5 Things You NEED to Know Before Ordering Tesla Solar
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- I recently put down a deposit on Tesla Solar and Powerwall, and through the process I have learned a number of things I wish I had known beforehand.. so in this video, I share 5 things you need to know before placing your order for Tesla Solar!
Thinking of ordering Tesla Solar? Use my referral code and get $100 off your order! This also helps me :)
ts.la/zackary4...
I also started an Instagram for the channel, so feel free to follow me there for more behind the scenes! / zacktrippyt
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This panel can put out close to 100 watts czcams.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
I initially requested XL T shirt size, ended up installing 20Khw, but it was a matter of just looking at my usage and asking the project advisor for the additional amount. But agree you have to ask. For the powerwall they recommended 4 but i got two. That was enough for me in case of another Texas freeze outage. I agree with you the customer service has a lot to be desired. Lots of turnover and change over the course of my 7 month project duration, had multiple project advisors and was super difficult to get ahold of them or keep track of where we were at in the project.
Some additional key learnings:
1. Understand timeline from start to finish to set expectations with yourself
2. Storage frees you from being grid tied, no storage means your solar will not work during an outage
3. Customer Service is poor, takes a lot of follow up and effort on your side to keep on top of things. Future warranty work likely to be stressful.
4. Check your local rules around net metering. Most places pay you wholesale rate, but charge your retail, usually paying you much less for your overgeneration
Do Tesla provide performance warranty? That it will generate the amount production they estimated? Is that in the actual contract?
Can we get a follow up video on your Tesla power wall and how the process all worked
I find it absolutely psychotic that you have to actually answer to an electric company for becoming more energy and independent from them...
🤪 and big brother keeping the man down!
@@CVBASEBALLCARDCOLLECTOR I mean basically.
I hear that, on a gut level. However as as a licensed electrical engineer and contractor I also understand how complex the electrical power generation and distribution system really is with each consumer/co-genereator adding "wrinkles" to it. Freedom from the electric utility company only requires your own stand-alone power system - aaah! So I installed an off-grid system for some friends in rural Idaho. Worked fine through all the normal utility outages, but then lightning struck the panels and fried the inverter. They were without power for six weeks with difficulties finding and installing repairs or replacement. There was no "white knight" utility charging to the rescue.
Everything has a cost, whether monetarily, emotionally or whatever. "Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose," or death, whichever comes first.
Yeah, crazy.
@@CVBASEBALLCARDCOLLECTOR The key difference between linemen and electricians is the amount of voltage each works with. Linemen work with high voltage transmission lines of 200 kilovolts (Kv) or more. Working with high voltage lines requires special training, tools, and safety measures that would not be applicable to a general electrician.
Thanks for this. I"m getting mine this month.
Hi Zack!
I’m a new subscriber and wanted to extend my personal thanks for curating this video.
We are in the early planning stages of buying our solar panels and power walls. Thus, we found your tips very useful. Thank you again Brother👍🏽🙌🏽
Glad it was helpful, good luck!
Nicely done. Straight to the point without a lot of sidebars. I'm going through the process right now as well and experienced the same. Super quick response....I ask for some design changes....and then....nothing. Finally had to get someone on the phone to make some changes. I would add a sixth point to your description. While Tesla will allow changes in # of panels and how they're configured on the roof, it gets difficult, maybe impossible, after that. For example, I have shading issues on my roof and requested the incorporation of micro-inverters to compensate. Response from Tesla: Sorry, no can do. For a company that defines innovation, the refusal to add micro-inverters is problematic. I realize Tesla likes to streamline the ordering process to optimize overall efficiency....but this specific issue might be a deal breaker for me.
I hear you there! I actually downsized my planned installation after making this video due to similar issues. Now I'm just doing a system where I know shading won't be a concern. Hopefully making an update video when I get some time! Good luck to you on your system. It really shouldn't be this hard...
Thanks for the info and good luck. Tesla needs to improve customer service. This became clear to me after purchasing my MY. Nice picture of the Flatirons.
Forget about grid tie, especially if you are in California. You get almost nothing for your power, keep what you make. Always go with more battery than you need. Using less of the available capacity will greatly improve the number of cycles/life. Ask if the Tesla battery uses repurposed car cells. Ask how much capacity of a Tesla’s 4kw battery is actually available 3? 2? Consider Big Battery or others. Possibly even learning to build your own battery. Did you know a DIY “compressed” LiFePO4 battery will still have 80% capacity after that 15,000 cycles and can’t explode in flames like lithium polymer. Build a 32kwh battery bank for 8k?! Learn more at DIY Solar power forum. Build your whole system for 1/4 the cost. But you have to learn and be handy to be safe. If not, pay the big boys, but be buyer savvy.
