"Re-deployed" solar panels (Tesla) and Tesla tiles

[Vitt]

I did a lot of research before I decided on what I felt was the best solar panel which is the Panasonic HIT PV N320K -3 (awesome looking too) with 25 year warranty and as high a rating as Sun Run panels @ cost of 3.00 per Watt installed. I contacted Panasonic for an certified installer. I have a Solar Edge inverter with optimizer which is a must in my opinion so one panel doesn't cause the whole system to under perform and allows you to monitory your system online in real time too. I received my first bill from my grid supplier and it was 25.00 with taxes included; last year this time is was 192.00. Our rate plans in my state make summer vs winter scenarios due to demand rates verses how much daylight and cloud cover etc. so there are variances to consider and manage. I wasn't a fan of solar until I did the research and learned more about it so I could make an informed decision and not be raked over the cools by solar companies. My recommendation is to do a purchase not a lease. Good luck to your new adventure.

Thanks. Yes, based on what I've read so far I plan to purchase, not lease.

[DiddlyD]

I did a lot of research before I decided on what I felt was the best solar panel which is the Panasonic HIT PV N320K -3 (awesome looking too) with 25 year warranty and as high a rating as Sun Run panels @ cost of 3.00 per Watt installed. I contacted Panasonic for an certified installer. I have a Solar Edge inverter with optimizer which is a must in my opinion so one panel doesn't cause the whole system to under perform and allows you to monitory your system online in real time too. I received my first bill from my grid supplier and it was 25.00 with taxes included; last year this time is was 192.00. Our rate plans in my state make summer vs winter scenarios due to demand rates verses how much daylight and cloud cover etc. so there are variances to consider and manage. I wasn't a fan of solar until I did the research and learned more about it so I could make an informed decision and not be raked over the cools by solar companies. My recommendation is to do a purchase not a lease. Good luck to your new adventure.

[J.P.M.]

You failed to mention "LOTS of money" for them fancy cars.

Well, I tend to agree with you, but the word "lots" is a relative term, as is the adjective "fancy".

[SunEagle]

Opinions vary, but fools and their money are soon parted.

You failed to mention "LOTS of money" for them fancy cars.

[J.P.M.]

There's over a hundred thousand people driving Model 3s that would disagree with you.
I totally agree that they are way more hype than substance, but the cars are quite nice.

Opinions vary, but fools and their money are soon parted.

Add: To perhaps put some perspective on the numbers, there's probably > 10 EE5 readers of my mental spoor on this forum that have disagreed with my opinions, and probably fewer who agree with them, but that says nothing about my or their opinions' validity or relevance to reality or even common sense.

Opinions are like noses - or other body parts - everyone has their own and most of them smell at least most of the time.

[emartin00]

Only cool if you are a stock holder, or the retailer. Otherwise only people who like anything Tesla are fools who like being parted from their money.

There's over a hundred thousand people driving Model 3s that would disagree with you.
I totally agree that they are way more hype than substance, but the cars are quite nice.

[Sunking]

Tesla's solar roof is pretty cool, but it's also outrageously expensive.

Only cool if you are a stock holder, or the retailer. Otherwise only people who like anything Tesla are fools who like being parted from their money.

[bcroe]

I found a copy online. Didn't take much looking around...

Guess that is why no one wants mine. Into the recycling. Bruce Roe

[Vitt]

I found a copy online. Didn't take much looking around...

[bcroe]

bcroe, if I can't find the online download I might take one off your hands. Where are you located?

In Northern IL, email me at bcroe@juno.com

[Vitt]

Thank you. Lots of good information here. I think I'll hold off and look into replacing the roof and try to time them together. Great advice.

Most of the basics are still valid. There may be some information about panel sizes and efficiencies that need updating, and info about inverters/optimizers has evolved a bit as well as a few tidbits about NEM and tax credits, but overall it's still a pretty good primer.

BTW, it's back online as a free download if you root around a bit.

Thanks! I'll look around.

bcroe, if I can't find the online download I might take one off your hands. Where are you located?

[jflorey2]

Hi, I am new here and new to solar. Started to research solar panels recently. I thought I was going to need a new roof soon, so I was considering the Tesla tiles. Any thoughts on those?

I'd wait. They are expensive and unproven.

I hesitated on the Tesla panels and on Friday he sent me an offer to purchase re-deployed panels. They are panels that were taken off existing customers for defaulting on lease payments. They come with a 10 yr warranty. He said it's cash customers only and my cost would be about $4062 for 8 panels.

WAY too expensive for used panels.

[bcroe]

I put my 3 "...for Dummies" books on Evil Bay for a giveaway price, no buyers. Am
contemplating tossing them. Bruce Roe

[J.P.M.]

I plan to buy the Solar Your Home for Dummies Second Ed. That was published in 2010. Is all or most of the info still relevant today, eight years later?TIA

Most of the basics are still valid. There may be some information about panel sizes and efficiencies that need updating, and info about inverters/optimizers has evolved a bit as well as a few tidbits about NEM and tax credits, but overall it's still a pretty good primer.

BTW, it's back online as a free download if you root around a bit.

[emartin00]

Tesla's solar roof is pretty cool, but it's also outrageously expensive. And as you have noticed, large chain installers are not the way to go.
Forget Tesla, and find a small reputable local installer or 3 and get quotes from each of them.

As far as the used panels, if you can get them super cheap, they may be worth it. But they price you mentioned doesn't seem like that great a deal. Impossible to tell without the full info though, since you didn't say what size the panels are.