Tag Archives: Zappi

Powerwall Installed and Configured – Happy the Solar Battery Is Included

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Today we had our Tesla Powerwall installed which prompted another bunch of configuration changes and application use. See Batteries. We can’t of course go off-grid. The system does let us run off backup for a few hours based on capacity and use of the >13kw/h battery

The installation by Sprit Energy lasted most of the day and included the battery itself, the backup gateway and a new earth rod. All wired into the new consumer unit and existing systems. Unfortunately a new house, and solar roof is not included with the battery,

The Complete System

Powerwall Complete

Powerwall Configuration

Simple to add to the Tesla application (Same one as the car) just the usual fiddling with the wi-fi settings.

Powerwall in the app

We now have the fun of setting up schedules, energy rates and deciding how we will charge and when. The wall allows configurable dates, times, varying rates, seasons as well as how much you want it to use.

Powerwall Installation Dates
Powerwall Time schedules

It also allows the system to use the location for storm watches should severe weather risk mains power supplies.

Time now to configure it and schedule it to work with the other components and get the apps and devices talking with each other. Looking forward to starting to repay the costs of the system as well as improving our own green credentials.

Solar Battery Decision Made

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After more thought and planning a solar battery decision has been made. I discussed this and the various options here.

After lots of quotes and possibilities we have gone with the Tesla Powerwall

Solar Battery Decision Made Tesla Powerwall

Solar Battery Installer

We have ordered the Powerwall through Spirit Energy. We now await an installation date 6-8 weeks we’ve been advised.. (Update – 18 Sep – we have an installation date of 30 Oct and DNO permission.) (Update – 5 Oct – we have an installation date of 6 Oct)) We also have to get some extra work done with RCDs on a couple of house circuits to allow the backup capability to work for the whole house. (Update – 18 Sep – we have to have a new Consumer unit awaiting install and of course increase in costs) (Update 5 Oct – all completed) This is one of the key benefits of the Tesla – whole house backup. We won’t be off grid but hopefully a very low user. So low the daily standing charge rises for electricity (Power companies getting more money despite consumption price cap) we have seen are noticeable.

DNO

Another complication is the DNO permission. This is the Distributor Network Operator permission to install generation (the battery potentially sending power to the grid). We didn’t need DNO for our existing solar. This is a 3.5 kw/h system so doesn’t need full approval. The Powerwall can be installed at this level and software limited to 3.5 kw/h until permission comes through. (Update 5 Oct – all approved) The battery can supply 5kw/h or >16 amps which we want for EV charging. Spirit Energy blog on DNO. The battery has >13kw/h capacity or approx 4hrs of charging at pre-DNO rate.

In this case, our supplier will handle getting permission and Tesla will adjust rate after DNO comes through. As with most government things at the moment it will probably be New Year.

I’ll also add some more details to the main battery page including costs

The EV Experience and Solar – Add some batteries and a charger

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Just launched a new page The EV Experience and Solar detailing my route to an Electric Vehicle, EV. We then have considerations of solar power, chargers, batteries and home wind. I’ll be updating the journey and experiences as we go along.

Tesla Blue EV Experience

The one above is not my car, wrong wheels. Nor is the one below that I photographed. It was the one that I tried to collect but mine is the same type and colour.

Tesla EV Experience

We purchased a Tesla Model Y All Wheel Drive Long Range. Not the Performance Model. The process has already not been smooth due to Tesla itself and Brent Cross Pick Up location in particular. I won’t regurgitate the pain here, please see the page.

I’ll be copying some elements to the Goodreads thread What Do You Know about Electric Vehicles

EV Experience Other Bits

I’ll also be adding details on our existing Solar system of 14 panels generating 3.6kw/h on a good day. We’re adding the Zappi charger we have chosen and our choice of battery if we decide to get one. Still trying to decide on the battery but compatibility and working applications with Solar delivery are critical. Also looking at energy suppliers who fit the combinations with variable charging. Supercharging at Tesla already done. Much cheaper than petrol!