PWs are 14kw
And TESLA GIVES YIU HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!
YMMV indeed !
My initial order was in August 2021,
installation in May 2022,
finally online with net meter in March 2023.
Painful 18 month process.
Cumbersome communications.
But wonderful workmanship.
Just be prepared to be patient.
If you are in a HOA community you most likely could not put panels on your street-facing roof.
This video was posted a year ago, congrats he just got his Tesla solar in. Be advised if you get a 10+ kw system they will only give you a 7 kw inverter, your system will clip all day and you will lose out on production that would have been captured by a real system
It took about 6 months for the system to be turned on after putting in my deposit. Coming up on a year of solar generation pretty soon. And liking your own message, nice!
@Zack Tripp I was joking about a year, 6 months that's still horrific. Jesus christ
Any chance you will do a follow-up video describing 1 year later and any other lessons learned? I am at the beginning and looking at a new home construction.
Great video man! Excellent information. Thank you.
Wow I’m looking at 20kw size for S Texas.
Good video😁
You might want to remove the fly in the top right corner... If you know what I mean.. I see you keep looking at it during the video😉
But other than that you make an excellent youtuber!
What is off in the corner of the room that you can't stop looking at?
I dont get it. It is your house right? Put the 4kw system on there that the electrical company will approve and then get them to come in and add more panels afterwards. I am looking to do something here in VA that limits you to 20kw of grid tied. I have a 14kw system and plenty of roof space. I am already grid tied so the power company doesnt get a say. Of course they arnt going to pay me more than what a 20kw system would make alone but I am using the electricity.
I had a fantastic experience-initial order in mid August 2021 and PTO mid December 2021, about 3 weeks after the actual installation was completed. I do agree that the initial period (between placing the order and your first contact with an actual person) is a bit disconcerting but I was prepared for that. The follow up after that was quite good and installation was excellent for my 8.5 kW system with 2 Powerwalls that also had to be connected to a small existing non-Tesla system. I live in southern Arizona and the team here is outstanding. Also I had the same concern about past usage history since I had just moved into the house in April but apparently the local power company (TEP) had no problem approving my system. I guess the old saying, “your mileage may vary” applies based on where you’re located.
Great info, thanks for sharing! Glad to hear the experience can be better in other locations.
Nice to hear how large is your home?
Hi there! Thanks for the video. What kind of warranty do they offer? That’s one of my concerns with buying is the lack of support from Tesla in case of issues
Can you program your powerwall when and how it charges? For instance, only charge when there is excess solar, OR at night when rates are cheap? OR - don't charge from grid during peak timeframes? I personally would only want it to charge from solar during the day, and again over night during non-peak from the grid.
U r looking like mark juckerberg 😂
This is exactly what I came here to comment
Do you know battery pack must be installed when there is a grid system to sell surplus electricity to the electricity provider?
Thank you for sharing lessons-learned.
Why does the utility care about oversizing your solar PV system if they allow it at all? If we're going to reduce CO2 emissions, why not go to the max?
is it a good idea to by a powerwall now they are apparently making a new one. Thanks for this great vid.
It’s been a while.. I hope all is well.
Did ur Tesla solar system ever get installed?
How did it turn out?
Solar is a great option. Everyone just needs to do their research so they choose the right company. Potential communication issues with Tesla is a deterrent for me. Buying this system outright though is feasible with the price point. It's just the customer service I'm worried about.
Customer service seems to be a “thing of the past” everywhere I go these days. And I mean everywhere, not just online. It keeps me from getting lots of things done here, from plumbing, electrical, even big box store appliances. After dealing with the local Lowes on a refrigerator purchase/delivery, I’m even more wary. Good luck to you and I hope you’re not in central Texas if you’re needing good customer service….for ANYthing!
Helpful tips, thank you
Thank you most help yet. I am subscribe now.
Very very informative
10years is now 2.99%.
How the overall process and what’s the warranty? Labor and components both. TY
I can’t ever get a hold of my project advisor
Really? You got their contact info and they just won't get back to you?
Great video, how’s the solar panel saga going? I have been at my new house less than a year so maybe I should wait a bit more baes on your video.
