The Tesla Solar Roof is a revolutionary roofing system that integrates solar energy generation directly into the roof tiles, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners to produce clean, renewable energy. This owner's manual guides users through the activation, monitoring, and maintenance of their Solar Roof system, emphasizing safety and optimal performance.
Function Description:
The Tesla Solar Roof system is designed to convert sunlight into electricity for residential use. It comprises solar tiles that function as both roofing material and photovoltaic cells, an inverter to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for home use, and a Gateway (either Solar Gateway or Backup Gateway if Powerwall is installed) for system monitoring. The system allows homeowners to reduce their reliance on the utility grid, lower electricity bills, and contribute to environmental sustainability. When combined with a Tesla Powerwall, the Solar Roof can also provide backup power during utility outages, ensuring continuous energy supply to the home.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Warranty:
- Installation and Weatherization: Tesla provides a 25-year warranty on the installation and weatherization of the Solar Roof.
- Solar Roof Module: The solar tiles are warranted to produce power according to the Module Warranty listed in the Solar Roof Warranty. This warranty covers the amount of power the solar cells are capable of generating under optimal conditions.
- Inverter: The power inverter comes with a 10-year warranty from its manufacturer.
- Mid-Circuit Interrupter (MCI): The MCI also has a 10-year warranty from its manufacturer.
- Powerwall (if installed): Powerwall is a maintenance-free product with a 10-year warranty.
- Operating Life: The solar array electrical components of the Solar Roof have a 25-year operating life.
- Electrical Current: The Solar Roof system generates electrical current. Users are explicitly warned against servicing, disconnecting wires, opening electrical panels, or modifying any part of the equipment due to the risk of electrical shock, serious injury, or death.
- Connectivity: For monitoring, the Solar Gateway or Backup Gateway requires an always-on Internet connection, a router with an open Ethernet port, and an AC power outlet.
Usage Features:
- System Activation:
- Breakers: Turn on breakers labeled "Solar System," "PV," "Photovoltaic Backfeed," or "Tesla" in the main electrical panel and any additional sub-panels.
- Disconnects: Switch on external AC and DC disconnects if present.
- Inverter: Turn on the inverter, typically located near the electrical panel.
The system can be activated once the utility company approves the Solar Roof or with guidance from Tesla Customer Care.
- Energy Monitoring:
- Tesla Mobile App: The Tesla mobile app provides real-time and historical visibility into solar production and home energy use. It allows users to monitor power flow, energy usage, and Powerwall status (if applicable).
- Alerts: The app sends alerts from Tesla Customer Care if issues are detected with the Solar Roof system. Most issues can be resolved remotely, or Tesla will dispatch a technician.
- Solar Gateway Connection (for homes without Powerwall):
- Download and log into the Tesla mobile app.
- Connect the Solar Gateway to the router using the included Ethernet cable.
- Plug the Solar Gateway into a power strip near the router; the power light on top will glow white.
- Monitor for a signal; if a "WEAK SIGNAL" notification appears, move the Gateway closer to the inverter.
- Backup Gateway Connection (for homes with Powerwall): If a Powerwall is installed, the Backup Gateway is already set up. Users can monitor energy production via the Tesla mobile app.
- Powerwall Operations: Powerwall automatically begins operation once the Solar Roof is commissioned and the inverter is active. It stores excess solar energy and provides backup power during outages. If a brownout or blackout occurs in backup mode, users should reduce loads (turn off appliances or circuit breakers) to allow Powerwall to restart.
- Cloudy Day Performance: The Solar Roof can still generate electricity on cloudy days, as diffuse sunlight can activate solar power production, though output may be less than on clear days.
- Attic Heat Transfer: The Solar Roof is designed to encourage airflow underneath the solar tiles and ventilate hot air through a ventilated ridge cap, minimizing impact on attic heat transfer.
- Utility Outage Performance:
- Without Powerwall: The Solar Roof will not work during a utility outage due to grid safety requirements.
- With Powerwall: The system operates as an independent system, running on solar energy during the day and storing excess energy for later use. Powerwall can detect an outage and restore power in a fraction of a second, keeping appliances running without interruption.
- Tile Replacement: Solar Roof tiles are designed to be easily replaceable if necessary. Users should contact Tesla Customer Care for repair needs.
Maintenance Features:
- Routine Maintenance: Solar Roof requires routine maintenance to ensure better system performance.
- Shade Management: Keep trees and other tall plants trimmed to prevent shading on the Solar Roof tiles, as shading can hinder electricity production.
- Cleaning Solar Roof Tiles:
- Debris or dirt can hinder energy production. Tesla recommends professional cleaning services.
- If cleaning yourself, use water from a standard garden hose, directing the spray in the same direction water typically flows on the roof (down). Avoid spraying the front edge or between tiles.
- For dust or debris buildup, or problematic areas, use a telescoping soft brush (similar to car wash brushes) to gently wipe the roof surface.
- DO NOT use detergents, abrasives, solvents, or other types of cleaning products.
- DO NOT walk or stand on the roof, gutters, rakes, hips, or ridges, as this can cause severe personal injury, death, or damage to the roof. Only trained Tesla professionals with appropriate safety equipment should access the roof.
- Snow or Ice: Accumulated snow or ice may slide or fall, potentially causing property damage or bodily harm. Contact Tesla Customer Care for guidance in such situations.
- Repairs:
- DO NOT attempt to fix or repair the solar power system yourself. The system contains high voltage electric current, and contact can result in burns, sparks, and lethal shock.
- DO NOT disconnect wires, open electrical panels, or modify/damage the equipment.
- Any opening or altering of electrical equipment by anyone other than a certified technician may void the warranty.
- Contact Tesla Customer Care for any repair needs.
Customer Support:
For any questions, assistance with Solar Roof activation, troubleshooting, warranty service, or repairs, contact Tesla Customer Care at 888.765.2489. Additional resources and real-time energy production monitoring are available via the Tesla mobile app or www.tesla.com/teslaaccount.
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