SOLAR PANELSSYSTEM MANUAL
YOUR SOLAR PANELS SYSTEM
Congratulations on your new solar panels’ system. Welcome to the Tesla family and the energy revolution. Your beautiful and durable solar system will produce clean, renewable energy for years to come.This manual walks you through each step of activating, monitoring, and maintaining your solar system. If you have any questions about this manual or other functions of your solar system, please contact Tesla Customer Care.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSYour safety is Tesla’s top priority. Follow these precautions around your solar system and related electrical equipment. If you believe your solar panel’s system requires repair, or your inverter displays an error message, please contact Tesla Customer Care for guidance.
SYMBOLS IN DOCUMENTThroughout this manual, there are steps and procedures that present hazardous situations. The following signal words are used to identify the degree or level of hazard seriousness. Failure to read and comply with any of the limitations noted herein can result in serious bodily injury or death and/or property damage.
 DANGER: |
 WARNING: |
 CAUTION: |
NOTE: |
| Indicates the presenceof a hazard that WILLcause severe personalinjury, death, or substantialproperty damage if ignored. | Indicates the presenceof a hazard that COULDcause severe personalinjury, death or substantialproperty damage if ignored. | Indicates a hazardousa situation which, if notavoided could result inminor injury or damage tothe equipment. | Indicates an importantstep or tip that leads to best results, but is not safety or damage related. |
SPECIFIC SAFETY INFORMATION – READ AND FOLLOW
DANGER:Your solar system generates electrical current.Do not try to service the system, disconnect wires, open electrical panels, or modify any portion of your equipment in any way. Contact with electrically active parts of a photovoltaic (PV) system and related equipment can result in burns, sparks, and lethal shock.
DANGER:Do not walk on the roof without being trained and using required safety equipment. Walking on a roof is a fall hazard and can result in serious injury or death.
NOTE:Opening or altering electrical equipment by anyone other than a Tesla-approved technician may void your warranty.
SOLAR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Inverter A central component that converts solar-generated power from Direct Current (DC) voltage to Alternating Current (AC) voltage for your home’s use.Breakers Switches inside electrical panels that protect your home from harmful power surges.Disconnect A switch, operated by a large handle, that disconnects or interrupts the electrical circuit.Backup Gateway For homes with Powerwall, a Backup Gateway is installed for system monitoring and accessing Powerwall energy in case of a power outage.
SOLAR SYSTEM ACTIVATION
Tesla Customer Care notifies you when your utility company approves the operation of your solar system. If your system is approved and not yet turned on, you can activate your solar system with guidance fromTesla Customer Care. Turn on your system components in the following order:
- Turn on the breakers in your main electrical panel
Go to your main electrical panel. Most electric panels are mounted on an outside wall or mounted in a garage, basement, or closet.Find the breakers labeled Solar System, PV, Photovoltaic Backfeed, or Tesla. Switch them On.You may have an additional sub-panel. If you do, check to see if there are additional solar breakers in the sub-panel and switch them On. - Switch on the external AC and DC disconnectsIf your solar panels have one or both of these, switch them On.
- Switch on the inverterInverters commonly installed along with Tesla Solar Panels are shown below. If yours is not shown, or if you need assistance activating your inverter, please contact Tesla Customer Care. Once you complete these steps, it may take about 5 minutes for the inverter to start producing energy.A. Turn the DC disconnect dial On.B. If you have a SolarEdge inverter, turn the power switch On.If you have multiple inverters, you can turn them On in any order.
Go to your main electrical panel. Most electric panels are mounted on an outside wall or mounted in a garage, basement, or closet.Find the breakers labeled Solar System, PV, Photovoltaic Backfeed, or Tesla. Switch them On.You may have an additional sub-panel. If you do, check to see if there are additional solar breakers in the sub-panel and switch them On.
HOME ENERGY MONITORING
Connecting to Your Backup GatewayIf your home has a Powerwall installed, the Backup Gateway is already installed and set up. For system monitoring, you need an always-on Internetconnection, a router with an open Ethernet port, an AC power outlet, and the Gateway.
You can also find more information in the Powerwall Owner’s Manual at: www.tesla.com/support/energy/own/powerwall/owner-documents.
Tesla Mobile AppUse the Tesla mobile app to monitor your solar panels as well as products like Powerwall or your Tesla vehicle. The app gives you visibility into your solar panel’s power generation and home energy use. The app also sends alerts from Tesla Customer Care if Tesla detects issues with your solar panels. Most issues can be resolved remotely by Tesla Customer Care. If not, Tesla sends a technician directly to your home.
