Solar Panel Sizing and Design
Tesla Solar Sizes
Tesla offers four standard solar sizes. By streamlining designs, permitting and logistics, Tesla delivers high quality solar systems at industry leading prices.
| Solar Size | Number of Panels | Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 12 | 3.78 kW |
| Medium | 24 | 7.56 kW |
| Large | 36 | 11.34 kW |
| X-Large | 48 | 15.12 kW |
| Solar Size | Number of Panels | Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 12 | 3.78 kW |
| Medium | 24 | 7.56 kW |
| Large | 36 | 11.34 kW |
| X-Large | 48 | 15.12 kW |
How many solar panels do I need?
Choosing the right solar system size for you depends on a few things – where your house is located, how much electricity your home uses per year and the local price of electricity from your utility. Before you order, we will show you the system size that saves you the most money. You may decide to choose a different size if you expect your electricity usage to change.
Why does the biggest system not have the largest savings?
There will be days throughout the year where you consume more energy than your solar system produces, and days where you consume less. Most electric utilities add up all the excess energy that you generate during the year, and subtract it from your total energy consumption during that year. You only have to pay the difference. This is called net metering.
Most utilities won’t give you full credit for generating electricity beyond what you consumed that year. Therefore, to maximize your savings, you want to match your system size to your expected electricity usage, without generating a lot of net excess over the year that you can’t use.
Our recommended system size on your order is based on offsetting your current energy usage, determined by the average electric bill that you enter. If you plan to add an electric vehicle or other electric appliances in the future, you should consider getting a larger system size.
Layout For Efficiency and Looks
Tesla uses a combination of high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery to design your solar system. Our designers will place the solar panels for highest production and arrange them for best aesthetics. If you have a preference on your solar layout, you can provide input to our designers in our mobile Virtual Home Assessment after placing an order.
Adding More Solar Over Time
An additional solar system can be added if you would like to add more panels in the future. Rather than adding panels to your current system, it’s best to keep them independent. This ensures that each system will operate efficiently and maintain its respective warranties.