Roderick80
Member
It will be super interesting to see how often you actually draw from the Grid! Very cool hardware!
Thanks! I really can’t wait to get through the inspection process and turn everything on- installation looks really great!
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It will be super interesting to see how often you actually draw from the Grid! Very cool hardware!
I'm looking into an 11.5 system and 2 powerwalls; I've had one rep tell me that I can run my AC very conservatively if the power goes out, and another say that there's no way that any number of powerwalls can run my fridge literally at all, much less a 4 or 1 ton AC. I do the math and see that I can use 50 kwh on a convervative day and that a panel will produce 40 and the batteries store 27, so it seems to me like I can at least run them some of the time. Have you or anybody actually run a central AC unit off of the batteries and/or solar alone?Steve - the driving factor for me in getting the power wall was being able to continue to generate through the PV panels during an outage. You'll want to confirm with FPL that you can do this without a PW2 or battery equivalent. What you've mentioned is contrary to my understanding. What's the point of being autonomous, if you have to shut it down at the one time you really need it (storm event)??
Regarding the pool: get a variable speed/variable flow pump. It'll pay for itself in about a year in reduced electric costs. Check out www.energystar.gov
I'm looking into an 11.5 system and 2 powerwalls; I've had one rep tell me that I can run my AC very conservatively if the power goes out, and another say that there's no way that any number of powerwalls can run my fridge literally at all, much less a 4 or 1 ton AC. I do the math and see that I can use 50 kwh on a convervative day and that a panel will produce 40 and the batteries store 27, so it seems to me like I can at least run them some of the time. Have you or anybody actually run a central AC unit off of the batteries and/or solar alone?
I'm looking into an 11.5 system and 2 powerwalls; I've had one rep tell me that I can run my AC very conservatively if the power goes out, and another say that there's no way that any number of powerwalls can run my fridge literally at all, much less a 4 or 1 ton AC. I do the math and see that I can use 50 kwh on a convervative day and that a panel will produce 40 and the batteries store 27, so it seems to me like I can at least run them some of the time. Have you or anybody actually run a central AC unit off of the batteries and/or solar alone?
Yes: for 2 or more Powerwalls. That is what Tesla's design plan has for my two AC units (4 ton & 3 ton). Total draw is typically 8.2 kW at the utility meter with both running. Additional nameplate info: minimum circuit amps 31.9 & 21.4; Max fuse 50A & 30A (matches local disconnect) (feeds into 70A breaker at service panel).It's possible to retrofit an AC unit with a soft starter to reduce it's inrush current below 30 amps and not trip a single Powerwall.
Update--PW2's can be submerged in up to 2 feet of water. They are in a sealed cased. Mine are mounted off the ground, and we have a pretty good roof overhang. I'm not concerned with them being outside. It was generally thought of as the best place by the 3 electricians who did that part of the installation. Plus, left more room in the garage.
Final update on the installation: Today, April 4, Duke Energy installed the bi-directional meter and told me to "turn it on". I've notified Tesla Energy. The panels, rated for 16.9 kWh are currently generating at 13.9kW (some panels are facing west for strategic reasons to capture end of day sunlight during the summer - so I'm not sure I will ever see 16.9kW).
I called Duke interconnection yesterday to see if I could "schedule" the meter installation. They didn't have the field inspection in the system. Clearly, they fixed the issue as the installation was done prior to 1pm today.
I'm now just waiting to hear from TE for a "range extender" so the Gateway can talk to the inverters.
I will continue to update as we experience the joy of generating power from the sun.
What a great journey to be on!
I don't worry about this. I'm sure they have a sufficient buffer at the top of the batteries so that it does not affect their life - certainly more of a buffer than 100% charge on Tesla cars have.Need to find out from TE is there is any issue with the PW2 batteries charging to 100% each day, or if there is a way to charge to a lower level? Kind of like going with a "range-charge" on a daily basis, which is contrary to everything I read about charging the car(s).