My advisor just got back to me! But with bad news (which has been the norm with my Tesla project)....
If they remove the north-facing, sure-to-be-bad-producing panels, it takes my project to below 12 panels and they won't do any project that uses less than 12 panels. So, it's sort of take it or leave it.
I've run into so many roadblocks with Tesla. My earlier no-go was that I'm building a roof over a deck that will hold 16 panels, but learned that they refuse to install on something with less than 3 solid walls. (I'm getting someone else to do those panels -- which they love since its brand new roof with zero obstructions.) Kinda think Tesla would reduce their hassle if they just had somewhere the list of all the things they will refuse to do. Would have known not to even consider them.
My experience has been great. Like
@BrettS have said, Tesla want reduce the overhead cost, and translate to lower cost to customer. $1.49/W. Each of their advisor handles 500+ active customers. So they won't actively call and walk you through everything. They relay on their website to communicate the information to you.
Because they don't allow you to talk directly to the designer/engineer. So if your roof is very complex, has a lot of obstacle to avoid. Then you would need to help them out a little. There're several things which you should understand first.
1. Tesla's panel sizing ~ 69"x41"
2. Because their mounting system, they like to go with landscape panel position. Because portrait position might only hit one rafter on a standard rafter width (24").
3. Understand you local fire setback rule. (3' rule)
Once you understand the limit, you can figure out what works or not. Don't expect Tesla will tell you. If you put on their hat, you will do the safest design. Keep everything apart, give a lot of space. Keep it in rectangle shape. They don't care about what is the best facing side.
But if you know what you want. I suggests you write it down, and do some simple sketching, add some pictures if you have some.
Then send that over to the advisor. They will forward that to the design team. Don't expect the advisor will write down your phone conversation to tell the designer. It won't happen, sometime will get loss in translation.
Also when you call you advisor, don't expects they will pick up the phone. You sure press0 to get to other advisor. They can help to forward your document to the designer.
This approach works very well for me. I got my design done within a few days after the site survey was done.
Basically, you're going to a fast food chain, you won't get a red carpet roll out to you. But if you know how to order it, you will get something acceptable, and cheap.
