Solar panels over clay tile

[Azathoth]

We have a Spanish tile roof and I was recently told by a Tesla Energy sales rep that they will not install solar panels over clay tiles. In fact, Tesla declined to even schedule a visit to work up a quote.

I explained that our roof was recently redone (2011) with a modified bitumen torch down underlayment (instead of traditional felt paper). This means the tiles are mostly decorative. The sales rep may not have understood this distinction, but still insisted that Tesla will not install over clay tiles.

I'm also curious if Tesla allows other solar companies to resell the Powerwall 2. We have a local solar installer (who WILL work over clay tile) that claims to be a "Certified Tesla Energy Powerwall Provider", but I haven't been able to confirm if this is true. We're planning on a 10kW install with two Powerwalls.

 

[mongo]

I can understand them not wanting the extra risk of walking on tile along with the issues of handling fastener penetrations. The other company you mention sounds like they are more experienced with tile. Anecdotally, PW delivery seem to be backlogged, with priority to solar+PW.

 

[cwied]

Note that you don't need to install the solar and the Powerwalls together. I had a pre-existing solar installation before I got my Powerwalls. The reason I mention this is because Tesla seems to charge a lot less for the Powerwall installation than other contractors. My installation charge from Tesla came to $900 where the contractor who installed my solar quoted me $6500. Both quotes don't include the $11,700 in parts.

 

[mongo]

Note that you don't need to install the solar and the Powerwalls together. I had a pre-existing solar installation before I got my Powerwalls. The reason I mention this is because Tesla seems to charge a lot less for the Powerwall installation than other contractors. My installation charge from Tesla came to $900 where the contractor who installed my solar quoted me $6500. Both quotes don't include the $11,700 in parts.

When grouping PW with solar for the federal credit, do they need to be installed by the same company/ at the same time?

 

[GenSao]

When grouping PW with solar for the federal credit, do they need to be installed by the same company/ at the same time?

Solar panels can be installed separately by a different contractor than Tesla. Ideally, solar panels should be installed first (prior to the Powerwall) or concurrently. Batteries installed prior to the solar panel installation do not qualify for the federal credit. See the Tesla FAQ for details.

 

[365gtb4]

1. Are you sure it's clay tile not concrete? Both roof types can be walked on by a professional. Clay tiles problem is drilling through the tile for the mounts. It's more like drilling through glass. It's tricky and they can break, then you've got the problem of replacing the tiles. Concrete is much easier to drill through and is an easier install. Many roofers won't work on either clay or concrete, but clay is especially difficult. If yours is indeed clay get references from other clay roof customers. Do call the manufacturer of the tiles and ask their recommendations.

 

[DeeBee]

There's no need to drill clay tiles to mount solar panels. in the UK most roofing is clay tiles of some description. there are various mounting systems that involve removing a tile, mounting a plate with a U shaped arm to the roof and then reinstalling the tile. the mounting arm sticks out from underneath the tile.

however, it looks like cracking tiles is unavoidable

Eight tips for mounting solar on tile roofs

 

[Azathoth]

1. ...If yours is indeed clay get references from other clay roof customers. Do call the manufacturer of the tiles and ask their recommendations.

They are indeed clay (not concrete), and that's why I'm here
Hoping to hear from someone who "survived" a clay tile PV install. Replacing a cracked or broken clay tile is a PITA ... ask me how I know.

 

[S'toon]

They are indeed clay (not concrete), and that's why I'm here
Hoping to hear from someone who "survived" a clay tile PV install. Replacing a cracked or broken clay tile is a PITA ... ask me how I know.

How do you know?

 

[Radlaw]

We have a Spanish tile roof and I was recently told by a Tesla Energy sales rep that they will not install solar panels over clay tiles. In fact, Tesla declined to even schedule a visit to work up a quote.

 

[Radlaw]

Tesla installed solar panels over red tile in my house, twice. The latest was this past February.

 

[Prasannakt]

Tesla installed solar panels over red tile in my house, twice. The latest was this past February.View attachment 532688 View attachment 532689

Which location is this? I’m looking for a similar installation. Do Tesla do all these by themselves, or do the my require a special 3rd party source to handle the clay tile installation ?
Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Radlaw]

Which location is this? I’m looking for a similar installation. Do Tesla do all these by themselves, or do the my require a special 3rd party source to handle the clay tile installation ?
Any help is much appreciated.

San Diego, CA. Tesla installed them, at least they were in a Tesla labeled truck.