Frequently Asked Questions
How does my home get power at night?
We connect your solar system to your home’s electric panel, similar to other circuits in your house. At night, the solar system will turn off and your home will be powered by the electric grid. During this time, your electric utility’s meter will record how much energy your home is using, as it does today.
Alternatively, you can use Powerwall to store the excess solar your home generates and use this energy at night, which would enable you to achieve a self-powered home.
Where does the solar power go if I don’t use it all?
When the sun is shining, the power that is generated by the solar system on your roof will flow into your home’s electric panel. As your system generates more power than your home can immediately consume, your electric meter will reflect as such. Some utility meters will stand still, while bidirectional meters will spin backwards when solar energy is powering your home. Your electric bill will show zero usage during that time. During a sunny summer day, your solar panels may produce more power than your home needs. At that time, your solar system will be fully powering your home and all the excess power will flow backward through your electric meter, where it will be consumed by other houses and businesses connected to the grid. Learn more about credits for excess solar.
How much do solar panels cost?
The cost of solar panels depends on several factors including the installer, equipment, size of the solar panel system and any upgrades your home may need. By manufacturing, installing and providing service at scale, Tesla is able to provide the lowest price solar to our customers. Enter your installation address and average electric bill to design your solar system online. Learn about potential incentives in your area and see system pricing and savings over time.