(UK) Powerwall 2 Grid Tie w/ Off Grid Solar?

[bullishbroker]

Does anyone know if I have a certified installer, install the Powerwall 2 connected to the grid and then later self install solar and connect it to the Powerwall 2 (Gateway) without MSC certification (PV only feeds the PW2, not the grid)?

This might sound strange, but in my opinion self bought 6kW solar with all the parts required is approx £3200, where as if I buy it thru an installer it works out to £6,000+. That's nearly double the cost of the system, and all I'll get from feeding the grid is 0.05p/kW. not really worth all that extra money, I'd rather just store as much as I can.


This is in the UK, Cheers.

 

[miimura]

The installer is doing things besides buying and installing hardware. They have to get permission from the utility and permits from the town and hang around for inspections. Those things cost money. While it is possible to install solar so that it curtails when it cannot be used to charge batteries or power home loads, this kind of configuration is only normally used when the utility specifically prohibits grid export.

I don't know how the saying goes in the UK, but your approach sounds "penny wise and pound foolish".

 

[jjrandorin]

You might just want to buy and self install if thats your thing, your solar first. Get your own permits, pass all your inspections, etc. Do all that yourself, then get a certified powerwall installer to install the powerwall.

You might be able to do what you are talking about (maybe) by messing around with the powerwall installer interface. I have never logged into that, so am not sure. I am fairly certain that a few of the powerwall profiles support "no export" which would shut off your solar if your batteries are full. In that case, you get zero for your extra power (because there isnt any, its turned off), rather than "a little".

Do the solar yourself first if you have that skill set, but get all your permits and such. Then get whatever battery system you decide on, powerwalls or whatever else.