dougbert
Solar Addict
wow this is my 1001st post after 4.5 years.
others post far more than I in less time
others post far more than I in less time
Solar house generator I started DIY back in 2000 - My path from Trace to Xantrex (on FLA battery) to XW Pro inverters on Tesla Model S batteries
- Thread starter dougbert
- Start date
dougbert
Solar Addict
ordered a Tesla Model S module today, #14 for 70kwh of storage, $514 dollars
growing the pack over time as the money becomes available
goal is 100kwh
growing the pack over time as the money becomes available
goal is 100kwh
Last edited:
dougbert
Solar Addict
tesla battery module #14 arrived today (one on the right), put it in series with #13 and they are now charging to 48 vdc with a 60v lab power supply once that is done will add to the busbars when the pack is also at 48v (system off of course)
cost $514, better than the $1300 I paid for 1st one
70 kwh now
last pair installed Sept 2022
interesting note: #14 is not used, rather it is factory overstock
title
description
"New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second, or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections."
so maybe. we shall see
It is a later version. Has newer balance ribbon and not individual wires of the older version, so at least 2018 vintage
cost $514, better than the $1300 I paid for 1st one
70 kwh now
last pair installed Sept 2022
interesting note: #14 is not used, rather it is factory overstock
title
TESLA MODEL S X BATTERY 5.2KWH 24V 250AH SOLAR CELL MODULE PACK LITHIUM EV RV
Never installed Factory Overstockdescription
"New other (see details): A new, unused item with absolutely no signs of wear. The item may be missing the original packaging, or in the original packaging but not sealed. The item may be a factory second, or a new, unused item with defects. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections."
so maybe. we shall see
It is a later version. Has newer balance ribbon and not individual wires of the older version, so at least 2018 vintage
Last edited:
dougbert
Solar Addict
Today I finished a refactoring task on the Subpanel GRID, and swapping out PVC conduit to EMT
Here is the inside of the Subpanel GRID. 2 AWG wire from up stream panel, and 1 AWG for downstream circuits (had extra 1 AWG so I used it)
replaced 100 amp QO panel that had 6 spaces for a 8 space QO 100 amp panel
this will allow for a total of 4 240v breakers, instead of 3. Thus giving 2 L14-30r's availability
common NEUTRAL without a NEUTRAL loop
one run of NEUTRAL to XW Pro
one run of NEUTRAL to Transfer Switch's NEUTRAL bar.
Transfer switch feeds just one NEUTRAL to critical loads panel and NEUTRAL is not 'switched'.
That is the reason for a COMMON NEUTRAL without loops
same for ground, no loops
I also am upgrading from ONE GRID fed L14-30r receptacle to TWO L14-30r receptacles, since I have 2 Chargeverters.
I have 2, primarily for backup protection (one is none....) and for faster grid charging when needed
The XW Pro controlled automatic recharge due to LOW BATTERY only controls ONE L14-30r receptacle
and in the middle are the 2 100 amp breakers for the transfer switch and input to the XW Pro inverter
here are the 2 boxes for the 2 grid L14-30r's
the 30amp GFCI breaker and 3/4" MC flex conduit are in flight due to arrive Thursday or Friday
Notice LOCK on transfer switch. Need it, since there is no safety panel behind the front cover
To the lower right are the 2 SSR relays controlled by the XW Pro AUX contactor, for LOW BATTERY events
the grid dual L14-30r's are similar to the Generator dual L14-30r's setup
and final overall pictures
Here is the inside of the Subpanel GRID. 2 AWG wire from up stream panel, and 1 AWG for downstream circuits (had extra 1 AWG so I used it)
replaced 100 amp QO panel that had 6 spaces for a 8 space QO 100 amp panel
this will allow for a total of 4 240v breakers, instead of 3. Thus giving 2 L14-30r's availability
common NEUTRAL without a NEUTRAL loop
one run of NEUTRAL to XW Pro
one run of NEUTRAL to Transfer Switch's NEUTRAL bar.
Transfer switch feeds just one NEUTRAL to critical loads panel and NEUTRAL is not 'switched'.
That is the reason for a COMMON NEUTRAL without loops
same for ground, no loops
I also am upgrading from ONE GRID fed L14-30r receptacle to TWO L14-30r receptacles, since I have 2 Chargeverters.
