I really like this new type of installation videos and am looking forward to the FranklinWH install video. It will also be nice to discuss the solar panels spec that were installed or integrated with.
have a Tesla 12.8KW system that was installed two years ago, along with a Powerwall 2. My setup includes only one inverter, which is a 7.6KW model. I am puzzled as to why a system of this size would be equipped with just one inverter. When I contacted Tesla, the representative acknowledged that having a single inverter is the reason my production rate is always capped at 7.6KW. This was the primary reason for my call, and while the rep mentioned that they would review my system to ensure it is tuned to the correct specifications, I still have concerns. After discussing this with several customers and solar groups, the consensus is that my system design may be flawed. I understand that I may not have provided extensive details, but based on the information available, I would appreciate your opinion on this matter. Thank you for your time and expertise.
The Tesla Solar Inverter supports up to 200% DC oversizing, which is common among many string and optimized inverters. This approach helps maximize energy production, especially during seasons with lower irradiance levels. Your system's performance will naturally vary depending on your location and the time of year. For instance, during the winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, and daylight hours are shorter compared to the summer. The purpose of oversizing is to ensure better energy generation even during the winter solstice. In Southern California, I've found that 150% oversizing strikes a good balance, resulting in some solar clipping during peak summer months but maintaining strong production during winter. Although your system is slightly larger than what I typically recommend, the energy loss might not be as significant as you might think. I'd be happy to run a production simulation for you to provide a more detailed analysis. Additionally, we could use your data for an upcoming video if you're interested. Please email me at dale@pacificsuntech.com if you'd like to proceed. Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this helps clarify your concerns.
if you mounted all that inside the garage you could of used a different panel. the panel you used was an outdoor panel and you could have installed an indoor panel which has the room where you wanted
I'm surprised that you're not installing the neo Volta battery backup. Mine's almost 3 years old and it's great. It's a cleaner install than any battery system I've seen. I've got a 14 circuit critical load panel running on my 24 kW neovolta. You can feed it DC, AC, generator, etc. It has LFP batteries. They're made in California.
@@RawandCookedVegan I think over the last 10 years I’ve only seen two or three panels need to be replaced. And it was because a golf ball damaged one and another was just bad from day one.
At 4:03, I don't think those are Ironridge's Tile Replacement Mount. They are not raised, no epdm collar, no flashing. Anyways, thanks for the video and sharing your thoughts. Liked.
I'm in the initial design phase with my installer (Straight Up Solar in St Louis) to add two PW3s to my existing PV system (31 Q-Cell panels, feeding 31 Enphase IQ8A Inverters to an Enphase 4C Combiner box as a grid-tied system. With all the credits/incentives I'm entitled to receive here in IL, I was quoted < $19K. But I'm asking to see how many Enphase 5Ps I can get for the same money. Does that sound like a fair price?
I’m happy to take a look at your project you can schedule a consultation online at www.reinnovations.org. You can use promo code FIRST to receive 50% Off
You said that this is not a DC expansion on the video at 2:53 , so is this a AC expansion, you can already used the AC coupled to connect to existing systems?
I have 2 separate solar systems on my roof. one with enphase inverters the other with telsa inverters. from you video it sounds like I will be able to use the powerwall 3 for both my solar systems. just wonder if I will be able to combine my system to one battery or have more than 1 battery to make it work out.
You have a couple options available to you. The Enphase system will have to be AC coupled with the Powerwall 3 using the Backup Gateway, but if you have Tesla Solar Inverter(s?) you could replace them with the Powerwall 3 so it’s DC coupled. The Powerwall 3 can do both simultaneously
Did your install require steel bollards to be drilled into the concrete to protect the batteries? They are saying mine needs bollards to prevent a car from running into them. Maybe it’s just a state requirement on my end
No, bollards are not required if the batteries are not in an impact zone. The California Residential Building code is very clear about this, and has illustrations showing when a bollard is required. As long as the side of the garage has that side barrier and the batteries don’t stick out past the retaining wall then you do not need them. I did a video on the exact code R328: th-cam.com/video/MilAqQ7rWIA/w-d-xo.html
Hey, Got a question for you. Tesla design team told us that we can use more then onePW3 with back up switch without the gateway and just land them in the main panel. Are they wrong? will AHJ reject that design? Thank you!