It's been slow so far! I'm scheduled for install March 7th based on supply shortages (shocker, I know). And then it could be a couple more months before it's approved for turn on. Such a long process!
@@zacktripp oh damn sorry to hear it has been such a long process… I need to check how’s the process in IN and see if it is worth it. Let’s hope it will go faster than scheduled for you 🤞🏼
I hope the same for you! I'm planning to make an update video one of these days.
Very informative. With financng the system Is the expectation that you will be the loan as well as any electric from the grid? Or, assuming you have enough panels you would only be paying the loan. Thanks!
For me the solar should cover my electricity needs with net metering, so I'm basically replacing my electric bill with the loan. When the loan is paid for, the electricity is basically free!
No way will I do solar roof, it was insanely expensive. 100k for my roof. It's less than 1500sqft. WTF.
Shoot I have them and when works it's awesome but have Problem TESLA BLAMES the owner and says you need to fix any issues. They have HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Would it be better to go with just regular Solar Panels?
Just panels on your roof are way more affordable. I can't really recommend the solar roof at those prices.
@@zacktripp thank you
Im in california and i started my application last Sept 2, uploaded the pictures and electric bill, sept 7 i signed their hoa letter then sept 9 i signed their solar packet thing and after that never heard from them again, i sent a message online to the project staff in charge but no response and the next day i decided to give them a call and asked why i have not received their lay out design yet coz its been 2 weeks already then he told me they need to send someone at my home to check on my roof so they can design the layout which i find it strange as what they advertise on their website that they can make their design using satellite imagery so i agreed then they set the site visit last sept 22 but for some reason the day after that call i received an email saying they need to reschedule the site visit on october 6, im starting to lose patience so if they cant do it on october 6 im gonna cancel and ask for a refund on that $100 deposit coz the reason im in a hurry coz i need to include this on my tax filing for this year. Tesla communication and customer service sucks and thats real talk.
I started February ‘21 and finally got permission to operate in September ‘21. Installation in June and just waiting 2 month for inspections and paperwork. Your mileage may vary depending on your local situation but expect at least 6+ months to go through the process from start to finish. This is another expectation setting that they should communicate better up front as part of the project.
Great insight, thank you Jeremy!
Any updates on your installation?
@@cisco4rm714 i cancelled Tesla and got my panels installed by another solar company last week though they need to get back next week to install my battery then finally for inspection before connecting to the grid
I'm going to pull the trigger soon. How far along are you in the process, or how long did it take to complete the job?
Still not done! I actually downsized the system a bit so essentially started over.. permits are submitted now though!
Great video! These are many of the reasons I warn my clients when they’re thinking of using Tesla for their solar.
Solid info.
Just watching this it sounds like California . Were ever this is its time to move.
So i hear their inverters support up to 4 strings, is that right? Do they give you trouble if you want 4 strings instead of 1 or 2?
I don't think so but not sure. My inverter is limited to 3.8kw but they also offer a 7.6kw inverter. They'll provide that based on your array size.
@@zacktripp Interesting, so if you buy a big enough system, you'll need multiple inverters?
Are you in CO? I am debating on solar but not sure if its worth it with my current CO-OP. Great video btw
I am in Colorado! What kind of Co-op?
@@zacktripp our electric company out in Centennial is CORE Cooperative which used to be IREA
Oh okay, I didn't realize that. I've always had Xcel in Colorado, not my favorite..
@@zacktripp Better than CORE so you are in better shape
Well if I saw this video a year ago. I would have told you check your electrical bill first it tells you about your usage It’s all on the bill. I’m definitely looking into Tesla because sun run and SunPower are absolutely horrible about lying to your face trying to get you to install and sign a contract before the details are disclosed. Lucky for me I’m an engineer and I know exactly what to ask and what they were hiding was very important. But I would rather go with Tesla because I preferred to be lied to my face instead of finding it out later in the bills that I was lied to. I really do believe that sun run and sunpower are owned by the oil companies to make you so disgusted and not wanting to get solar panels but that’s just my opinion..
What are they hiding that is very important? I got an estimate for 10.2kw system from sun power yesterday. The sales tactics they use are annoying to say the least. I would rather go with Tesla but so many bad reviews.
@@ryanj7776 Tesla has bad reviews?.. sun power is worst the Sales scum are so dumb and tell so many lies it’s hard to believe they are still in business. But it only goes to show how many people don’t research these things. And at least the Tesla people know their stuff.
are they using micro inverter or central inverter ?
