Should I jump into Tesla all the way....

[sdifox]

100a is fine. 200a is needed if you heat with hydro but if you have gas heat you'll be fine with 100a. 100a gives you 24kw of power. Or 12kw per leg at 120v.

Seems weird they would want to downgrade the service though... if the wire sizing is incorrect they could just add a 100a fused cut off before the panel that way you don't need to change the whole panel. Way cheaper than switching out the whole panel.

Lol 200A or go bust. I have electric dryer and range, that is probably 70A right there though they are on 240v so 35A 240V

 

[zinfamous]

100a is fine. 200a is needed if you heat with hydro but if you have gas heat you'll be fine with 100a. 100a gives you 24kw of power. Or 12kw per leg at 120v.

Seems weird they would want to downgrade the service though... if the wire sizing is incorrect they could just add a 100a fused cut off before the panel that way you don't need to change the whole panel. Way cheaper than switching out the whole panel.

NO ONE SAYS HYDRO OUTSIDE OF CANADA god damn it!

Just say electric. You say that shit, most humans think it is somehow common to have a dam in their back yard powering their house, lol.

 

[sdifox]

NO ONE SAYS HYDRO OUTSIDE OF CANADA god damn it!

Just say electric. You say that shit, most humans think it is somehow common to have a dam in their back yard powering their house, lol.

You mean you don't have a dam? Why do you think Beaver is associated with Canada? They build the hydroelectric dams up here.

 

[redgtxdi]

I don't think I'm feeding back to the grid per se but they say I'm on an annual "reconciliation" with So Cal Edison. (Ideally I produce about 116% of what I normally use in a year and then square up with SCE end of year.....ideally rolling over kwh to following year)

I asked Sunlux about considerations should I buy a white model Y with the single motor, white interior & 19" wheels and wanted to install a fast charger....but that's just speculation....I haven't been really looking hard or anything....

 

[redgtxdi]

You mean you don't have a dam? Why do you think Beaver is associated with Canada? They build the hydroelectric dams up here.

LOL!! I was thrown for a sec there. Damn Canucks! NOBODY abuses the rate payer like American can....NOBODY!

 

[Sukhoi]

Ok so long story short...pulled the trigger. Going sunlux and so far so good. Site audit went well just one thing came up today I was curious about (electricians in the house?) .....They said they need to downgrade my service panel from 125amp to 100amp to allow for a 50amp service breaker for the system. They assured me it’s all good but I’m not big on electrical. Anybody know why they would do that in layperson speak?

(Something about a 125/125 bus and the 100 frees up amps blah blah) confizzled

Yes that makes sense. There's a rule where AFAIK your service plus the solar feed can't be more than 120% of the amp rating of your panel box. So if you downgrade the service you can put in a larger solar feed.

 

[Viper GTS]

Yes that makes sense. There's a rule where AFAIK your service plus the solar feed can't be more than 120% of the amp rating of your panel box. So if you downgrade the service you can put in a larger solar feed.

If that is true why would you not just upgrade the load center and optionally service instead? Proposing a service downgrade to someone who wants an EV is a serious disservice IMO.

My house has 200A service with solar. I completely filled the 40 (42?) slot load center that was in the house when I bought it and upgraded to a 60 slot.

Intentionally going smaller just seems crazy. If someone is putting in a PV array that requires a 50A transfer switch the load center plus install costs should not make that big a difference in overall project cost. I spent about $2k total in the greater NYC area installed for my new load center, new grounding rods, and a few new breakers that couldn't be reused. I don't have any perspective on the service upgrade cost but it seems a load center upgrade would solve the problem entirely, no?

Viper GTS

 

[BarkingGhostar]

First, when upgrading the panels one is suppose to match it with the equivalent upgrade in the service entrance cable coming in from the street transformer. Just upgrading the panel alone isn't going to buy you anything other than the potential danger for electrical fire. When I finished my basement and added a sub-panel to it that was the design to overcome my lack of fore knowledge and planning. I should have upgraded the service entrance cable and main panel and breaker the day I bought the house and claimed that the reason was to run some commercial woodworking equipment in the unfinished basement. That is a legit reason. Getting the main power turned off for the electrical upgrade isn't the obstacle, but the electrical provider where I am at wants to know the reason for the off/on flipping, because if it is for finishing a basement the county wants to know--and tax accordingly.

