Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering
- How do I place an order?
- Should I place an order for solar panels or Solar Roof?
- What is the status of my order?
- Can I change my order after it has been placed?
- Will the final price change after I place my order?
- Can I cancel my order?
- How long will it take from the time I order to installation of my system?
- What is included in the scope of work for installation?
Home Assessment and Design
- I just moved into my home. Can I still install solar if I don’t have a utility bill yet?
- How does Tesla design my system?
- Why did my system size decrease?
Installation
- Do I need to be home during installation?
- Can I ask the crew to change the design on the day of installation?
- How long will your crew be at my house?
- What happens after the system is installed? Can I turn it on right away?
Inspection
- How long does the inspection take?
- What happens after the system is inspected?
- Is there anything I can do to help the utility process move quicker?
System Activation and Ownership
Ordering
How do I place an order?
Place an order online. To begin the process, go to Tesla.com and choose your energy product. You will be asked to provide your address, estimated roof size and monthly energy usage, from which Tesla will recommend a system size that we believe will best maximize your savings. For energy independence, you can select the number of Powerwalls to your order, allowing you to make the most of your solar production and provide peace of mind during a power outage.
Should I place an order for solar panels or Solar Roof?
Tesla offers two solar energy solutions. Solar Roof seamlessly integrates solar and non-solar tiles, blending with the aesthetics of your home while maximizing the percentage of your roof that can generate solar power.
Tesla’s redesigned solar panels offer an aesthetically appealing option, with integrated front skirts and no visible mounting hardware. Learn more about eligible options for your roof type.
Solar Roof and traditional solar panels from Tesla both integrate with Powerwall, which allows you to store and use your solar energy any time of the day and provides backup power during an outage.
What is the status of my order?
After placing your order, you can check your order status in the ‘Next Steps’ section in your Tesla Account. To help prevent delays, complete any outstanding items in the ‘Your Action Items’ section.
If your status has not changed, you will be notified via automated email or text message once an update is available.
Note: While we are making progress on your project, your order status may remain the same in your Tesla Account.
Can I change my order after it has been placed?
After you place your order, changes to the design of your order can be requested by contacting the Project Advisor listed in your Tesla Account. Your Project Advisor will assist with any changes prior to installation, including changes to your design or finance type. If possible, change requests should be made prior to submitting for the permit to avoid delays to the project. Design change requests after permit submittal can add two to eight weeks to the pre-installation project timeline. When necessary, Tesla will upload a new Price Sheet to your Tesla Account for you to review and sign.
Will the final price change after I place my order?
Tesla will use high-resolution imagery to remotely design your system after you place your order and complete your home assessment. During the design process, Tesla will confirm the dimensions of your roof and any local permitting and utility requirements for the size of your system. Note that this is still a construction project and we may identify pre-construction costs, such as a main panel upgrade, during this design process or when we arrive at your home. If any changes are required to your original order, Tesla will notify you and provide an updated Price Sheet in your Tesla Account for you to review and sign.
Can I cancel my order?
Requests to cancel your order can be completed in your Tesla Account. If eligible, Tesla will automatically initiate your deposit refund. Please review your Energy Products Order Agreement for additional information regarding refund eligibility.
How long will it take from the time I order to installation of my system?
Timelines to installation vary by region and are influenced by local permitting and utility timelines. It may take anywhere from one week to six months to begin installation depending on your location.
What is included in the scope of work for installation?
We will install your Solar Roof on top of eligible existing roofs in most cases. We will survey your home before installation to ensure that your roof is compatible with an overlaid Solar Roof.
If your existing roof is not eligible or you tell us you want to replace your existing roof, Tesla or a certified installer will remove your existing roof before installing Solar Roof at an additional cost. We will perform any structural or electrical upgrades stated in your agreement before installing Solar Roof.
Note: Replacement or addition of gutters, skylights or vents is not included.