They do not use microinverters. I think they have two sizes, 4kw and 8kw for inverters.
@@zacktripp sun power has but bit expensive compared to Sunpower
They only use string lines with optimizers
Is installation included with your online purchase?
Yup that included all installation and permitting fees.
I used your code
That's awesome, thank you!
Got my install last week!
Hi, if my electric panel box is outdated, will Tesla replace/update it for free?
I think that's likely going to add additional cost unfortunately!
For Free...lets me sit in my chair...haha
Zack, great video, thanks. my wife and I live in IL and have put down our deposit for solar panels and 2 tesla walls. even though we are in an single family home, we are bound by and HOA and a letter went out regarding out panels and some folks already wrote in some "concerns" one of which is that the inverter hums ? Is this true and if so, are we even going to be bothered by it inside the house let alone across the street? We are several feet away from our closest neighbor. Another was questioning the home value and whether is increases or decreases it. Not sure why that is a concern of theirs, but they claim it only increased in 10 states which I feel is a positive. any feedback you have is appreciated. - Mark
Hi Mark! Glad you liked the video! The inverter can make noise for the cooling system when it's hot outside. I haven't experienced that yet but it does seem to "hum" under these circumstances. That said, I think it will really depend on where your electric panel is on your house and where the power walls will be located. If the inverter/electrical panel is positioned right outside a window you often have open, that might get annoying. But if it's on the side of your garage or something like that, you'll probably not even notice it.
As far as increasing or decreasing the value of your home, adding a solar system has to increase the value of your home. You're basically prepaying for 30+ years worth of electricity and there is definitely value in that. And your neighbors will get clean energy throughout the day when you overproduce and it's sent back to the grid. How can they complain about that?
Good luck!
@@zacktripp it seems like if the Powerwall hums only when it is hot, all the other neighbor's "normal" air conditioners will be humming and buzzing as well - sh what was their complaint again? Sheesh!
Good point! And I'll add that my inverter barely makes audible noise when it's 100 degrees outside and the cooling system is on, so I wouldn't be too concerned about it anymore!
Great video! Some questions: Why did you choose the Powerwalls rather than just going with net metering? I understand the desire to be self sufficient, but if you're still connected to the grid, don't you still have to pay the fixed costs? And when are you going to post a video about the performance of your setup? thanks
Thank you! And things have actually gotten a little complicated with life and with Tesla, so still no system installed... Hopefully soon! I'll update when I can 😁
I went with 2 powerwalls because of the constant power outages i get in my area, hurricanes, the Texas freeze. Keep in mind if the power grid goes offline and you don’t have storage your solar is a brick and will not power your house even if its a bright sunny day. This is safety feature requirement to not back feed the lines during an outage. Installing storage inbetween allows you independence from the grid, especially if you have power instability in your area.
Tesla is fine until there is a problem. Once they have your money that's that last you see of them. I made the mistake of doing business with them and now I have a broken system and they are "too busy" to service their own equipment. I regret ever doing business with them.
Sounds like Tesla is bullshitting you on length of time with an electrical calculation process for approval. It doesn't take longer once submitted, they just need to get it submitted
Y u look like mark zuck
The unusual complexity of their panels basic design makes the chances of a long trouble free life a very bad bet. Saying they are great in the first few years is like saying a car is reliable as you drive it off the dealers parking lot for the very first time! Sorry, but only 20-30 years of reliable performance in the real world will prove if their panels design is reliable and a good investment. I started in solar in 1979- the hard science and proof of solar panels being a good investment has been settled decades ago. But that is with conventional simple "traditional" solar panels where the basic design has not changed in 70 years. What people here are missing here is "How long will Tesla solar panels last?" Because unless their panels last 20-30 years without problems - you simply cannot say!
When did you start working for Tesla Mark Zuckerberg?
Everyone needs to sue their electric company in the US. They decide what you can do? Disconnect. Illegal? Sue them.
It is pretty ridiculous
V
Tesla project advisor or whatever they call are really a joke. They have the worse customer services in modern business. They do not know what they are doing in term of trustworthy and technical support. They pushed one person to the other.
I would never recommend doing any business with Tesla Sola energy group.
TESLA SUCKS THEY have horrible customer service!!!
Waste of money.
Dude you gotta stop looking away from the camera... its super distracting.
Duuuuuude.
Will they install on a metal roof