optimizers on their quote. I think nowadays it's very hard to not go with Tesla because of the system cost savings.
There's really no significant difference panel to panel. A solar panel is really just a piece of laminated glass. I don't think people really appreciate just how simple solar panels are. Technology improvements filter across the industry into all manufacturers and you get what you pay for in terms of efficiency.
It's also rare for optimizers to provide any real benefit. I suspect that Tesla has started using them as a default for the same reason micro-inverters are popular... math is hard and it's easier to just throw panels on a roof without worrying about string length.
I don't know if you're right or wrong on either one of these, but I'd bet against you based on my experience with Chinese manufacturing and articles like this:
Backsheets are shortening some solar project lifespans
Optimizers aren't just about production, they offer a safety shutdown feature that might prevent your house from burning down. In terms of efficiency you're basically arguing that MPPT converters aren't worth it, which is a hard argument to win in my opinion.
Almost all panels come from China now. Some percentage are going to have problems no matter where they're manufactured. Here some made in WA State that were becoming delaminated and catching fire.
You don't need an optimizer to protect your home from burning down. AFCI protection is now required in all grid-tied inverters... that serves the same function. I'm not arguing that MPPT converters aren't worth it... they certainly are... on the STRING level not module level. And more of an explanation than an argument. I've installed Solar Edge systems with optimizers and string systems. There's no noticeable performance difference and certainly not one worth the increased cost of optimizers.
Even for rapid shutdown there are options 70% cheaper than optimizers.
I'm not sure whether string fault protection is as good as panel protection.
A solar system is likely at least a 10 year investment. I love local businesses too but I would factor in the likelihood of needing install and other workmanship issues.
Personally I had no issues with a Tesla install. Installers were flexible to all my requests. Didn't charge more for conduit etc.
There's really no significant difference panel to panel. A solar panel is really just a piece of laminated glass. I don't think people really appreciate just how simple solar panels are. Technology improvements filter across the industry into all manufacturers and you get what you pay for in terms of efficiency.
It's also rare for optimizers to provide any real benefit. I suspect that Tesla has started using them as a default for the same reason micro-inverters are popular... math is hard and it's easier to just throw panels on a roof without worrying about string length.
How will I know what my panel level production is without optimizers or micro inverters??? And if there's ANY panel partially shaded in that string MIs or PVOs will absolutely matter.
That's cool, but when that corner panel gets reduced from 340 to 300 because the tip of one of my redwoods is shadowing it, I don't want the entire string to suffer.
In the same situation as OP - trying to see if Tesla solar panel installation might be the right option. I am strongly considering a local vendor who installs LG panels and Enphase microinverters for $2.29 (before federal & state rebates), where as Tesla at $2.01. I am more comfortable supporting local business, plus the ease of picking up the phone and directly taking to my installer, as opposed to calling a call center and having them route my issue to the right team.
I am surprised though that even after the price difference between the local installer and Tesla, I do not see any price difference for the overall PV install. With 20 LG 360 panels, a 7.2kw system is expected to generate 7413 kwh because the panels are being placed where we get the most sun. It seems Tesla installs panels in rectangular blocks, and this would require them to place 9 out of 24 panels on the rear roof where we do not get less sun. So, a 8.16kw Tesla system would generate 7,549 kwh. Even with 4 extra panels, Tesla would generate only ~150 kwh more than LG system and erase the price benefits. The difference between both quotes is under $100.
Wondering if Tesla is being conservative with their production numbers so the utility approves it, or the production would indeed be as low as they quote.
Mentioned some of this on another thread, but a couple notes here. First, Tesla's first layout effort seems to often be sub-optimal, and you can request a re-design with specific suggestions. They do sometimes seem to prioritize aesthetics (having nice rectangles) over production. It is, of course, also possible that the size of the Tesla panels is just enough larger that for your roof they have to move more to the rear roof. It is also possible that Tesla and/or the other installer has incorrect data about local setback rules.In the same situation as OP - trying to see if Tesla solar panel installation might be the right option. I am strongly considering a local vendor who installs LG panels and Enphase microinverters for $2.29 (before federal & state rebates), where as Tesla at $2.01. I am more comfortable supporting local business, plus the ease of picking up the phone and directly taking to my installer, as opposed to calling a call center and having them route my issue to the right team.
I am surprised though that even after the price difference between the local installer and Tesla, I do not see any price difference for the overall PV install. With 20 LG 360 panels, a 7.2kw system is expected to generate 7413 kwh because the panels are being placed where we get the most sun. It seems Tesla installs panels in rectangular blocks, and this would require them to place 9 out of 24 panels on the rear roof where we do not get less sun. So, a 8.16kw Tesla system would generate 7,549 kwh. Even with 4 extra panels, Tesla would generate only ~150 kwh more than LG system and erase the price benefits. The difference between both quotes is under $100.
Wondering if Tesla is being conservative with their production numbers so the utility approves it, or the production would indeed be as low as they quote.
Mentioned some of this on another thread, but a couple notes here. First, Tesla's first layout effort seems to often be sub-optimal, and you can request a re-design with specific suggestions. They do sometimes seem to prioritize aesthetics (having nice rectangles) over production.
A solar system is likely at least a 10 year investment. I love local businesses too but I would factor in the likelihood of needing install and other workmanship issues.
Personally I had no issues with a Tesla install. Installers were flexible to all my requests. Didn't charge more for conduit etc.