For the $100 they will do quite a bit of work (assuming they are able to install in your area and can proceed). The design team will use google map overhead photos if possible to suggest a layout for your approval and based on what system size/price you choose and give you equipment list with product specs to review. Ask your questions to firm things up. At this stage you can make changes before they will prepare documents that you will need to review and sign. You will be asked to submit photos of your main panel area and panel set up. If you have an HOA, you will be asked to get any approvals you need. They will during this period go to your city to file for required permit.
Our city at this point asked for changes to our main panel (had to be updated to a 225A bus bar and end feed, same 200A rating still). Our panel labeling had fallen off years before so we did not know what make/model the main panel the developers used. The city pulled plans from more than a decade before to determine we needed the upgrade. Pretty costly upgrade and Tesla was willing to work with us on this but their main panel guy was booked out so we elected to have our own electrician do the work. Yep, another permit and inspection with the city. Timing was really bad for us as covid shut down the work mid March as it was about to start until early June when electrical only could start up.
During this post-contract time we were asked to submit additional photos of the outside of our house at main panel, photos of our inside garage area where work there would be done, submit our HOA approval letter, maybe a few more items.
At some point while waiting we decided to add another PW when prices for larger systems came down and knew it would save us money over adding later. Another contract was prepared and signed. Tesla filed an amendment to our permit for the extra equipment, but despite being handle differently in other cities, ours made them file an additional permit just for the third PW. We haven’t paid any additional funds beyond our $100 deposit (except for our main panel work outside of Tesla). Our second permit was approved last week so we expect Tesla to contact us soon about scheduling. A 1/2 deposit amount on our order will be due then when they show up; and they will collect the second half of the deposit at day of install. With all approvals in place they will then contact PG&E for the PTO.
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