PowerBlaster Installation?

[wjgjr]

Same situation here, underlayment is being installed right now and was just told I am getting the M series Detla inverters in a week or two and no power blasters. We are just doing solar roof without powerwalls and I am pretty disappointed there will be no energy monitoring. Got a callback from our project advisor explaining that the power blasters were a “promotion” that ended in october and that my only options were 3rd party (not integrated with the tesla app) or get a powerwall... Also inquired about the new Tesla inverters and those indeed have home energy consumption monitoring but already being implemented on current upcoming plans but not in progress installs due to permits and etc. Really sucks for this kind of $ the didnt atleast come up with a phase out solution for us too late to get power blasters and to early to get the new inverters.

That is really unfortunate. I guess it was always a promotion in the sense that they tended not to specifically reference it in contracts, but they also never really promoted it - it was just part of the package, and certainly everybody who read sites like this would reasonably expect this functionality. Their website also used to show the grid in the app screen examples (even without PWs,) though I think somebody mentioned they may have updated that to remove/clarify those examples.

 

[ScoGold]

Yeah, my guess is this is built into the new "Tesla inverter", or maybe they're just leaving it out if you don't have PW. I'm a little disappointed to be in the "in-between" where I got a Delta inverter without the powerblaster, but too early to get the Tesla inverter (just activated today, which is why I was searching for this)

Jan-15 Solar panel system install and requested to have a PowerBlaster installed but they said none were in stock.

Jan-19 they called to schedule the town electrical inspection and I asked again for a PowerBlaster and they said they were still searching for one.

Jan-21 I received an email from someone in Las Vegas stating they have found one and someone from Tesla would be reaching out soon to install.

Ask your Tesla solar advisor before install and every person you speak to during the install process and hopefully get one too.

 

[smaster553]

It seems to me that if it is listed as part of the order, they really don't have a choice in the matter. (I do not know for others if it is listed, or just expected, but I feel like the way Tesla advertises their product, it is certainly reasonable to expect.) In your case, I would insist they open a repair ticket, and, if not, escalate it, if necessary with the threat of using the arbitration clause (which may also contain an opt-out you might have used and an option to go to small claims.)

For others, including OP, I would check the contract and other documents but would likely pursue similar steps. The best time to catch this is before payment, but I realize it is harder to tell without a physical inspection since Tesla does not commission solar-only systems until PTO, it seems, so you can't see it in the app.

How can I check if it is part of my order?

I placed order in July 2020, installed Jan, 2021, installer told part missing due to low stock someone will install, now phone support says part discontinued in Oct 2020 so never will be installed (and it was never part of my order)

How can I call their bluff? I still owe them 50%

 

[ScoGold]

How can I check if it is part of my order?

I placed order in July 2020, installed Jan, 2021, installer told part missing due to low stock someone will install, now phone support says part discontinued in Oct 2020 so never will be installed (and it was never part of my order)

How can I call their bluff? I still owe them 50%

I would suggest trying to call again speaking to a different person. I asked my Solar Advisor, Installer, Tesla Inspection person and Installer again...each time they said it was not in stock but they would look for one. About a week later they found one and a few days later someone came out to install the PowerBlaster in my panel.

You kind of get what you pay for with Tesla, but if you put in the extra energy to bet persistent, then you can likely get what you want.

 

[keydiver]

Yeah - I completely agree. If I were in your situation, I'd consider purchasing a Neurio for $200 ( https://www.amazon.com/Neurio-Technology-W1-Hem-Energy-Monitor/dp/B07KMF9SZL ) and ask the Tesla electricians to install it for you.

I just had 3 Powerwalls installed last week, and I would like to be able to expand my monitoring capabilities. I have 2 solar arrays, and a guest house to monitor. It has been years since I looked at monitoring (last I new TED 5000 was the only one), so I'm looking for recommendations, particularly with at least 4 or 5 current monitor inputs. Since I also have the guest house, a system that would integrate info from 2 monitors would be a bonus. Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[trautmane2]

so I'm looking for recommendations,

This thread might interest you:
Energy Monitors? IotaWatt? TED? GEM? Sense? Other?