Potentially getting solar panels -- NEMA 14-50 vs inverter charger

[Sandiegodoug]

Hi, Sandiegodoug; I am installing a 10.8kw solar panel system, and was wanting to self-install a nema 14-50 on my PV inverter’s output. It seems straight forward. But would grid electricity (non-solar panel generated electricity) back flow to the nema 14-50? Do you use grid-provided electricity at a different plug for charging when the sun isn’t out? I ask because I am working on installing my own 30 panel 10.8kw system here in Scottsdale, AZ. Any help is appreciated! -Jay

My 14/50 basically replaced my electric dryer breakers only larger wire from my garage to breakers . Solar system was installed before I had a Tesla. At night, I use power company power, during day , while I’m charging my Tesla, less goes back to the grid. Here , we are on a net plan.my goal
Is 0 at my yearly true up bill. I do not have a separate meter for ev.

 

[Sandiegodoug]

By the way, my system is 32x315
Draw to charge Tesla seems to be 10kw
So I cannot charge without help from grid.
I plan to add 6x 355 south facing panels to offset Tesla use.

 

[Jaywlker]

By the way, my system is 32x315
Draw to charge Tesla seems to be 10kw
So I cannot charge without help from grid.
I plan to add 6x 355 south facing panels to offset Tesla use.

Thanks, Sandiegodoug! Helpful answers!

I’m installing 30 (thirty) 360 watt Mission Solar panels with a 10kw Solaredge inverter. 7 of the 30 will be facing easterly.

 

[Sandiegodoug]

The problem I have is we get a climate credit of 500/ev so I had a year credit of 1000, and bill was 47 for year so not sure if I should invest 5grand to expand system, but want to while fed tax credit 30%

 

[Mattical69]

Good thread (my first contribution here on TMC)! I've just completed installing my 22 x 320W Silfab panel system (7.25kWh) with the SolarEdge 7600HD Single Phase Inverter/EVC. The advantage of the combined Inverter/Charger looks to be a solid investment (it was offered as a package through Solar-4-America/PetersenDean here in the SF Bay Area).

What I like about the SE-7600HD is that I can direct Solar DC to EV DC without DC/AC conversion and with minimal loss to the plug, and on a bright sunny day like today a Model 3LR will get a rapid charge directly from del sol ! My SE-7600HD is connected to a 40A Dual-CB at my main panel and is rated 32A max load at peak draw. SolarEdge rates the unit at 9.6 kW 40A@ 240Vac Max.

I know this isn't as sexy as the power adjustable Tesla N14-50 EVSE at 48A looks, but I'd rather have the opportunity to send EV charging directly from the panels, batteries or grid on my own. I think the cost to output ratio of 20-30mph charge rate of the $1,200 7600HD is reasonable vs. 30-44mph with the Tesla kit ($600 + ~$900 240V Circuit + your $$ own Inverter connection). Since the SE is a combo unit I avoid having to run a separate new 240V circuit to the garage and piggyback off the conduit coming from the SolarEdge junction box at the roof. Obviously every installation has it's own needs/quirks, but I think the SE combo unit is a smart option and certainly a clean install.

I'll have to report back on my future experience with this new system, but looks like I'll be able to offset quite a bit with home charging. Taking advantage of the Fed/Local tax credits was key in my decision to pull the trigger on the full system and benefit from the integration at the start!

-M@

 

[moogoo]

I have the same unit after I installed a new 14-50. I actually prefer the solar edge ev charger as the handy app keeps track of how much energy was transferred overnight.

 

[SageBrush]

I just looked at the SolarEdge + eV offer again. It seems to offer these advantages:

9.6 kW max EV charge rate
Clean install, Less wiring
The EVSE is also eligible for the 30% federal tax credit

So perhaps it is an attractive option after all if the price is not high and the location of the inverter and EVSE fits the customer's wishes. I personally am not a fan of inverter placement in a hot garage e.g., buy ymmv.