Where are you seeing that you are getting a Gateway2? The Powerwall+ eliminates the need for a separate gateway. (While also limiting your expansion capabilities.)
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Post Your Tesla Solar Layout
- Thread starter pdx_m3s
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Where are you seeing that you are getting a Gateway2? The Powerwall+ eliminates the need for a separate gateway. (While also limiting your expansion capabilities.)
nwdiver
Well-Known Member
When is your install scheduled for. Be interesting to see if they do it. It's ~$20 in wire. Crazy that this is a thing....
Not scheduled just yet. Went through a few rounds of layouts which took a few weeks. Now waiting on the HOA rubber stamp (already approved in the last meeting) then permits can get issued...
Since this is the "post your layout" thread...
Stupid vents!
The ones blocking the two panels are pretty much impossible to move without spending big bucks. I'm already at ~110% of my existing consumption plus ~2,000 kWh a year for future electric water heater and electric dryer, so there's really no ROI there. But still...Yeah, that's what I thought too. But the project BOM has both the PW2+ and Gateway2. The image below shows three potential setups on the right. I'm guessing it's a local code thing. This was another question I asked Tesla. We'll see what they say.
Thanks. I assume the downside here would be reduced efficiency since the MPPT has less flexibility to optimize the parallel strings?
Agree it's dumb if it's solely based on the extra cost of wire. I'll happily keep a few $20's in my pocket to "upgrade". But I'm wondering if this is something they could realistically change on the spot, or would it require updating the permit since it would be a deviation from the plan?
nwdiver
Well-Known Member
They should be able to. The reduced efficiency would be mild. Probably < 0.5%. Not much at all if there aren't any shading issues. But IMHO independent MPPTs are valuable as a diagnostic tool. You can compare the strings to verify everything is ok. If they're parallel and you lose a bypass diode the parallel string can mask the failure.
It's almost comical. There are a lot of people in the PV industry that think spending an extra $2k on a system for module level MPP and monitoring is worth it. You get ~80% of that benefit with string level and Tesla doesn't even think that's worth ~$20 apparently...
Well it actually says "Backup Gateway 2". Is the normal one that has been installed been called a "Backup Gateway 2" or just "Gateway 2"? I wonder if there is any difference. I wouldn't think so, but you never know.
The Backup Gateway 2 is the name of the existing product sometimes called the Tesla Energy Gateway 2 (or TEG 2) on the forums.
Well, actually there is some shading. Basically two chimneys that "sundial" across the 20 panel array.
nwdiver
Well-Known Member
Well, actually there is some shading. Basically two chimneys that "sundial" across the 20 panel array.
That might be a good way to argue that they should run the strings independently.
Personally, I would just drop the 4 W-facing panels and call it a day. If they are shaded from noon on, they won’t be producing very efficiently, as W-facing panels hit their peak output around 1:30/2:30pm (depending on DST).
jhn_
Member
If you have National Grid or Eversource utilities at your Massachusetts location, they require a Gateway in Tesla install with the Powerwall+, because those utilities also require a separate production meter, and the Powerwall+ is designed fir single meter installs with a switch in its simplest form.
True. I was thinking more for late fall through early spring when there are no leaves. I figure it will give us a little more boost in those months, though obviously it's not the most efficient use of PV panels.
I just got back my design from Tesla yesterday and I'm unsure of whether to accept it as-is. I've already communicated to my PA that there are places that were incorrectly picked up as HVAC ducting where new panels could go, but it also just seems like it's not running very close to the edge of the roof? Is there a minimum gap required between the edge of the solar array and the edge of the roof in NJ?
Anyway, here's the design, with the incorrectly identified ducting highlighted:
What are your thoughts on this? Is it worth trying to get a redesign or are they generally unwilling to budge on things like this?
Anyway, here's the design, with the incorrectly identified ducting highlighted:
What are your thoughts on this? Is it worth trying to get a redesign or are they generally unwilling to budge on things like this?
They will budge. Just take some pictures of the roof. Preferably a drone if you know anyone that can do that for you. Send Tesla the pictures of the roof and a marked-up version of your current layout showing the vents that can be removed and where you would like the panels.
If you want to keep the W-facing panels, then I agree it would be better to have them on their own string. Would probably need to add 2 panels, which shouldn’t add too much cost.
Also try to get the layout modified so they are as high-up/close to the ridge as possible, and in the least shady spot (which would probably mean putting them as far south as possible).
Thanks for the recommendation. I emailed my project advisor a few photos I took with my drone and provided a modified layout that I mocked up in Photoshop. Now let's see if they actually reply to email or if it's going to be more radio silence on that front.
Give it a week, then call. They technically can take three weeeks to redo a design. But I find bugging once a week via phone call helps.
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