I have 2, primarily for backup protection (one is none....) and for faster grid charging when needed
The XW Pro controlled automatic recharge due to LOW BATTERY only controls ONE L14-30r receptacle
and in the middle are the 2 100 amp breakers for the transfer switch and input to the XW Pro inverter
here are the 2 boxes for the 2 grid L14-30r's
the 30amp GFCI breaker and 3/4" MC flex conduit are in flight due to arrive Thursday or Friday
Notice LOCK on transfer switch. Need it, since there is no safety panel behind the front cover
To the lower right are the 2 SSR relays controlled by the XW Pro AUX contactor, for LOW BATTERY events
the grid dual L14-30r's are similar to the Generator dual L14-30r's setup
and final overall pictures
Last edited:
dougbert
Solar Addict
As mentioned in prior posts, I am doing a new design for my system to upgrade from 125 amp service to 200 amp service
I currently have a 125 amp service that I installed back in 1998. Through that service I run a 100 amp circuit to my whole house solar generator. I have added a 60 amp run for a EV charging port on the grid only panel. Even though my loads have been optimized with efficient operation, I can see future issues. So I have modified my one-line schematic of my current system (which is posted in the 1st post of this thread if you wish to compare with the new design) for a future 200 amp service install.
Should be a simple process all outside for step 1. I do not need to immediately move the 100 amp solar run, just swap the outside service panel
as also mentioned prior, the biggest issue is the $2500 power company impact fee for the upgrade, plus the permit fee.
Our hobbies do cost, do they not?
.
I currently have a 125 amp service that I installed back in 1998. Through that service I run a 100 amp circuit to my whole house solar generator. I have added a 60 amp run for a EV charging port on the grid only panel. Even though my loads have been optimized with efficient operation, I can see future issues. So I have modified my one-line schematic of my current system (which is posted in the 1st post of this thread if you wish to compare with the new design) for a future 200 amp service install.
Should be a simple process all outside for step 1. I do not need to immediately move the 100 amp solar run, just swap the outside service panel
as also mentioned prior, the biggest issue is the $2500 power company impact fee for the upgrade, plus the permit fee.
Our hobbies do cost, do they not?
.
Last edited:
dougbert
Solar Addict
Flex MC conduit arrived today with end adapters, installed the GRID L14-30r receptacles and their wires up to panel..............
got LOWER receptacle wired up
BUT, no 30 amp GFCI breaker..........arriving on monday
so wires for UPPER receptacle are just hanging out awaiting
FINALLY got battery modules #13 and #14 charged to 48 volts, then waited this evening for battery voltage level to drop down 48 volts and installed the 7th row of modules, 70 kwh of battery, 1640 amp-hours
installed and got the safety plexi-glasss shield installed again
got LOWER receptacle wired up
BUT, no 30 amp GFCI breaker..........arriving on monday
so wires for UPPER receptacle are just hanging out awaiting
FINALLY got battery modules #13 and #14 charged to 48 volts, then waited this evening for battery voltage level to drop down 48 volts and installed the 7th row of modules, 70 kwh of battery, 1640 amp-hours
installed and got the safety plexi-glasss shield installed again
dougbert
Solar Addict
on a roll these past few days on finishing tasks:
re-installed the generator inter-lock and the inlet L14-30p plug into my CLP. This is my 2nd attempt
it has now become my LAST backup in case of total system failure
if I lose the GRID, my battery or my inverter, I can power the house directly from generator as if I had no solar at all
Inlet plug now right above the generator receptacles. Get my short 30 amp patch extension cord and plug it in and flip the interlock and I am good
re-installed the generator inter-lock and the inlet L14-30p plug into my CLP. This is my 2nd attempt
it has now become my LAST backup in case of total system failure
if I lose the GRID, my battery or my inverter, I can power the house directly from generator as if I had no solar at all
Inlet plug now right above the generator receptacles. Get my short 30 amp patch extension cord and plug it in and flip the interlock and I am good
dougbert
Solar Addict
corrected an NEC error
after upgrading from 1-1/4 PVC conduit to 2" EMT conduit, the new conduit has more capacity
therefore on my 8 space grid panel feeding to the Transfer switch AND to the inverter, I have removed the conduit to the inverter and moved those conductors there were there to the 2" lower left conduit where just the 240 legs came into the transfer switch. Now 5 conductors and a ground all go through that lower left conduit. This then meets the NEC requirement where all conductors must pass in the same conduit
here is the 8 space panel with the old feeder to the inverter leaving the lower right side of the panel
OLD/BEFORE
and here is the new current configuration of the same panel - both GFCI 30 amp breakers also installed
AFTER/NEW wiring
notice the new short 2" emt conductor, so that I can pass 2 more #2 conductors to the inverter through the transfer switch
pic of both the grid panel and the transfer switch opened up. Nice having the conduit that was in the space on the right, GONE
and over all pic, including both of the chargeverters installed.. My son got his V2
