Tesla Solar brings a sleek, streamlined approach to residential solar, pairing minimalist design with smart energy tech that works together effortlessly. The company’s all-in-one ecosystem, solar panels, Powerwall battery and mobile app make managing your home’s energy feel intuitive and efficient. The standout here is Tesla’s self-serve online quote tool, which gives you real-time estimates based on your address and electric bill (a level of transparency few other providers offer up front). With a 25-year performance warranty and a brand name known for innovation, it’s a compelling choice for homeowners looking to modernize their energy use.
Still, Tesla’s approach may not suit everyone. You won’t find a menu of panel brands or financing options like power purchase agreements (PPAs) or leases, and while you’ll get follow-up from a company rep after placing a deposit, the process leans more digital than personal. But if you value a tech-forward, plug-and-play solar experience with long-term performance in mind, Tesla Solar delivers exactly that.
Pros
- Long-lasting 25-year performance warranty
- Seamless integration with Tesla Powerwall and mobile app
Cons
- No lease or PPA options
- Limited to one panel type with no tiered equipment choices
- Solar Roof not yet available nationwide and can be costlier than standard panels
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Tesla Solar: An Overview
Tesla’s name might be synonymous with sleek electric vehicles, but it’s also become a major force in the residential solar space. From high-efficiency panels to its unique Solar Roof tiles and powerful Powerwall battery, Tesla offers a streamlined system designed to help homeowners take control of their energy use and look good doing it.
What makes Tesla stand out isn’t just the tech (though that’s a big part of it). It’s the company’s all-in-one approach: Tesla designs the system, installs it and ties it all together with its proprietary app, giving you full visibility and control from day one. Whether you’re looking to slash your electricity bill, prepare for outages or go fully off-grid, Tesla delivers a solar experience that’s deeply integrated, future-focused and built around the brand’s signature mix of innovation and minimalism.
Featured Partners
1
Momentum Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan
Number of States Covered
10
2
Blue Raven Solar
BBB
A+
Financing Options
$0 upfront for 18 months
Number of States Covered
21
Tesla Solar Services
Tesla’s solar experience is designed to be all-in-one. The company manages nearly every stage of the process in-house. Unlike many providers that rely on third-party contractors, Tesla keeps things under one roof, which can streamline communication and reduce service gaps.
Here’s a breakdown of what Tesla offers:
- Virtual consultations and design: Homeowners start by using Tesla’s online quote tool, which generates a custom system design and price estimate based on your address and energy usage. No in-person sales visit required to start.
- Professional installation: Tesla’s in-house team (or certified partners in select areas) handles the panel or Solar Roof installation. The process includes permitting, inspections and final activation.
- System monitoring: All Tesla systems come with 24/7 monitoring through the Tesla app, giving users real-time insight into energy generation, battery levels and consumption. This is not professional monitoring. Homeowners are in charge of monitoring their system’s performance.
- Maintenance and support: Tesla includes a 10-year comprehensive warranty that covers repairs, system performance issues and installation workmanship. Panels also come with a 25-year performance warranty.
- Energy storage and EV Integration: Homeowners can pair their system with Powerwall batteries for backup power and Tesla’s EV Wall Connector for solar charging at home.
What Tesla doesn’t currently offer is panel cleaning, though the company maintains that most systems don’t require it under normal conditions. And while the experience is tech-driven and efficient, customer support can feel more hands-off than some homeowners might prefer.
Tesla Solar Panel Options
Tesla doesn’t crowd its catalog with a dozen panel brands. Instead, it leans into a focused, high-performance system that’s fully designed in-house. Homeowners get a 410-watt solar panel with clean lines, a low-profile mount and all-black design that blends into the roofline instead of standing out. Behind that minimalist look is solid performance: Tesla’s system is built to handle extreme temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and includes an inverter that operates at up to 98% efficiency, meaning more solar power gets turned into usable electricity.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Tesla’s solar panel specs:
- Panel Power Output: 410 watts
- Inverter Efficiency: Up to 98%
- Operating Temp Range: minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit
- Certifications: IEC / UL 61730, IEC 61215, CEC Listed
Tesla also offers an alternative for those looking to replace their roof entirely: the Tesla Solar Roof. This option swaps out traditional panels for sleek, energy-producing glass solar tiles paired with durable architectural-grade steel tiles. It’s likely for homeowners starting from scratch or upgrading an aging roof, and it’s just as functional as it is visually impressive.
Notable Solar Roof specs include:
- Solar Tile Output: 72 watts per tile
- Wind Rating: Class F (highest)
- Fire Rating: Class A (highest)
- Hail Rating: Class 4 (highest)
- Minimum Roof Pitch: 2:12
Where Is Tesla Solar Available?
Tesla currently offers solar services in 30 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. That gives it one of the broader service footprints among national installers, but it’s still not quite coast-to-coast. Coverage gaps remain in parts of the Midwest and Southeast, and availability can vary depending on whether you’re opting for panels, Solar Roof or Powerwall.
