Inside Tesla Powerwall 3
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- Опубликовано: 26 дек 2024
- The new Powerwall 3 how has several features that speed up installation and provide the best return on investment in the industry. We take a technical look inside of the Powerwall 3 so you can see in detail how it all works together. #tesla #powerwall #solhome #solar #teslaenergy
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Awesome video. I am a tech nerd but just learning about solar. Very good explanation of how the whole wall works.
Wow me too
Thanks for covering the aspect of matching an existing net metering limit for California folks doing retrofits.
I find it more crazy that a 40k Tesla has a 80kWh battery and all the hardware to charge and discharge the battery had a very high rate while a Powerwall has a low capacity in comparison and costs a lot more per kWh.
Again, the backup switch is the disruptive technology here. Whole home backup with almost no labor is the real savings.
@@mysolhome nope it's not disruptive! What people needs is an actual smart panel luke span or whatever it's called! To be able to backup only the necessary things in house
Even crazier is a used Ford lightning has 98 KWH and can be had for low $40k.
@@alanmay7929 Ecoflow have this I believe, should check them out
You shoud read up on 'Economies of Scale'
Impressive video. Great job! Thank you for sharing all of this important information. It is helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I live in Northern California. I just had a 9.3 KW system installed with a Tesla 3 Power Wall. I went with Tesla directly for the install. The backup switch it very impressive and the Power wall easily powers our 5 Ton heat pump which draws much less energy than a typical 5 ton AC unit. So far, I'm very impressed and we are still waiting on PTO from our utility (PGE).
How long was the process with Tesla from first contact to install?
@@mysolhome I started talking with them at the end of February this year. They sent a person out to survey my house which included a drone fly over, panel, roof, garage inspection etc. I then put a deposit of $100 down and they drew up plans and gave me a hard quote. Once I accepted the quote they went to work on permits. The initially scheduled the install for early May but I had a conflict and we did the install the day after Labor day. It took 2 days total. In reality it was 2 half days since the crews did not work past 1pm. In our case I had a problem with the "Meter Socket Jaws" which did not allow us to plug the back up switch in safely. I had to hire an electrician to fix that. Once that was fixed the backup switch was installed and we had our final inspection the next day. I'm now waiting on PTO from the utility. In all, I was very pleased with Tesla. They responded very quickly. Had I not had some conflicts, Im confident everything would have been done a month sooner. Their price was 12K lower than my next lowest bid as well.
That's a beautiful aluminium casting!
It sure is!
That's good your utility doesn't requirement a solar disconnect switch outside. Good job on install looks good.
My solar company quoted 3 Enphase 5Ps $4K MORE THAN 2 PW3s. Easy decision and we have Enphase IQ8A Inverters and originally wanted to stay in one Eco System. But since we have a Tesla adding PW3 makes perfect sense financially and backup power-wise. I was shocked to learn my utility provides a $300 per kW CASH REBATE (which I was unaware of when we started discussions) so my 2 PW3s net me over $9K in cash rebates and 3 5Ps only HALF that. BTW I'm working with Straight Up Solar here in St Louis who installed our PV system last fall. Good to know the PW3 is a BOTTOM BREATHER as my installer wants to mount them about 4" off the floor in my garage.
Enphase has crappy inverters that fail.
"utility provides a $300 per kW CASH REBATE" Because they will be using that battery when they want too.
Check out EG4 18KVP inverter and 14.5KWH battery for $8600 add 2nd battery for $3600 plug and play. These are California approved UL 9540A ESS certified.
Great video and explanation of PCS with the PW3 system
Thank you!
Great video and details, I was wondering about the 200 amp panel backfeed limit and how they kept from overloading the bus. Pretty cool and simple solution.
Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth....
Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste
🙏🏻 😊 ✌ ☮ ❤
I am in the UK, great video. I can confirm that the UK supplied unit is very slightly different.
The UK unit has a DC isolator switch on the right hand top corner.
Only three MPPT strings allowed, (down from the 6 strings) shown here on this US unit?
Our PW3 was commissioned on 30th Oct, 2024
Thanks for the info!
Same as the AU version with 240v
Magnificent job ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you! 😊
Thank you for the video , Just had two power walls threes installed in my basement. Not required, but I drywall the room with 5/8 drywall. From what I’ve heard, Tesla could not cause the battery to go to thermal runaway through their tests. Had to use the gateway, 3, between the panel and the utility meter. Everything working beautifully any thoughts?
Enphase has the power control software as well for those larger amp Breakers
So I understand the meter base relay to drop the connection on a grid down condition but you are limited to a max of 50 amps into what is a 200 amp service, with no load control what keeps a home owner from overloading that capacity, turn on the AC, the electric dryer and an oven and you are way over the inverter capacity? One very good reason for having a critical loads panel is you have some way of avoiding an overloaded condition. Thoughts ?