I was under the impression that there was a behind the meter cutoff unit that could be used to avoid the gateway, the rest being handled in the PW3. Is that not the case?
UPDATED: After speaking with the Tesla team it was determined I misunderstood some of the documentation. The Tesla Backup Switch supports multiple Powerwall 3 units, we would just need to install an electrical sub panel to combine the energy storage system before making a connection in the main electrical panel. BUT the Tesla Gateway is still required at this time for AC coupling (retrofitting) to existing systems.
Alpha Pure R is a residential panel from REC, it's not currently available at most distributors currently. We're likely to see the R and RX later this year early next year.
@@neilmartinez143 at the current time the Powerwall does require the Gateway 2 when being AC coupled (retrofitted) to an existing solar system. Regardless of the existing solar equipment technology.
Tesla is missing a lot of opportunities because the Tesla powerwall 3 is only exclusively DC. It would be so cool if it would the option of customizing DC or AC. There are a lot of retrofit needs out there.
@@dalerolph , can the PWS 3 be added to already installed powerwalls 2? I wanted the 3s but I already had the solar array since 2019. I went with the 2s because of the 2s AC connection.
There should be a software update later this year to support cross compatibility of existing Powerwall+ and Powerwall 2 sites. We will have AC coupling for third party inverters next month.
UPDATED: After speaking with the Tesla team it was determined I misunderstood some of the documentation. The Tesla Backup Switch supports multiple Powerwall 3 units, we would just need to install an electrical sub panel to combine the energy storage system before making a connection in the main electrical panel. BUT the Tesla Gateway is still required at this time for AC coupling (retrofitting) to existing systems.
One pipe is coming down the side of the house, and it's one continuous conduit from array to array to consolidate. How would you recommend we make the electrical connection from the second story roof to the equipment in the garage?
@@dalerolph I don't know Dale. Maybe it's different in California versus Arizona where we live. I have 26 panels on the back of our house and 12 on our RV garage (15.2kwh system) and there is no conduit anywhere. I searched for an installer that would use the panels, micro inverters, etc. I wanted and when I did the job was perfect! Many neighbors and houses in the area have unsightly conduit going across their roof, down through the eaves through the soffit into the electrical box. That may be fine for them (not saying it's wrong) but I like a nice clean install. I view your videos all the time and think you do a great job, I'm just not a fan of conduit on the roof. That's all I'm saying....
@@04Vettman ....they may have ran conduit under the solar panels. then through the roof/attic down to your inverter?....just a guess.....it has to be in a conduit of some kind (fromm what i have read).
@keything8487 That is correct. I didn't want any conduit showing anywhere on our roof. They went through the roof into the attic and down the wall into the garage to the combiner box.
It is UL certified and listed, wouldn't be able to get a permit if it wasn't, and surely we wouldn't install it if it wasn't. Each jurisdiction has their own rules regarding UL 9540A testing, which Tesla's Powerwall 3 specification sheet indicates it meets UL 9540 A testing criteria, but this particular jurisdiction did not accept it, they wanted to testing done their way not the way of UL.
Far thousands less than the Tesla Powerwall you can purchase a much larger capacity energy storage/conversion system that offers a safer chemistry with a much longer life expectancy.
Maybe, but how reliable is it going to be. There are a lot of unique battery products entering the market. Australia had an open battery policy for many years and it resulted in DIY systems being installed that failed a 2-3 years later with no one to service them, and the manufactures being unresponsive to warranty claims or support, some cases they burned down the residences home. I'd rather pay a little more and have peace of mind that 500 contractors are installing it versus the one local guy.
For thousands less than the Tesla Powerwall, you can purchase a much larger capacity energy storage/conversion system that offers a safer chemistry with a much longer life expectancy.
Thank you again Dale, I can’t wait for mine to be installed by you guys 👍🏽
Finally a clean install of a Tesla system. Paint the EMT to match the wall, then done.
I really like this new type of installation videos and am looking forward to the FranklinWH install video. It will also be nice to discuss the solar panels spec that were installed or integrated with.