SOLAR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Your solar system performance is measured by how much energy is generated over time. Energy production can vary from month to month based on seasonal weather conditions. Other factors that can hinder production include:
- Unexpected shading due to new tree growth
- Debris or dirt on the panels
- Long periods of rainy or snowy weatherYou can find expected performance information on your solar panel’s layout document. You can also use the Tesla mobile app to follow your energy production in real-time.
SOLAR PANELS MAINTENANCE
Solar panels require routine maintenance. Minor care on your part can ensure better system performance.
Shade ManagementShade on your solar panels can hinder electricity production. Keep trees or other tall plants trimmed to prevent shade on your solar panels.
Solar Panels CleaningCleaning your panels occasionally to remove accumulated dust, pollen, and leaves maintain system performance. How often you clean depends on where you live. Ordinarily, you can rinse off panels with a water hose from ground level to remove accumulations. Rinse only the glass cover of the panels; do not rinse wiring or areas underneath panels. For safety and performance reasons, rinse panels only when the sky is overcast, or when the sun is low in the sky, as panels can become hot under intense sunshine.
If you have excessive soiling, such as bird droppings, you may wish to hire a local solar panel cleaning service.
Inverter Service and ReplacementIf your inverter is still under its 10-year warranty and you experience an issue with the inverter, please contact Tesla Customer Care to make a warranty claim against the manufacturer and receive inverter service, repair, or replacement.
If your inverter is no longer under warranty and you experience an issue with the inverter, please contactTesla Customer Care as the system warranty may cover service, repair, or replacement of the inverter.
Snow or IceDo not shovel snow off your solar panels. While accumulated snowfall can cover panels and temporarily reduce production, this is not a cause for concern. Your system is designed with annual energy production in mind, and occasional inclement weather is expected.
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Solar Panels WarrantyReview your Warranty Agreement for detailed information about the coverage of your system over time.
How to Get Warranty Service
In the rare case that your solar system is not operating properly, please contact Tesla Customer Care. If Tesla determines that a problem cannot be diagnosed or resolved remotely, Tesla Customer Care will arrange for service. If the issue is covered by a warranty, your solar panels will be repaired at no cost to you. If the issue is not covered by your warranty, Tesla Customer Care will assist you in resolving the issue and any service charges that may apply.
Inverter Warranty
Review your inverter Warranty Agreement for detailed information about the inverter coverage over time, typically 10 years. If you experience any issues with your inverter during the warranty period, please contact Tesla Customer Care to make a warranty claim against the manufacturer and receive inverter service.
If you experience any issues with your inverter after the inverter warranty period, contact Tesla Customer Care. In some systems, Tesla warrants that, after the end of the manufacturer’s inverter warranty period, and under normal use and service conditions, your system inverter will be free from defects in workmanship, or from defects in or a breakdown of materials or components, for the remainder of the Solar Panels system warranty, typically a period of 20 years.
Powerwall WarrantyPowerwall is a maintenance-free product with a 10-year warranty. Please visit Tesla’s support page for the Powerwall Owner’s Manual at www.tesla.com/support/energy/own/powerwall/owner-documents.
If you have a Powerwall, you are successfully storing excess solar energy from solar panels and powering your home even when the sun isn’t out. You also have the advantage of automatically backing up your home during a utility power outage.
Powerwall is a maintenance-free product with a 10-year warranty. Please visit the Tesla support page for the Powerwall Owner’s Manual at www.tesla.com/support/energy/own/powerwall/owner-documents.
Powerwall OperationAfter your solar panels are commissioned and the inverter is active, Powerwall automatically begins operation. You do not need to do anything to begin the operation. If you do not see Powerwall in the Tesla mobile app, check that your home Internet connection is working and that the Powerwall switch is turned on.
If a brownout or blackout is experienced when Powerwall is in backup mode, reduce home energy usage. As you turn off appliances or switch off circuit breakers in your electrical panel, Powerwall automatically attempts to restart.
If you have any questions about your Powerwall, please contact Tesla Customer Care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can find detailed expansions of these FAQs and more at:www.tesla.com/support/energy/own/solar-panels/getting-started.
When can I turn on my solar system?Once the utility has granted permission for your system to operate, Tesla Customer Care will contact you to help turn your system on. If you receive an email, door hanger, or tag on your electric meter regarding your solar system, please contact Tesla Customer Care.