This is true. Tesla is telling us to educate the homeowner on managing their own load control and setting expectations during the sales process. Most people would rather save the money and manage the loads themselves. If they want it to be automated, they can pay more for the backup gateway and a backed up loads panel.
I do like some of the ideas you have...
Is there any savings getting a pw3 installed vs a 2? Seems really simple
Absolutely; especially if you can use the back up switch.
Where is the inverter? I'm assuming there's coil(s) somewhere... I think its above the batteries behind the casing..
Hi, I'm an electrical engineer and one thing I noticed in the video surprised me. At 3:04 it seems that you ran the communications wires from the "TACO" through the ferrite choke. Did the installation manual recommend doing this, or did you all do this as a "can't hurt to run everything through that!" decision? Probably not a issue and might be called for, but I was surprised to see those data lines going through the choke.
Why is there so much extra space in the bottom of the cabinet?
cold air resevoir
Awesome vid! Trying to understand something. Need whole home backup now. Can I install PW3 bu batteries under NEM3.0 and add panels when ready, later? Would the tax credit apply to both installs?
Yes, and yes. Do it!
I have an all-electric house and use a lot of power in the winter. Does the Power Wall 3 have a provision to hook up a backup generator -preferrably some type of a smart diesel generator that will start when the grid is out and the batteries fall below a certain preset level?
Will these work well with an enphase solar array without issues?
Not yet. You will need the remote meter when it launches.
I believe the shield for the DC side is to separate the DC conductors from other wiring in the unit. Does your AHJ not require that to be installed?
This is not the case. It is clear in the manual this shield is for RF purposes.
how long did it take you to get the utility approval for the backup switch?
Not long at all. Just a few days.
Which utility if you don’t mind me asking?
What was the push button on the outside. Does that connect to the powerwall emergency shut down ?
Yes it does.
What if i dont want solar yet i just want a powerwall to kick in during power outages but would stay charged by the grid rather than solar. With an option to connect a generator to charge it during extended outages?
This totally works, minus the generator with the PW3. There are other options that do work with a generator.
What are the options for pw3 and generator? I'm guessing none. I'm assuming the issue is sync. Let's assume the power goes out and panels are covered by snow for days. When the battery is almost dead, the manual transfer switch is switched, the backup generator is manually started, but the generator can't sync phase with the pw3. Is the pw3 smart enough to sense the generator and sync? Perhaps an option would be to shut down the pw3 completely, start the generator as if it's the grid, then restart the pw3 and let it charge. And then do it again in reverse when power is restored. Or perhaps there's an option to feed DC from a generator to the pw3, just like solar panels.
My house has a 40amp (230 volts in Australia) breaker on the feed from the grid, this powerwall could supply me with more power than the grid. I have natural gas for heating, cooking and hot water hence the lower demand for electricity.
Any idea when V2h so our teslas can expand the power capacity is coming out?
I know they are rolling it out for the Cybertruck. Not sure about the rest of the fleet.
Does the Tesla PW3 work in an offgrid mode for critical loads with PV (understand you need the backup gateway or something with critical load panel). In my North Carolina area we are not allowed to have interconnect agreements or sell to grid.
Yes, it does.
Good vid!
I need an string level rapid shutdown to use with CertainTeed solar shingles, you guys have any suggestions
Thanks
So with those cooling fins and not a radiator: Is the Powerwall3 still liquid cooled like the older models? Also with all those amp ratings that's for the US only and their 120V single/240V split phase system which is pretty unique on planet earth.
Correct; there is no liquid coolant (thankfully)
Sol, can a homeowner install a power wall without solar and just use it to pull from grid as a backup and also use power wall to charge a Tesla Model Y
Absolutely. We have do this exact setup for a few customers.
Where does the Tesla Gateway fit in?
The gateway only applies if the BUS cannot be used because of a 400A service or if your utility does not approve the BUS yet.
I have a similar installation as this one with a 60A breaker on a 200A service. The PCS setting should it be set at 200A or 160A? On mine I believe it is set at 200A
Great Video. Will the whole House backup switch work with two 200 amp panels? What things will change with two panels?
No, you would need to use (2) backup gateways and (2) separate systems for two 200 amp panels. This is assuming you have a 400A service.
@@mysolhomeI have 2-200 amp panels as well and I need some clarification on what you indicated please. I understand the part about the 2 gateways but you said 2 separate systems as well. What do you mean by 2 systems? I’m a novice here with no experience in this area. I am considering 2- powerwall 3’s with the possibility of adding solar (waiting to see if HOA will approve). If I have a garage that has HVAC (mini split) would it be better to install the backup batteries in that space as opposed to outside where it can reach in the 90’s?