Great！👍
Do those expansion batteries have the same appearance as PW3? Or a new look？
Yes they do, and they will stack in front or on the side of the unit.
have a Tesla 12.8KW system that was installed two years ago, along with a Powerwall 2. My setup includes only one inverter, which is a 7.6KW model. I am puzzled as to why a system of this size would be equipped with just one inverter.
When I contacted Tesla, the representative acknowledged that having a single inverter is the reason my production rate is always capped at 7.6KW. This was the primary reason for my call, and while the rep mentioned that they would review my system to ensure it is tuned to the correct specifications, I still have concerns. After discussing this with several customers and solar groups, the consensus is that my system design may be flawed.
I understand that I may not have provided extensive details, but based on the information available, I would appreciate your opinion on this matter.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
The Tesla Solar Inverter supports up to 200% DC oversizing, which is common among many string and optimized inverters. This approach helps maximize energy production, especially during seasons with lower irradiance levels.
Your system's performance will naturally vary depending on your location and the time of year. For instance, during the winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, and daylight hours are shorter compared to the summer. The purpose of oversizing is to ensure better energy generation even during the winter solstice.
In Southern California, I've found that 150% oversizing strikes a good balance, resulting in some solar clipping during peak summer months but maintaining strong production during winter. Although your system is slightly larger than what I typically recommend, the energy loss might not be as significant as you might think.
I'd be happy to run a production simulation for you to provide a more detailed analysis. Additionally, we could use your data for an upcoming video if you're interested. Please email me at dale@pacificsuntech.com if you'd like to proceed.
Thank you for reaching out, and I hope this helps clarify your concerns.
@@dalerolph sent email :)
Great video!
Thanks!
thank you for the video! do you know when Tesla will have their expansion battery available?
We’ve been told they should arrive toward the end of Q3 early Q4… could make for a perfect Christmas present 😉
@@dalerolph Thank you, I will be looking to get a quote when they come out.
When you install 2 PW3s like this install, is the output and amp doubled - 23kw and 96 amp?
if you mounted all that inside the garage you could of used a different panel. the panel you used was an outdoor panel and you could have installed an indoor panel which has the room where you wanted
I'm surprised that you're not installing the neo Volta battery backup. Mine's almost 3 years old and it's great. It's a cleaner install than any battery system I've seen. I've got a 14 circuit critical load panel running on my 24 kW neovolta. You can feed it DC, AC, generator, etc. It has LFP batteries. They're made in California.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Great video. How often is it the case that you have issues with a new system like bad panels that need to be replaced?
@@RawandCookedVegan I think over the last 10 years I’ve only seen two or three panels need to be replaced. And it was because a golf ball damaged one and another was just bad from day one.
At 4:03, I don't think those are Ironridge's Tile Replacement Mount. They are not raised, no epdm collar, no flashing. Anyways, thanks for the video and sharing your thoughts. Liked.
We use IronRidge Knockout Tiles, these are a tile replacement: www.ironridge.com/mobile-landing/knockout-tile/
Leviton makes white deadfront panels. That might be an option to reduce the "grayness" of some pieces.
Yep, we've been in conversations with them.
How about an updated video installing multiple PW3 and backup switch?
I'm in the initial design phase with my installer (Straight Up Solar in St Louis) to add two PW3s to my existing PV system (31 Q-Cell panels, feeding 31 Enphase IQ8A Inverters to an Enphase 4C Combiner box as a grid-tied system. With all the credits/incentives I'm entitled to receive here in IL, I was quoted < $19K. But I'm asking to see how many Enphase 5Ps I can get for the same money. Does that sound like a fair price?
I’m happy to take a look at your project you can schedule a consultation online at www.reinnovations.org. You can use promo code FIRST to receive 50% Off
Great video
Keep up the good work,it's nice to see craftmanship
Thanks, will do!
You said that this is not a DC expansion on the video at 2:53 , so is this a AC expansion, you can already used the AC coupled to connect to existing systems?
why the 3R panel inside the garage? a regular 1R (indoor rated) would give you the ability to turn it "upside down". just a thought.
How much was this setup?
