Tesla canceled my solar roof

[Odiggity]

They said it was too complex with the new installation guidelines

 

[Firetruck41]

Bummer!

 

[BillyGee]

That really sucks, did they at least get your deposit back?

Also, why does your roof have so many facets? I've never seen a roof with that many angles and joints, it looks like someone hit autocomplete in the Sims.

 

[ÆCIII]

They said it was too complex with the new installation guidelines

Thanks for sharing. Your layout view is informative in that it shows the Tesla solar tiles that produce power, are only the ones that are on continual larger roof planar sections without any interrupting features like vent pipes or valley transitions between hips and dormers. From your drawing it appears only about 35% - 40% of your roof area is usable for solar tiles, while the rest actually is filled with complex hips, valleys, dormers, and vent pipes requiring a very tedious and expensive installation just to make the 35% area of solar tiles to look right. Your roof obviously has some beautiful architectural design aspects, but unfortunately those many aspects make the Tesla solar installation less practical and more difficult for complex roof structures. Of course if you think about it, the same goes for conventional solar panels as well. I think solar (Tesla and conventional) currently needs larger planar roof surfaces for installations to be optimal and practical for good power returns and ultimately return on investment.

At least they're being up front and honest with you. Because if they insisted on completing your installation as difficult as it is, that would mislead others with similar complex roofs, creating situations of more difficult installations and prolonged investment returns for all concerned over the long term. Seems like they are just 'keeping it real' and avoiding unrealistic expectations.

 

[Crissa]

Can you remove/relocate some of your vents? Roof vents can be deflected pretty far, especially the plumbing ones.

That seems to be a big part with your complexity issue.

-Crissa

 

[Tinker71]

Can you remove/relocate some of your vents? Roof vents can be deflected pretty far, especially the plumbing one.

That seems to be a big part with your complexity issue.

-Crissa

If you have an attic a plumber could move them easily. If someone made a nice ridge transition material it would be nice to stay conventional on the north/complex side. It would still look good from either side. Way better than scabbing panels all over the place.

 

[Odiggity]

Agree that the roof is complex, wasn’t built with solar in mind. There are 4 skylights that we were planning to remove which gained 3kwh.

Better to cancel now than fail later, just a bummer because I’ve been waiting since September

 

[ajdelange]

Were you using Tesla tiles because you have to to get Powerwalls? Or because you like the neater appearance? I suggest going with one of the doubtless numerous installers in your area (one of whom might be a Tesla dealer) and see what they can come up with using conventional panels which are much easier to install but for sure they aren't as neat and you'll have conduit running around the roof. The conventional installation doesn't actually look that bad.

 

[crimsonaudio]

FWIW, my parents recently installed conventional (LG) panels and have a Tesla Powerwall (came as part of the package). So if the Powerwall was part of the draw it can be done with conventional panels.

 

[Doug McAllister]

Is there room anywhere you could install panels in your yard. Could be an answer.

 

[Luke42]

Is there room anywhere you could install panels in your yard. Could be an answer.

Solar carport!

 

[CompMaster]

In this case I do not believe the vents matter, is may only matter if one would need to gain more power output. From what I see in this case is more of all the different angels and obstruction cuts that would have to be made. Weither the obstruction was on one side or the other the tiles still need to be cut. I'm sure these title take longer to measure and cut on site. I wonder if they now have a new time frame of install due to the backlog?
I agree that is a really nice looking roof!! And I also agree if you have the availability to add more power I would get the vents moved anyway weather it be solar roof or solar panels.
In my area we are only allowed to put solar up to "100%" of our usage based on average of last 12 month. Thus I will be doing solar panel so my power production can grow as my power needs grow. IE CT in the future, and who else know what next... my oldest is 7 and already planning trips with his own Tesla... lol

 

[ajdelange]

So if the Powerwall was part of the draw it can be done with conventional panels.

Not with LG panels unfortunately. Tesla has announced that it will not sell Powerwalls unless they are part of an order that contains PV as well. I suppose one could buy conventional panels from Tesla and get Powerwalls that way.

 

[Luke42]

Not with LG panels unfortunately. Tesla has announced that it will not sell Powerwalls unless they are part of an order that contains PV as well. I suppose one could buy conventional panels from Tesla and get Powerwalls that way.

There area alternatives to the Powerwall.

For instance, Generac keeps marketing their PWRCELL at me, as a Powerwall alternative.

It looks like the F-150 Lightning of the household energy storage world. Old brand, new product, built to compete Tesla, may end up being the budget-alternative, etc.

The only reason I haven't clicked on the ad is that the local installer looks scammy -- some 3rd-party vendor wants to "pay me" to install Generac's gear, which just isn't how the world works. I'd much rather pursue a fair deal with low-reasonable prices and avoid the payola scheme.

The Generac product itself looks legit, though!

P.S. I'm glad to see that renewable energy has progressed to the point where semi-shady contractors want in on the action. That's huge progress over the last 20 years!

 

[ajdelange]

I've always been a little skeptical about Generac.