Tesla doesn’t maintain local offices in every state, so customers in some areas may deal with longer wait times or a more virtual experience from start to finish. The company manages this through centralized operations and remote design tools, which can speed things up in some cases, but may leave others wanting more personalized service.
Tesla Solar Warranties
Tesla’s warranty package is solid, but it’s also relatively no-frills compared to some competitors. The solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty, which guarantees 80% energy output over that time. There’s also a 12.5-year inverter warranty, and Powerwall batteries are covered for 10 years.
That’s all in line with industry standards; however, unlike some full-service providers, Tesla doesn’t include proactive maintenance, service coverage or performance guarantees unless you’re using the full Tesla system and monitoring it through the app.
In short, the warranties are trustworthy, but you’re expected to manage your own system unless an issue arises. This is likely a friendly model for tech-savvy users, but if you prefer more concierge-style solar service, this may feel a bit hands-off.
How Much Does Tesla Solar Cost?
Tesla doesn’t publish fixed pricing on its website, but based on our research, most homeowners should expect between $16,600 and $20,500 for the cost of a solar panel system around 6.5 kW. Your final cost will depend on factors like system size, roof layout, your location and whether you add extras like a Powerwall battery or go for a full Solar Roof replacement.
What’s convenient, though, is Tesla’s interactive online quote tool. Just enter your home address, average monthly electric bill or kilowatt usage, and it’ll generate a recommended system size along with an estimated price—no sales call required. That level of upfront transparency is rare in the solar world and makes it easier to understand what you’re getting into without having someone physically come out to your house.
Tesla’s simple and consistent approach takes a lot of stress out of the buying process, though do keep in mind, you will likely still need to talk to a representative and go into more details about your solar needs to get the most accurate pricing.
Financing Options
Tesla keeps its solar financing options straightforward. Homeowners can choose between paying in full with cash or using Tesla’s in-house financing, both of which give you full ownership of the system and eligibility for the federal solar tax credit.
Here’s how the two options break down:
- Cash purchase: Pay the full amount after your system passes inspection. It’s the fastest route to ownership, with no monthly payments and provides the most potential for long-term savings.
- Tesla financing: Pay nothing up front and start monthly payments roughly 35 days after your system receives permission to operate. Your total cost and estimated payment plan are shown clearly during the quote process, making it easy to plan ahead.
Unlike some other top solar companies, Tesla doesn’t offer a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), so if you’re looking for a low-commitment plan where you only pay for the electricity your system generates, Tesla won’t be the right fit. But for homeowners who want long-term value and energy independence, owning your system outright, whether up front or over time, lines up well with Tesla’s overall philosophy.
Tesla Solar Customer Survey Results
We asked 1,000 solar customers across the U.S. to share their experiences, and Tesla earned a mix of praise and room-for-improvement marks. When it came to product reliability, 76% of respondents said their Tesla panels were holding up well, an encouraging sign for long-term performance. And post-installation support got a thumbs-up from most users too, with 84% saying they were satisfied with the service they’ve received since their system went live.
However, the road to solar installation wasn’t as smooth for everyone. Only 40% of respondents rated it a 9 or 10 out of 10. That dip in high satisfaction may reflect the company’s hands-off process: Tesla leans on its online quote tool for pricing and system recommendations, and customer interaction typically ramps up after you place a deposit. It’s convenient but not as personalized as some homeowners might prefer.
On the cost side, more than half (52%) said their Tesla system came in between $15,001 and $30,000, aligning Tesla with other major solar players offering full-system installations plus energy storage options like Powerwall.
All in all, Tesla customers seem to value the brand’s innovation and sleek hardware, but the user experience might feel more streamlined than hands-on.
How Tesla Solar Stacks Up
Bottom Line: Is Tesla Solar the Right Solar Installer for You?
Tesla Solar could be a strong fit for homeowners who want a sleek system, cutting-edge tech and the ability to view costs up front with its online quote tool. With a focus on ownership and bundled storage options, it’s designed for those looking to take long-term control of their energy use. Just keep in mind, the streamlined process means fewer plan types and less room to personalize.
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Methodology: How We Rated Solar Companies
To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 24 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features and survey results.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How efficient are Tesla's solar panels?
Tesla’s solar panels operate at around 98% inverter efficiency, which is on par with other residential systems. While Tesla doesn’t publish a specific module efficiency percentage, the 410-watt panels are designed to perform with other leading monocrystalline options. What sets the panels apart is the level of integration. When paired with Tesla’s inverter and Powerwall, the entire system is built to run as one seamless, high-performing energy solution.
How long do Tesla solar roofs and panels last?
Both Tesla solar panels and Solar Roof tiles come with a 25-year performance warranty, meaning they’re built for the long haul. The panels are also weather-sealed and low-profile, which helps protect them from wear and tear. The Solar Roof, made from glass solar tiles and corrosion-resistant steel tiles, is engineered to take on wind, fire, hail and just about anything else nature throws at it, all while continuing to produce power for decades.