Home Assessment and Design
I just moved into my home. Can I still install solar if I don’t have a utility bill yet?
We use the information included in your utility bill to complete your design and submit for utility approval to turn on the system. Some utilities limit the system size based on your historic energy consumption needs. Please notify your Project Advisor if you have not received your first utility bill to discuss. Their contact information is available in your Tesla Account.
How does Tesla design my system?
After you upload your utility bill, we will conduct a site visit and design your Solar Roof to meet your energy needs. Our designers place the solar tiles based on your available roof space and for the highest production.
Why did my system size decrease?
If there is a limited amount of unshaded roof space or the system will produce more energy than allowed by your utility company, the system size presented in your design may be smaller than your original order. If your design changes, we will notify you and provide updated pricing in your Tesla Account for you to review and accept.
Installation and Inspection
Do I need to be home during installation?
On the first day of installation, someone 18 years or older will need to be home for at least the first two hours to allow proper access to the site. Depending on your home, additional site access may be required as the installation progresses. If additional site access is required, our Crew Lead will coordinate with you to ensure someone is home.
Can I ask the crew to change the design on the day of installation?
No. On the day of installation, the crew will be prepared to install what has been designed and permitted for your home. Any requests to change the design on the day of installation can result in delays to your project or may require the installation to be rescheduled for a different day. Your Project Advisor can assist with any design change requests prior to installation. Their contact information is available in your Tesla Account.
How long will your crew be at my house?
Tesla will work with you to schedule your installation for the earliest available date. Depending on the size and complexity of your Solar Roof, the amount of time to complete the installation will vary. Most Solar Roof installations require approximately five to seven business days to complete.
What happens after the system is installed? Can I turn it on right away?
After installation has been completed, a Tesla Inspection Coordinator will contact you to schedule the final building inspection. We will then submit the results of the inspection and a final application to your utility company to receive Permission to Operate (PTO) We will notify you once it is safe to activate your system.
Inspection and Utility Approval
How long does inspection take?
Tesla works with your local city or county to schedule site inspections of your Solar Roof installation. Inspection typically occurs after your installation has been completed, however, some jurisdictions may require additional inspections as the installation progresses. These additional inspections will typically be coordinated with the crew and should not require you to be home; however, in the event access to the attic is required, the Tesla Inspection Coordinator will work with you to schedule the inspection.
The final inspection will require someone 18 or older to be present. Tesla will work with you to schedule the inspection date and a general timeline. The Tesla Inspection Coordinator will contact you on the morning of the final inspection with a more specific arrival time. The final inspection is typically completed within 30 minutes after the Inspection Coordinator arrives.
What happens after the system is inspected?
We will work directly with you and your utility company to submit the necessary documentation for PTO. Any paperwork requiring your signature will be uploaded to your Tesla Account for your review and action. Depending on your location, the approval process typically takes one to six weeks. We will notify you once your system is safe to activate.
Is there anything I can do to help the utility process move quicker?
Utility companies typically require an application for connecting to the utility grid. We will notify you once these documents are ready to be actioned in your Tesla Account. Completing your application quickly will allow Tesla to expedite the submission of your application. We will notify you once your system is safe to activate.
System Activation and Ownership
How do I turn on the system?
These instructions can be reviewed in the Turning on Your System video. We will notify you once it is safe to turn on your system.
How quickly will I see production in the Tesla app after system activation?
System production will be visible in your Tesla app within one hour of successfully activating your system.
Why can’t I see production in my Tesla Account? Do I have to download the Tesla app?
Instructions for activating your system will be located in your Tesla Account. After the system has been successfully turned on, you will be able to monitor your system’s performance and control all of your Tesla products through the Tesla app.
What do I do if my Solar Roof system has been affected by a natural disaster or force majeure event?
A force majeure event may include natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, lightning strikes and wildfires. Learn more about what to do following a force majeure event if your Solar Roof system has been affected.