I have 2 separate solar systems on my roof. one with enphase inverters the other with telsa inverters. from you video it sounds like I will be able to use the powerwall 3 for both my solar systems. just wonder if I will be able to combine my system to one battery or have more than 1 battery to make it work out.
You have a couple options available to you. The Enphase system will have to be AC coupled with the Powerwall 3 using the Backup Gateway, but if you have Tesla Solar Inverter(s?) you could replace them with the Powerwall 3 so it’s DC coupled. The Powerwall 3 can do both simultaneously
@@dalerolph awesome thank you. You know your stuff. Wish you serviced bay area. Not many people here have the knowledge you have. Love ur channel.
Did your install require steel bollards to be drilled into the concrete to protect the batteries? They are saying mine needs bollards to prevent a car from running into them. Maybe it’s just a state requirement on my end
No, bollards are not required if the batteries are not in an impact zone. The California Residential Building code is very clear about this, and has illustrations showing when a bollard is required. As long as the side of the garage has that side barrier and the batteries don’t stick out past the retaining wall then you do not need them. I did a video on the exact code R328: th-cam.com/video/MilAqQ7rWIA/w-d-xo.html
Why are the powerwalls installed inside the garage?
That’s where the customer wanted them…
Hey, Got a question for you.
Tesla design team told us that we can use more then onePW3 with back up switch without the gateway and just land them in the main panel. Are they wrong? will AHJ reject that design?
Thank you!
This is correct, we have several projects using a combiner panel with backup switch.
I was under the impression that there was a behind the meter cutoff unit that could be used to avoid the gateway, the rest being handled in the PW3. Is that not the case?
UPDATED: After speaking with the Tesla team it was determined I misunderstood some of the documentation. The Tesla Backup Switch supports multiple Powerwall 3 units, we would just need to install an electrical sub panel to combine the energy storage system before making a connection in the main electrical panel. BUT the Tesla Gateway is still required at this time for AC coupling (retrofitting) to existing systems.
Dale the beard scruff is looking good.
Thanks for the video on this
Wish the model 3 was ac coupled right now
At the end you said all that equipment had a 25 year warranty. Pretty sure the Tesla power 3 only has a 10 year warranty right?
Yes, we offer a 25-year workmanship on the installation. The manufacturer warranties vary from 10-25 years
Rapid shutdown requirements destroyed the simplicity of string inverters.
What is the price tag on this specific system?
Did you say you warranty the battery and equipment for 25 years?
Solar panels 25-years, battery 10-years
What city is this install? Telsa refused to install in my garage - only outside of the house. I cancelled the order instead.
This was in Moorpark, California. Our ability to install batteries in a garage various depending on your jurisdiction and the age of your home.
REC Alpha pure "R" 3 phase when compared to REC Alpha Pure.
R is 3 phase i believe, are they approved for resedential ??
Alpha Pure R is a residential panel from REC, it's not currently available at most distributors currently. We're likely to see the R and RX later this year early next year.
would tesla let you use tigo rapid shutdown/opitimizers with the PW3
No, Tesla uses their MCI's for rapid shutdown.
Two PW3s can support most whole home backups. Why wasn't this done for this job?
This is whole home backup?
Did you mean: “This is a whole home backup. “ without the (?)?
Nice video
Thanks
We do get the shit end of the stick sometimes as solar installers.
Were you not able to use the collar/backup switch that installs on your meter?
Southern California Edison hasn’t approved the backup switch meter collard so this client wasn’t able to benefit from it.
@@dalerolph thanks. Can one use the backup switch with PW3 with non-Tesla solar panels and micro inverters?
@@neilmartinez143 at the current time the Powerwall does require the Gateway 2 when being AC coupled (retrofitted) to an existing solar system. Regardless of the existing solar equipment technology.
@@dalerolph thanks. How long does the power need to be shut off during PW3 install?
If it’s the backup switch like 15 minutes, backup gateway is usually 2-6 hours depending on how many circuits are being relocated.
Tesla is missing a lot of opportunities because the Tesla powerwall 3 is only exclusively DC.
It would be so cool if it would the option of customizing DC or AC.
There are a lot of retrofit needs out there.