But, by giving the reason of using high-electrical needs equipment for your woodworking hobby is more than enough reason to get it upgraded, and then do what you want afterwards. And one better check what material is being used on that service entrance cable, because if it is like mine (Aluminum) than the risks are higher as Aluminum has a lower melting point.

 

[Sukhoi]

If that is true why would you not just upgrade the load center and optionally service instead? Proposing a service downgrade to someone who wants an EV is a serious disservice IMO.

My house has 200A service with solar. I completely filled the 40 (42?) slot load center that was in the house when I bought it and upgraded to a 60 slot.

Intentionally going smaller just seems crazy. If someone is putting in a PV array that requires a 50A transfer switch the load center plus install costs should not make that big a difference in overall project cost. I spent about $2k total in the greater NYC area installed for my new load center, new grounding rods, and a few new breakers that couldn't be reused. I don't have any perspective on the service upgrade cost but it seems a load center upgrade would solve the problem entirely, no?

Viper GTS

Because that's freaking expensive compared to putting in a smaller main breaker. 100 A service is plenty for a small/medium sized house. It's not a big downgrade to go from 125 A to 100 A, and saves a couple $1K as you said.

 

[sdifox]

Because that's freaking expensive compared to putting in a smaller main breaker. 100 A service is plenty for a small/medium sized house. It's not a big downgrade to go from 125 A to 100 A, and saves a couple $1K as you said.

Op is thinking of getting a model Y so he is going to upgrade again later?

 

[ultimatebob]

Op is thinking of getting a model Y so he is going to upgrade again later?

I think that I only paid an extra $500 for my 200A breaker box and service wiring vs the 100A service. My 50-year-old house wiring/meter/breaker box were rusted and shot, so I took it as an opportunity to upgrade.

 

[sdifox]

I think that I only paid an extra $500 for my 200A breaker box and service wiring vs the 100A service. My 50-year-old house wiring/meter/breaker box were rusted and shot, so I took it as an opportunity to upgrade.

Even in a tiny house on 35' wide lot (parent's house) I had 200A service. I am actually surprise by people having a house with 100A service.

 

[ultimatebob]

Even in a tiny house on 35' wide lot (parent's house) I had 200A service. I am actually surprise by people having a house with 100A service.

Even if you don't need 200A service now, keep in mind that a new circuit breaker box is something that you should only have to replace every 30 years.

While I'm not an electric car nut like Ponyo, I'd imagine that a lot of people will expect an electric car charger to be standard equipment in a house 20 years from now. Not having it would be like not having central air in your house in Georgia.

 

[Craig234]

I'm literally begging Tesla to take my money and give me solar roof and 3 Powerwalls. Yet I can't get it because Tesla doesn't install in GA yet. You live in CA where Tesla is installing solar and Powerwall and you're not jumping at the chance? Crazy.

Huh, this is new to me. I'd need to buy a new roof, which I should get anyway, to do it, and have a small utility bill of around $100 IIRC, but you think it's worth getting solar? And that Tesla is especially good?

 

[redgtxdi]

Huh, this is new to me. I'd need to buy a new roof, which I should get anyway, to do it, and have a small utility bill of around $100 IIRC, but you think it's worth getting solar? And that Tesla is especially good?

I wouldn’t say you need Tesla but I think you could still recoup your costs over a 10-15 year window even at such a small bill and start putting money back in your pocket regardless because my bills aren’t very big either and I have about a nine year pay back window so I definitely see it as worth it. My setup is Solaria panels which guarantee 90% production after 25 years. 👍👍

 

[redgtxdi]

Ok and now one more consideration....I inquired about an EV ready (or EV specific) inverter. Looks like it will cost me about an extra $2k after all said & done but would be ready to any EV after that.

Can’t decide if worth it or can do just as well whenever I do buy an EV??? (Their reply is “sure, maybe”). But I’m not gonna buy a Tesla tomorrow. Maybe next year if the single motor Y makes it to fruition. (Shrug)

 

[Sukhoi]

What's different with an "EV ready/specific" solar inverter? It's just electricity; I don't understand what would be different.

 

[Viper GTS]

Solar Powering People’s Lives Around the USA | SolarEdge

Transform your businesses and residences into an eco-friendly energy hub using the SolarEdge inverter solution and the SolarEdge energy manager platform.

www.solaredge.com

That's my guess anyway. Could save you a bit on overall install cost, maybe?

I wouldn't do it, my ChargePoint Home Flex was way less than $2k installed once I had an appropriately sized load center.