EG4 PVK18 inverter and Power pro 14.5KVH battery $8595. About 1/4 the cost of Tesla it's UL 9540A ESS certified.
Once you include labor from a reputable contractor, both of these installations would be similar in price for whole-home backup.
14:03 My electric utility meter (next to a pad mounted transformer) is about 130 feet from my main panel (200 amps). The two are connected underground. Since the backup switch fits under the meter, does the installer need to dig up the 130 feet conduit to connect the backup switch to the 200 amp service panel? Or does the backup switch only need to communicate with the utility meter?
There would need to be a wired connection to the meter. Can you pull a wire through the same conduit to the meter? If not, you would need to trench. The backup switch might not be the best option in your situation.
@mysolhome I would probably have to first locate the existing conduit to determine that. I will have to call Dig Safe 811 for some other projects anyway so that will be enlightening but hopefully not shocking (haha). Also, I think the backup switch is only approved by a minority of electric providers nationwide, but Tesla is working to expand the approvals. If you're in San Diego I think SDG&E is in the clear but I am in Central Texas where PEC (Pedernales Electric Cooperative) is my provider. Thanks for the response!
If I get solar is the only way to charge my Tesla power wall three from solar? Unless there is a storm coming is that the only other way is with storm watch? Is there a way to charge power wall three through the app manually just in case I needed to?
How much does it cost to have one installed?
7500ish
That would not even cover the cost of materials. With professional licensed electricians and permit fees, you would be closer to $14-16k.
good stuff thank you
I am in San Diego and are wanting to get at least (2) Powerwall 3 batteries. I currently have solar panels (20) 450 Watts with mini-inverters, and a 200Amp panel.
Do you guys offer financing like Tesla does and would I need to pull a permit with SDG&E? I don’t want to lose my NEM 1.0
I would like for the solar panels to charge the batteries until before dawn, and run the entire house during night time.
I see that there is multiple inputs to the inverter. What's stopping me from hooking up a generator to one of those inputs? Because the generator will output AC, a big bridge rectifier and a chunky capacitor to smooth out the ripple would give the DC it needs. So, as long as the voltage is in the right range, would it not work?
Give it a try and report back. I’d be curious to see how that works!
If you get multiple Tesla PW3s connected on a 200A (225A) panel, you don't necessarily get that much more instantaneous power capacity, but just more kWh (run time) right? Since you're going to max out the supply while on grid at about 56A (60A breaker).
You can actually connect 2x60A breakers! The PCS settings limit the totally bus bar current to 160A so you will never overload the bus bars when on-grid. And, you can get 96A continuous output from the batteries when on-grid and off-grid. So yes, you get double the output and double the storage capacity.
You can get a pw3 without the inverter - just the dc batteries tied in basically. I'm not sure on how much less money that is but if you don't need 22kW, it would make sense to go that route.
Is the Powerwall 3 compatible for expansion or replacement in an existing Powerwall 2 installation?
Expansion: no. Replacement: yes.
@@mysolhome Thanks. Look like I will not be upgrading until my PW2s die. I have 2 PW2's now, but would prefer to have 3 Powerwalls total.
Will it work with a Powerwall 2 ?
Powerwall 3 cannot be added to a Powerwall 2 or Powerwall+ system - This may change in the future, but I won't count on it.
@@aread13 Just been told by installer that they are compatible but im having another Powerwall 2 as its cheaper
Wondering if the meter interconnect can be installed on a home with 400 amp service? I was previously unable to install generator interconnect due to hardware limitation (200 max).
Not at this time. It’s only rated for 200A.
are you an electric engineer?
In an offgrid solution, can Powerwall 3 + Solar panels work without a Tesla gateway or Tesla backup switch?
Currently, I don’t think so. The backup switch and/or gateway have an internal “site” meter which the system requires for commissioning.
@@mysolhomeBut technically an OTA software update could fix this, right? I'm gonna reach Elon about this :)
A couple of questions... First, what is the nominal voltage from the solar panels into the Powerwall 3? And second, what is the nominal battery voltage? Does the solar panel voltage come in at say 350Vdc, converted to 53Vdc (Battery voltage), and the inverted back into 240 split phase? OR is the nominal battery voltage says 350V dc and inverted by a high voltage inverter inside the powerwall 3
The MPPT input can be anywhere between 60-550v. Tesla has not disclosed the nominal battery voltage. I would think it’s closer to the 350v you suggest; no reason to have a lower voltage pack since it is integrated.
@@mysolhome So.... the inverter runs from 300Vdc?
Great News
I thought those coils are detecting power generation and consumption ? I dont think yo can remove it
Are you talking about the ferrite cores? They are not CTs.
