Tesla Solar Roof FAQs

American Home Contractors is proud to announce that we are a Tesla Solar Roof Certified Installer (CI).  We have spent the last few months designing, installing, and activating Tesla Solar Roofs throughout our service areas. Having completed several projects, we are excited to share our experience and discuss some of the most common questions.

Tesla Solar Roof – What is it? 

Tesla SR (Solar Roof) is a fully integrated solar system, or simply, it is a roof that produces electricity. The sleek black color with almost indistinguishable trim means you don’t have to compromise on the look of your home. Not only is the Tesla SR gorgeous to look at, it is also super durable! These tempered glass tiles are up to 3 times stronger than traditional roofing tiles. They are also perfect for all weather conditions, which is great for our service area which loves all four seasons of weather. 

What is a Powerwall? 

Tesla Powerwall is a battery that stores energy, detects power outages, and provides backup power for your consumption needs.  Powerwall is monitored and customized using the Tesla mobile app.  Available features include backup-only, self-powered, and Advanced – time-based control.  Powerwall is a great addition to any Solar Roof project to get all of the energy use and savings out of your solar system. 

Tesla Solar Roof – What is the warranty? 

The Tesla Solar Roof has a 25-Year Panel Performance Warranty. This means your solar panels are guaranteed by the manufacturer to at least 80% of their power capacity for at least 25 years. There is also a 10-Year Comprehensive Warranty. This includes the following aspects of your solar system: Powerwall, Solar inverter, Roof mounting, and leaks. Certain exclusions apply, so please refer to your purchase agreement for specific details.

What does it cost?

Understanding the cost of a Tesla Solar Roof is a common concern among homeowners. To get a general idea of the price, online cost estimators use basic details like your address, home size, the number of stories, and your average monthly electric bill. However, these estimators can only provide a rough estimate. A more accurate cost can be determined after a site visit and assessment by a professional.

Does my home qualify? 

Determining if your home qualifies for the Tesla Solar Roof (SR) is an important first step. Based on our extensive experience, the majority of homes are eligible for this innovative solar solution. Over time, many features that previously led to disqualification now have engineered solutions specifically tailored for the Tesla SR. Although there are still some complex roof features that might pose challenges, our team is constantly developing new solutions to expand eligibility. As we progress, more homes are becoming suitable for this advanced solar technology. We encourage homeowners interested in Tesla SR to get in touch with us for an assessment. Our expert team will evaluate your home’s specific features and provide clear guidance on qualification, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

What are the preparations needed for my installation?

Preparing for your Tesla Solar Roof installation is straightforward. Firstly, ensure your roof structure is in good condition. If there are any repairs needed, they should be done before installation. Clear the area around your home to provide easy access for our team. We’ll handle the rest, from safety checks to setting up the equipment. Our team will guide you through every step to make the process smooth and hassle-free

Tesla Solar Roof – How much power can my roof produce?

System production is based on the amount and location of photovoltaic (PV) tiles.  More PV tiles = larger system size (kW).  PV tiles facing south are going to produce more than PV tiles that face north.  Limiting factors for installing PV tiles are setbacks around obstructions, walls, valleys, hips, ridges, and also shading.  System size is regulated by the power company, but system size approval can reach 200% of consumption!  Most system sizes we have built over the past few months will produce at least 50% of the home’s consumption needs.

Tesla Solar Roof – How long does it take?

Solar projects can take months to go from design to activation. Much of the time is spent in the designing, permitting, and interconnection processes. The time of installation depends on size, site conditions, and complexity. Our project install times have ranged from 4 to 8 days. It is best to set the expectation of spending a few weeks designing and planning the project, a couple of weeks in permitting, a week or two for project install, and another few weeks for inspections and permission to operate (PTO).

What will happen to my gutters?

During the Tesla Solar Roof installation, we take great care of your gutters. Our team will assess and, if necessary, temporarily remove the gutters to install the solar roof efficiently. After the installation, we’ll carefully reinstall them. If any gutter adjustments or replacements are needed, we’ll discuss these options with you. Your home’s exterior will be treated with the utmost care throughout the process.

Tesla Solar Roof – Can I walk on it?

Walking on a Tesla Solar Roof is possible, but it’s crucial to be mindful of safety, especially under certain weather conditions. When the roof is wet, or there’s snow or ice, the surface becomes much more slippery. The sleek design of the Tesla Solar Roof, while aesthetically pleasing, can increase the risk of slipping during these times Homeowners and roofing technicians should take extra precautions when the roof surface is damp or covered in precipitation.

It’s advisable to limit walking on the roof to dry conditions to ensure better safety. If you must access the roof in less than ideal conditions, wearing shoes with good traction is recommended to minimize slipping risks. Always prioritize safety and consider the current state of the roof before stepping onto it. Remember, while Tesla Solar Roofs are durable and designed to withstand various weather conditions, they should be treated with the same care and caution as traditional roofing when it comes to walking on them.

Tesla Solar Roof – Are there incentives?

Tesla SR qualifies for the federal investment tax credit (ITC). This is a credit that is applied towards your federal tax liability. Many states also offer incentives, including tax rebates and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). Some local incentives include property tax credits. Each state and county is different and incentives are changing all the time. Please reach out to discuss the current incentives for your particular area.

Tesla Solar Roof – Does insurance cover the replacement?

Your insurance company will cover a roof replacement if necessary due to wind damage or hail or other damage to the roof. Insurance will cover what your current roof is, if you have a shingled roof, they will cover a shingle roof replacement. You can take this amount and put it toward your Tesla Solar Roof Installation.

What to do if my solar roof system has been affected by a natural disaster?

In the event your Tesla Solar Roof suffers damage from a natural disaster, it’s crucial to reach out to us right away. Prioritizing your safety is essential, so please refrain from touching or examining the solar roof yourself. Our experienced team will promptly and carefully assess the situation. Following their comprehensive evaluation, they will provide guidance on the necessary actions, which could include repairs or complete replacements. Our goal is to quickly and safely restore your solar roof system to its best condition, ensuring your peace of mind and the continued efficiency of your solar solution

Start your Tesla Solar Roof Project Today!

Start your Tesla Solar Roof journey with a free estimate from American Home Contractors! Our experts provide quick, accurate quotes, ensuring you have all the information for your solar project. Contact us now to explore your options and take the first step towards sustainable energy

Key Statistics from some of our first Solar Roof Installations:

Warren Roof
Home Location: Fulton, MD
Roof Size:  30 square
PV System Size:  18.477 kW
Roof Installation Time:  4 Days (includes tear-off and dry in)
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Capriolo Roof
Home Location: Elkridge, MD
Roof Size:  26 square
PV System Size:  8.303 kW
Roof Installation Time:  7 Days (includes tear-off and dry in)
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Silverstein Roof
Home Location: Westminster, MD
Roof Size:  30 square
PV System Size:  11.34 kW
Roof Installation Time:  7 Days (includes tear-off and dry in)
More Photos by CompanyCam