Viper GTS

 

[Sukhoi]

Solar Powering People’s Lives Around the USA | SolarEdge

Transform your businesses and residences into an eco-friendly energy hub using the SolarEdge inverter solution and the SolarEdge energy manager platform.

www.solaredge.com

That's my guess anyway. Could save you a bit on overall install cost, maybe?

I wouldn't do it, my ChargePoint Home Flex was way less than $2k installed once I had an appropriately sized load center.

Viper GTS

That seems stupid. Assuming your net metering works this way, you want to sell excess at high rates during the day and then charge EV from low rates at night. This just allows you to charge faster during the day (if you're even home) when the rates are high.

 

[Viper GTS]

Obviously you would still have to pay attention to your net/time of use metering situation to minimize charging cost. The only real advantage here is the somewhat simplified installation/reduced cost of install. It is, however, a mediocre charger:



While the industry has largely moved away from high power L2 charging (Tesla's relatively new 3rd gen chargers are only 48A, and none of their cars are currently available with more than 48A) my charger is capable of maxing out my car @ 48A vs this one stopping at 40A if you are charging during peak solar time.

Viper GTS

 

[redgtxdi]

Here’s what they told me exactly when I asked about the different versions......

...........”The difference between the EV inverter and EV ready inverter is a few things.

1) One has the EV plug on it which means less equipement to be installed as well as less breakers in the main service panel.
2) The EV inverter has faster charging capabilties as well.
3) The EV charging inverter comes in all sizes as well depending on what we need, but that will also depend on where it is manufactured and where we can get it shipped from. If we get it from their Mexico warehouse, it might take longer to receive but I can get you more information on that.

Standalone means no EV charger then 2-in-1 is the ones integrated with that feature since they do more than just tie in your solar panels together.

Based off the menu you signed with pricing, it looks like the following pricing is:

EV ready inverter $1,170
Charging cable $950

I would also need to confirm with our engineers if adding the larger load of the EV breaker will trigger an upgrade but I believe it will not. “

(Shrug).

 

[Viper GTS]

Do you have space in your load center for another circuit to add a standalone EV charger in the future? Presumably if you are contemplating buying a Tesla also needing to buy a charger + installation costs won't be a significant obstacle?

I'd much rather have a normal dedicated charger that can do 48A @ $700 (https://www.amazon.com/ChargePoint-Home-Electric-Vehicle-Charger/dp/B07WNXTHNW/) + a few hundred in installation costs than be integrated with a PV system. Tesla Gen 3 chargers are even cheaper FYI, I went J1772 to support non Tesla vehicles as well.

Viper GTS

 

[ondma]

long question short (TLDR)......Should I buy Tesla solar, Tesla power wall to help store and a model Y while I’m at it??

My house is perfect for solar w/ approx 1,000 square feet facing due south in north hemisphere.
My electric bill is $200 summer and $80 winter (So Cal)
I have money to spend and nothing is making money right now so maybe invest but also get a modelY to enjoy life? (Mid-life crisis) 😜
Or tell Elon to suck it and keep all my money? 🤷‍♂️

I would always vote for the "tell Elton to suck it" option.

 

[redgtxdi]

I would always vote for the "tell Elton to suck it" option.

I’m pretty sure Elton openly admits he sucks it. 😜😉

But Elon.....I think he’s hetero. 😂😉

But seriously....I get the vibe but no doubt his cars are good. There’s just no 2 ways about it. I don’t love the guy but I don’t hate him either. He’s the only person like himself that’s convinced people, governments, elements....to do what he wants them to do and as such we are doing some pretty cool stuff because of him. I can’t knock that. Now Bezos, Zuckerberg....they’re on my list. 😉😎

 

[redgtxdi]

Do you have space in your load center for another circuit to add a standalone EV charger in the future? Presumably if you are contemplating buying a Tesla also needing to buy a charger + installation costs won't be a significant obstacle?

I'd much rather have a normal dedicated charger that can do 48A @ $700 (https://www.amazon.com/ChargePoint-Home-Electric-Vehicle-Charger/dp/B07WNXTHNW/) + a few hundred in installation costs than be integrated with a PV system. Tesla Gen 3 chargers are even cheaper FYI, I went J1772 to support non Tesla vehicles as well.

Viper GTS

That sounds good. I like that idea better plus who knows if stuff won’t get even better/cheaper. Heck we haven’t even had battery day yet. Maybe Gen 4 charge works with ambient air. 😂😂😂