How much energy do my solar panels produce?The amount of energy that your solar panels produce depends on your system size, as well as environmental factors such as shade, dust, debris, snow, and weather. Refer to your customer agreement for more information on solar panel layout.
Can I see how much solar energy my home is generating and using?The Tesla mobile app gives you real-time and historical visibility into your solar production and home energy usage. Use the Tesla mobile app to follow your energy production in real-time.
How long can I expect my solar panels to last?Tesla installs solar power systems to be durable and effective over the long term. Many components of your system are designed to last for decades. As an example, testing by outside researchers has shown that solar panels installed by Tesla have a useful life of 35 years. You should review your Warranty Agreement for detailed information about the coverage of your system over time.
If you have a Tesla PPA or lease, then Tesla will remove the system at the end of the contract term, typically 20 years. At the end of the contract term, you may have the option to renew so that you can continue to generate solar power.
Will I still be subject to electric rate increases if I buy solar panels?Even with solar, you will most likely have a residual utility bill and those rates may fluctuate. The bill depends on the size of your solar panels system relative to your energy demand, as well as your peak hour energy use. You can minimize utility rate changes by using less energy during peak hours. Peak rates may apply only in some markets and with some rate plans.
What happens when the sun goes down?Your solar panels do not produce electricity in the absence of sunlight. The system inverter goes into “Night Mode” when there is not enough daylight to produce energy. If you have a battery like Powerwall, then you can use stored electricity to help meet your nighttime energy needs. If you don’t have a battery, then at nightyour home draws power only from the utility grid.
What happens to my solar production on a cloudy day?Your solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, since even diffuse sunlight activates solar power production. Solar panel output on a cloudy day will be less than on a cloudless day, but may still produce a meaningful amount of electricity.
What happens if it snows on my solar panels?Do not shovel snow off your solar panels. While accumulated snowfall can cover panels and temporarily reduce production, this is not a cause for concern. Your system is designed with annual energy production in mind, and occasional inclement weather is expected.
What should I do if my solar panels have become shaded?Shade on your solar panels will reduce electricity production. Keep trees or other tall plants trimmed to prevent shade on your solar panel system.
How do I clean my solar panels?Cleaning your panels occasionally removes dust, pollen, and leaves, and maintains system performance. How often you clean depends on where you live. Ordinarily, you can flush the panels with a water hose from the ground to remove accumulations. Rinse only the glass cover of the panels; do not rinse wiring or areasunderneath panels. For safety and performance reasons, rinse panels only when the sky is overcast, or when the sun is low in the sky, as panels can become hot under intense sunshine. If you have excessive soiling, such as bird droppings, you may wish to hire a local solar panel cleaning service.
Will I still have solar power if there is a utility power outage?If you don’t have a battery like Powerwall, your solar panels will not work during a utility outage due to grid safety requirements. However, if you have both solar panels and Powerwall during an outage, your home’s power supply operates as an independent system from the utility grid, running on solar energy during the dayand storing excess energy for later use.
Can I add a Powerwall to my existing solar panel system?Yes, Powerwall can be integrated with your existing solar panels. Powerwall is currently compatible with solar inverters from SMA, SolarEdge, Enphase micro inverter, Delta, and ABB. Visit www.tesla.com/powerwall to get started adding a Powerwall to your existing solar panel system.
If I have Powerwall, how quickly does Powerwall restore power to my home?Powerwall can detect an outage, disconnect from the grid, and bring power back to your home in a fraction of a second. Powerwall can keep your appliances running without interruption.
What do I do if my inverter displays an error message?If your inverter displays an error message, contact Tesla Customer Care. One of our experts will gather the necessary information to ensure that we’re able to repair your system as quickly as possible.
DANGER:
What if my solar panels need repairs?Never attempt to fix or repair your solar power system. Your solar panel system operates at high voltage and contact with any live parts can result in burns, sparks, and lethal shock. Only Tesla-approved installers can repair Tesla solar panel systems. Do not disconnect wires, open electrical panels, modify, or damage the equipment in any way. Contact Tesla Customer Care to perform repairs.
DANGER:
What if my roof needs repairs after I’ve installed solar panels?If you need to make repairs on the roof for any reason, your solar panels may need to be removed and reinstalled. Please contact Tesla Customer Care if you want to start this process.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For resources visit the Tesla Solar Roof Support Pages https://www.tesla.com/support/energy/solar-panels/after-installation/what-to-expect-after-installation.You can use the Tesla mobile app or visit www.tesla.com/teslaaccount to follow your energy production in real-time.
References
[xyz-ips snippet=”download-snippet”]