What are the dimensions of the unit? - H.W.D?
Here is the spec sheet:
service.tesla.com/docs/Public/Energy/Powerwall/Powerwall-3-with-Gateway-3-Installation-Manual-NA-EN/GUID-EC527BC7-4750-4425-BBC4-DB8C000339B3.html
Dimensions 43.25 x 24 x 7.6 in (1099 x 609 x 193 mm)
Why can’t I just use my Tesla model Y battery?
Your 2027 Model Y will most likely work. The current cars (except 2024 Cybertruck) aren't hardware enabled for bidirectional charging.
Walled garden. Like Apple products. I am off-grid and Tesla won't let me buy one and install it. So I went with EG4 Powerpro batteries and their Luxpower-sourced inverters. No system issues and no ridiculous install charges. Very happy with what I got and I understand every aspect of my system, so if something goes wrong, I can diagnose the issue and likely handle it myself. So I appreciate the notion, but I don't need an Apple-aesthetic glass cover that will break when I'm less than completely careful in my garage. Not sure what happened to "the best part is no part". Glass? Really?
Agreed. This device is not designed to run off-grid exclusively, but is the best out there for most of the grid-tied population that simply wants a plug-and-play solution that automatically saves you the most money on your electric bill without having to do any programming. Also, you can add whole-home backup for under $1000 which is amazingly inexpensive.
Also, the glass is tempered (like your car windows) and is very resilient to damage. I would argue it’s stronger than the metal casing on most inverters, and certainly stronger than the plastic on most batteries.
@@mysolhome Good points. It has its place in the market and has created an ease-of-use standard for others to follow. But Tesla's "You won't be able to figure it out" attitude towards the public is annoying to me. It's why I'm waiting for the Aptera to mature so i can have a car that is customer-focused instead of mars-focused. :-)
What kind of battery is it? FePO4?
All current Powerwalls are lithium iron phosphate.
@@aread13Even the Powerwall 2? (I thought they were lithium ternary, hope I’m wrong.)
@@FutureSystem738It has been confirmed that the PW3 uses batteries with LFP chemistry. All previous Powerwalls used batteries with NMC chemistry.
1:15 Has Tesla confirmed LiFeP chemistry? I hear they have been gun shy about sharing the exact chemistry.
Not exactly (which is strange); I was thinking about doing a tear-down to verify.
@mysolhome I suspect they are being secretive about this so as not to tip off the competition. They are fierce competitors!
You guys need to change your wiring colours, maybe switch to the EU standard, much less confusing when you have DC and AC alongside each other.
Why can't this be used in Nigeria
Problem with an Enphase system... Place a call get it solved. Problem with a Tesla system Place a call Oh wait, no phone support. Send an email and get a quick response within a month. Two months later someone shows up and has no clue. Not a joke. This happened to my neighbor.
This is true if you buy direct from Tesla. Use a local installer; the support experience will be much different.
@@mysolhome that's true but local installer will charge $9k more compared to Tesla.
Wow, that seems like a lot.
Same for Tesla cars. Soonest service appointment I could get for brake system ABS is 40 (fourty) days away.
Tidy🏴👍😊
All of that is illegal in nyc😣
Oh yeah? What don’t they like about it?
@@mysolhome Our power company doesn't let us plug the meter into that adapter. I don't know why it's a great idea.
@shanwar9844 ah, got it. Maybe they will approve it in the future.
@shanwar9844 I believe Tesla makes a product called the Gateway 3 for customers whose utility does not allow the Backup Switch.
I have a Franklin WH battery system. I considered the Tesla Power Wall but the Franklin WH edged out Tesla because it is a slightly better system.
I know alot of home owners that hate that glass front 😂it's cheap for a million dollar company to use glass
Tesla is just catching up to their competitors. There are better batteries for less money.
Not for less labor for whole-home backup that I’m aware of.
@@mysolhome You are in CA -- your labor market might as well be a different universe. There are plenty of other parts of the US that have sane labor rates. I did EG4/LuxPower. 20 panel -- 7.4kw array, 28kwh of LiFPO4 storage, inverter and 10 circuit transfer switch for $12k, factor in the 30% federal and I'm right around $9k for a complete whole home backup system materials and labor totaled.
185 LRA is unprecedented from what I hear. It's game changing. Slow start systems are annoying and Powerwall 3 obviates the need for these for 99% of residences
Too much specs. Homeowners don’t care about that stuff. They just want the payment to make sense.
Our homeowners love the 11.5 kW output with 13.5 kWhs of storage😉
So much jargon I have no idea what you’re saying
Anything in particular you’d like me to explain?
learn before you talk
Sigh. Should've come out a few years ago. 🙁