About to jump

[J.P.M.]

Good question. And I think it's why I came here.

The initial process with Tesla is very streamlined and easy. The prices are excellent.

I guess I want to know if they deserve their bad reviews or maybe they may have improved.

With so many other choices or local quality vendors and manufacturers with quality products, I'd wonder why you're even thinking about one of the bottom feeding outfits, except that you might be have the low price syndrome.

If you're interested in opinion as to whether or not they deserve the bad reviews/opinions and, FWIW you want mine, root around here.

If you're stuck with or caught in the low initial price syndrome, I've found that initial price and long term quality/satisfaction have something of an inverse relation. Sure folks can get screwed, but usually buyer ignorance has a lot to do with the screwing by not being better able to spot false quality and scams. You will get what you pay for (or less).

Get educated. You'll wind up with a better system for the effort, or none.

[Cshama]

Good question. And I think it's why I came here.

The initial process with Tesla is very streamlined and easy. The prices are excellent.

I guess I want to know if they deserve their bad reviews or maybe they may have improved.

[chrisski]

I'm talking the Tesla roof panels.......I am scared about their terrible reputation though.

Why would you get panels from a place with a terrible reputation? Do you think these are the lesser of two bad choices?

[Cshama]

I've been confusing everyone.

I looked at the Tesla shingles. I am definitely not getting those. Way too expensive and not really available. I'm talking the Tesla roof panels.

The 18kwh comes from Tesla. It echoes what the Pwwatts calculator says and what is shown on my electric bill. I do have a large unobstructed roof and will need 50-60 panels.

I am calling Liberty Solar today- a new york solar company.

The actual final cost on the Tesla system will be $23k after state and national; incentives.

I am scared about their terrible reputation though.

[J.P.M.]

$2/w is pretty unbelievable for a quote from Tesla. Are you sure this isn't after tax credits?

18 kW under what conditions ? I bet that's Tesla marketing and/or the OP confusing kW with kWh. Still, NY does have some pretty hefty incentives so that $2.00, whatever it means, might be after all tax credits.

OP: How much did you calc an 18 kW system will produce annually ? If it was me, I'd get several quotes on a new standard roof and an appropriately sized and more standard PV system, both from quality local, established vendors.

That Tesla product is too new with too many big questions unanswered for my money - even if it was being marked by someone besides Tesla - which, by itself would be a deal killer for me. After what I've seen of their work both as Tesla and under their old guise of SolarCity, I wouldn't let them on my property. IMO only, you can do much better with licensed, local roofers and PV vendors.

[solarix]

$2/w is pretty unbelievable for a quote from Tesla. Are you sure this isn't after tax credits?

[chrisski]

If you're getting Tesla Roof Shingles, I'd look around the neighborhood and make sure you're not the first to do so. I looked at it a few months ago, and I've seen no local installs. There were installs on YouTube, but the people were waiting on city permission to go live.

If possible, talk to neighbors and see what they are getting for solar savings even if they have regular PV panels. New York is not the ideal place for solar whereas where I'm at in Arizona it is ideal. There's websites you can look to get a good idea of what you'll get and go there.

If I got solar and needed a new roof, I'd consider Tesla, but I would not be the first on my block. If I did not need a roof, I would get PV panels. Now, I don't know how long I'll be in my house so I have a decent RV fifth wheel solar pawer.

[Cshama]

A recent storm ripped up my old roof so now I am in a position to get panels. I've been reading here as much as I can.

My average electric bill is $420/month. I face SW with no obstructions or shade. According to tesla, panels that can produce 18kw will cost me $36k not including tax credits. So that would be more or less a 5 year pay off including credits.

Obviously I have seen all the negativity on Tesla Energy and I am leery of moving forward with them. I am calling a recommended local company tomorrow to see pricing.

I verified Tesla's numbers on the calculator recommended here- pnwatts? And it seemed to confirm the output.

I am in Westchester, NY and plan on staying in this home at least 10 more years.

The question is, does the whole thing make sense for me. Is Tesla so bad I should just forget them?

interested to hear opinions..