Usually this orientation is called portrait and nothing is wrong with it. I think it is more common than the alternative, landscape, Tesla selected for the initial design. Unlike most other solar installation companies Tesla does not give options for panel sizes, like using 60 cell or 72 cell. This means that panels size is a constant.
On the other hand, if there are any trees, etc that cause shading, closer to the top is better.
Two suggestions in a question. There’s a portion of your roof that apparently allows sun to come through it looks like there’s just some rafters - are they purely decorative? Can those be filled in with the roofing sheathing and shingles and then you can double up the number of panels on that portion of the south part of the roof? Second comment is that it might be possible to move that vent pipe that you were talking about breaking up the three versus one panel section on the south side. If the pipe can be shifted slightly to the north, you might be able to just get a solid run of 4 to 5 panels across.
Thanks @jrweiss98020, at least I have a good reason to stick with 1x10. Also, forgot to mention they are going with microinvertors
You are correct. That part is pure decorative. I will pass the idea to installer see what’s their thoughts.
It is interesting to me that the fire codes down in your area require huge walkways. It really is unfortunate, as a whole lot more panels would fit without such restrictions.
Indeed I`m in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) zone and perhaps that is the reason for huge walkways.
I would add 2 by 8. Meaning, put on as many panels that you can physically fit, and get approved