It will be AC coupled compatible next month via a software update. We've already begun selling AC coupled Powerwall 3's
@@dalerolph , can the PWS 3 be added to already installed powerwalls 2?
I wanted the 3s but I already had the solar array since 2019.
I went with the 2s because of the 2s AC connection.
Do you have any info about been able to add a powerwall 3 to an existing system with powerwall 2 with enphase micro inverters?
There should be a software update later this year to support cross compatibility of existing Powerwall+ and Powerwall 2 sites. We will have AC coupling for third party inverters next month.
Thank you for your response, great fan 👍
Do they enphase micro inverters have a capacity limit ?
According to Teslas own website you can not mix 2 and 3
Irritatingly in the UK we still can not get the 3
So only one PW3 with a Tesla BackupSwitch? I absolutely HATE the need for that Gateway!!!
At this time, yes, but you can add the DC expansion batteries for more storage.
UPDATED: After speaking with the Tesla team it was determined I misunderstood some of the documentation. The Tesla Backup Switch supports multiple Powerwall 3 units, we would just need to install an electrical sub panel to combine the energy storage system before making a connection in the main electrical panel. BUT the Tesla Gateway is still required at this time for AC coupling (retrofitting) to existing systems.
Why all the conduit everywhere on the roof and side of house?
One pipe is coming down the side of the house, and it's one continuous conduit from array to array to consolidate. How would you recommend we make the electrical connection from the second story roof to the equipment in the garage?
@@dalerolph I don't know Dale. Maybe it's different in California versus Arizona where we live. I have 26 panels on the back of our house and 12 on our RV garage (15.2kwh system) and there is no conduit anywhere. I searched for an installer that would use the panels, micro inverters, etc. I wanted and when I did the job was perfect! Many neighbors and houses in the area have unsightly conduit going across their roof, down through the eaves through the soffit into the electrical box. That may be fine for them (not saying it's wrong) but I like a nice clean install. I view your videos all the time and think you do a great job, I'm just not a fan of conduit on the roof. That's all I'm saying....
@@04Vettman ....they may have ran conduit under the solar panels. then through the roof/attic down to your inverter?....just a guess.....it has to be in a conduit of some kind (fromm what i have read).
@keything8487 That is correct. I didn't want any conduit showing anywhere on our roof. They went through the roof into the attic and down the wall into the garage to the combiner box.
I sell solar for Icon Power Houston, Texas. We are going to sell a lot of Powerwall 3's.
The goal is 1,000,000 units across the USA 🇺🇸
Still work for icon? Im with icon in Vegas
21:33 what? ol' musk didn't get his stuff UL certified?
It is UL certified and listed, wouldn't be able to get a permit if it wasn't, and surely we wouldn't install it if it wasn't. Each jurisdiction has their own rules regarding UL 9540A testing, which Tesla's Powerwall 3 specification sheet indicates it meets UL 9540 A testing criteria, but this particular jurisdiction did not accept it, they wanted to testing done their way not the way of UL.
Far thousands less than the Tesla Powerwall you can purchase a much larger capacity energy storage/conversion system that offers a safer chemistry with a much longer life expectancy.
Maybe, but how reliable is it going to be. There are a lot of unique battery products entering the market. Australia had an open battery policy for many years and it resulted in DIY systems being installed that failed a 2-3 years later with no one to service them, and the manufactures being unresponsive to warranty claims or support, some cases they burned down the residences home. I'd rather pay a little more and have peace of mind that 500 contractors are installing it versus the one local guy.
@@dalerolphbeautifully said
For thousands less than the Tesla Powerwall, you can purchase a much larger capacity energy storage/conversion system that offers a safer chemistry with a much longer life expectancy.
Franklin were more expensive
That's simply not true. Powerwall is also more than half at a battery.
EP Cube can scale upto 40kwhr easily. Peak load is 7.5kw though.
Tesla is LFP now, that’s the safest chem.
Yeah, the powerwall 3 is new chemistry.
Ya’ll are anything but honest when it comes to Tesla..
What were we not being honest about?
On previous videos i’ve seen. And i watch a lot of your videos..
@@suwaebuceesay9954way to not answer the question.
What is Tesla service support line?