PW+ Grid Charging with 100amp Service

[twsmit]

Just pulled the trigger with Tesla on 12.4kWh PV w/ 2x PW+ and GW 2.0. I have underground 100amp service in NorCal with PG&E. The cost to trench is prohibitive so leaving original service equipment alone. As one might guess, 100amps is adequate but doesn't leave a lot of headroom.

My question is if playing the TOU arbitrage game and grid charging my PW is there risk of using all my service amps and tripping the main breaker?

My understanding is each PW+ can pull ~32 amps each to recharge. So ~64 amps from the grid worst case scenario. If I fire up my AC, electric oven on top of the PWs etc... does the GW automatically slow down the rate of grid charging? Presumably the equipment is programmed to know I only have 100amp service?

Thanks in advance! I hadn't originally contemplated the possibility of the PW being a major draw from the grid, but with Storm Watch and time based grid charging seems a possibility they may start drawing heavily from the grid at the most inopportune time.

 

[jjrandorin]

max grid draw for your powerwalls is something that can be set by tesla. I am not sure what criteria they use to calculate what to set it at, but (for example) my two powerwalls will only charge at 3.3kW combined charging rate when charging from the grid. Tesla set this "somewhere" based on "something" and I am not technical enough to know what those criteria are.

I just know they can set it, so you shouldnt worry about "charging your powerwall too much from the grid". I am also not sure what triggers being able to charge from the grid at all, so if this is a must have for you (grid charging) you might want to ensure its going to be there for you. Its not, for everyone.

 

[power.saver]

max grid draw for your powerwalls is something that can be set by tesla. I am not sure what criteria they use to calculate what to set it at, but (for example) my two powerwalls will only charge at 3.3kW combined charging rate when charging from the grid. Tesla set this "somewhere" based on "something" and I am not technical enough to know what those criteria are.

I just know they can set it, so you shouldnt worry about "charging your powerwall too much from the grid". I am also not sure what triggers being able to charge from the grid at all, so if this is a must have for you (grid charging) you might want to ensure its going to be there for you. Its not, for everyone.

Was that during StormWatch or true Grid Charge setting? I know during StormWatch my PW charge at a reduced rate, 3.3kW. But when Grid Charging came out, I tried it once and they were charging at 10kW for 2 PWs. That was much higher that I like, so I haven't used it since.

I wonder if @Vines or anyone else knows if this can be set in the Installer menu. I'd prefer it if mine were lower than 5kW per PW.

 

[jjrandorin]

It was regular grid charging, not stormwatch charging. My 2 powerwalls only grid charge at a rate of 3.3 kW (combined for the 2).

 

[CrazyRabbit]

Gateway has PCS so as not trip your main breaker. Do ask that they install equipment, perhaps 200 amp disconnect and 200 amp wire, so you can upgrade later and not have to rip and replace.

 

[twsmit]

Gateway has PCS so as not trip your main breaker. Do ask that they install equipment, perhaps 200 amp disconnect and 200 amp wire, so you can upgrade later and not have to rip and replace.

Thank you!