Tesla Solar Panels and Powerwalll

**SamirD** · 10-18-2023, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

Hard to tell. What does the manufacturer state about hail damage

Don't know since finding out any tech specs on the Tesla products was impossible when we looked at the system a few years ago when the epa rebates were on.

**SunEagle** · 10-18-2023, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by SamirD

Don't know since finding out any tech specs on the Tesla products was impossible when we looked at the system a few years ago when the epa rebates were on.

I know that other solar shingle manufactures provide hail damage details

**SamirD** · 10-18-2023, 04:01 PM

Originally posted by SunEagle

I know that other solar shingle manufactures provide hail damage details

Yep--they provide a lot more details on the product.

**Rade** · 10-24-2023, 07:37 AM

This is a regional thing. We looked at Tesla and the Tesla Powerwall for our home here in RI, and they really do not have a support footprint here, and of those who went with Tesla, not a very good reputation. That said, Marques Brownlee; Vlogger based in the Metro NYC region, is all in on Tesla and has a wonderful YouTube video about his experience with it. Well worth a look!

https://youtu.be/UJeSWbR6W04?si=E2Towl23QN9uFpXz

**Calsun** · 10-31-2023, 05:47 PM

The cost of the Tesla powerwall is roughly the same cost as adding a standby generator. With the Powerwall you will have up to two days of power for the house. With a standby generator you have power forever.

I would recommend getting an inverter like the Solis 5 that can be used with batteries and then add them later. Battery prices are continuing to drop and nothing gained by installing them now.

The dealers love the Powerwall as it more than doubles the cost of the project and doubles the dealer's profit.

**SunEagle** · 10-31-2023, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by Calsun

The cost of the Tesla powerwall is roughly the same cost as adding a standby generator. With the Powerwall you will have up to two days of power for the house. With a standby generator you have power forever.

I would recommend getting an inverter like the Solis 5 that can be used with batteries and then add them later. Battery prices are continuing to drop and nothing gained by installing them now.

The dealers love the Powerwall as it more than doubles the cost of the project and doubles the dealer's profit.

Based on what I know is that unless the battery system is rated for at least 70kwh it won't last a day at my house but with my 12kw generator and bottled gas it will power my whole house for a few days.

**GoingElectric** · 11-03-2023, 05:58 PM

Originally posted by SamirD

I wouldn't expect them to deal with large hail too well, but would even the pea size hurt them? That seems to be getting more common in their area unfortunately.

There is video of someone hitting Tesla shingle with hammer, no break.
But unless aesthetics are paramount, a panel is more efficient, are just as resilant.

**Calsun** · 11-03-2023, 07:18 PM

If hail actually was a problem with solar panels there would be thousands of reports of broken panels in places like Texas where severe hail storms are routine.

**Rade** · 11-04-2023, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by Calsun

If hail actually was a problem with solar panels there would be thousands of reports of broken panels in places like Texas where severe hail storms are routine.

I had thought about that but here in Rhode Island, hail is not so much of a problem. I am more concerned about the rapid buildup of ice.

**SamirD** · 11-04-2023, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by GoingElectric

There is video of someone hitting Tesla shingle with hammer, no break.
But unless aesthetics are paramount, a panel is more efficient, are just as resilant.

Interesting. My main idea for using shingles is that the roof has a lot of different angles and is pretty big so grabbing more sun might make sense via shingles vs panels.

**bcroe** · 11-04-2023, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by Rade

I had thought about that but here in Rhode Island, hail is not so much of a problem. I am more concerned about the rapid buildup of ice.

In 10 winters this ground mount PV array has seen a few ice
storms. None have done any damage, but only better weather
can remove the ice and restore generation level. Bruce Roe

**Henry V** · 12-05-2023, 10:36 AM

I am in need of some advice to pass on to my local parish council.

There is a building which has no services but is used as a night stop over by visiting bats. To encourage more bat roosting or even a bat nursery, there is a proposal to heat the existing insulated bat box. This, I am advised, will be via a bar heater requiring 1 kw of power. I have been advised 4no PV panels are required, 2no to each west and east roof slopes, which will provide the power via an inverter. Apparently, when there is little or no sun the bats will cope with this.

Does this sound feasible and, if so, is there someone I could obtain some budget cost from?

**bcroe** · 12-05-2023, 01:04 PM

I know nothing of bats or your weather. But providing 1kW all night
would be quite expensive in battery capacity, and would require a lot
of solar panels to recharge with short days and long winter night. I
would suggest looking into burying a line out to the build, realizing
the electric bill could be quite substantial over winter.

Before hand, best to find out how much power would be needed for
heat, 1kW sounds like a wild guess. Super insulation could help,
except a big flight opening near the top could defeat that. Guess
that is why bats like caves. good luck, Bruce Roe

**SunEagle** · 12-05-2023, 01:15 PM

Originally posted by bcroe

I know nothing of bats or your weather. But providing 1kW all night
would be quite expensive in battery capacity, and would require a lot
of solar panels to recharge with short days and long winter night. I
would suggest looking into burying a line out to the build, realizing
the electric bill could be quite substantial over winter.

Before hand, best to find out how much power would be needed for
heat, 1kW sounds like a wild guess. Super insulation could help,
except a big flight opening near the top could defeat that. Guess
that is why bats like caves. good luck, Bruce Roe

I agree. Using batteries and solar to run a heater if very expensive and hard to do considering the replacement cost of the batteries when they no longer provide what is needed.

IMO keeping things warm should use natural insulation and sunlight. Batteries would be the last place I want to explore.

**bcroe** · 12-05-2023, 01:44 PM

Seems to me T has been promoting the idea that solar energy always
needs a battery plant. That is correct when no line source is available.
But I see batteries as a huge up front cost, with considerable additional
complexity (with its failure modes) and maintenance. The very rare
power outages here rarely last long enough to defrost my freezer, and
if they do I have plenty of time to start my cheap gen set. Not having
instantaneous battery power backup (of extremly limited duration) has
saved huge money, allowing me to double my solar energy setup, saving
more serious money. So why have batteries? Bruce Roe

Tesla Solar Panels and Powerwalll

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