after upgrading from 1-1/4 PVC conduit to 2" EMT conduit, the new conduit has more capacity
therefore on my 8 space grid panel feeding to the Transfer switch AND to the inverter, I have removed the conduit to the inverter and moved those conductors there were there to the 2" lower left conduit where just the 240 legs came into the transfer switch. Now 5 conductors and a ground all go through that lower left conduit. This then meets the NEC requirement where all conductors must pass in the same conduit
here is the 8 space panel with the old feeder to the inverter leaving the lower right side of the panel
OLD/BEFORE
and here is the new current configuration of the same panel - both GFCI 30 amp breakers also installed
AFTER/NEW wiring
notice the new short 2" emt conductor, so that I can pass 2 more #2 conductors to the inverter through the transfer switch
pic of both the grid panel and the transfer switch opened up. Nice having the conduit that was in the space on the right, GONE
and over all pic, including both of the chargeverters installed.. My son got his V2
dougbert
Solar Addict
I recently installed my 14th Tesla Battery Module, well I re-found a web page describing a LARGE whole house solar system that has 36 Tesla Battery Modules
www.teslarati.com
and his build thread https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/thr...th-a-model-s-battery-pack-at-the-heart.34531/
as a software engineer, he wrote his OWN BMS controller for the stack
I AM impressed
here is it's mounting rack - I like it, might copy it for my goal of 20 modules
Tesla Hacker reveals impressive 'off-grid' home powered by Model S batteries
Jason Hughes, white hat hacker who’s perhaps best known as the man who leaked Tesla’s plans for a P100D a half year ahead of the company’s actual announcement, has revealed photos of his impressive Tesla battery powered compound in North Carolina. The 4,500 square-foot home utilizes 102...
www.teslarati.com
and his build thread https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/thr...th-a-model-s-battery-pack-at-the-heart.34531/
as a software engineer, he wrote his OWN BMS controller for the stack
I AM impressed
here is it's mounting rack - I like it, might copy it for my goal of 20 modules
Last edited:
dougbert
Solar Addict
back in feb 2020 I implemented my "Full Battery Diversion" load subsystem
at that time, my system was a 48 volt battery and 48 volt solar arrays, with a 5000 watt Xantrex SW+5048 120v only LF inverter.
I installed 2000 watt 120v coils. I used those from that point onward, even after I installed a 240v XW Pro inverter in november 2022 - until this past month. I attacked this pending TODO task
I have now upgraded my coils to 3000 watt 240v and re-wired for 240v operation. I am now heating my water with excess PV solar power in the 2 50 gallon pre-heaters. These feed the tankless gas water heater. The water gets hot enough that the gas tankless does not even fire up the burner, but just passes the hot water on through
another upgrade task completed. After this has been done, I have bumped my maximum kwh production from 35 kwh to 45 kwh, on a good sunny day - but not yet entirely cloud free. I hope to have some fully cloudless days ahead and maybe hit a 50kwh day
charging the morning battery to full and running loads in the house consumes about 25kwh a day
at that time, my system was a 48 volt battery and 48 volt solar arrays, with a 5000 watt Xantrex SW+5048 120v only LF inverter.
I installed 2000 watt 120v coils. I used those from that point onward, even after I installed a 240v XW Pro inverter in november 2022 - until this past month. I attacked this pending TODO task
I have now upgraded my coils to 3000 watt 240v and re-wired for 240v operation. I am now heating my water with excess PV solar power in the 2 50 gallon pre-heaters. These feed the tankless gas water heater. The water gets hot enough that the gas tankless does not even fire up the burner, but just passes the hot water on through
another upgrade task completed. After this has been done, I have bumped my maximum kwh production from 35 kwh to 45 kwh, on a good sunny day - but not yet entirely cloud free. I hope to have some fully cloudless days ahead and maybe hit a 50kwh day
charging the morning battery to full and running loads in the house consumes about 25kwh a day
dougbert
Solar Addict
Fixed/upgraded my $50 Winco 8000w 2 cylinder 16hp brushless generator made in 1997
link to 1st post about generator
link to how capacitors are used instead of an AVR
Replaced the 40uFD caps (3) with 3 50uFD caps to boost the voltage
old results with the 40uFD were
No load 120v
3000 watt load 112v
4000 watt load 109v
5000 watt load 107v
new 50uFD caps installed
No load 127v 62hz
3000 watt load 116v 60hz
4000 watt load 115v 59hz
5000 watt load 114v 59hz
great improvement.
the generator feeds Chargeverters so even with the older lower voltages things would be fine, but I wanted the generator to produce near 120v per leg
all on propane
Winco 2cyl 16hp 8000watt dual fuel generator - yeah, someone sold it for $50 because its power head would not generate power. I believe someone misdiagnosed it as a "bad" power head without investigation, with a huge cost to replace it. So the owner basically dumped it on the classified and I got lucky.
The issue was caused by a simple #16 shorted/broken AC feed-line to the 3 capacitors.
Fixed that line and the generator began making great power and works great. My super deal for the year
the most power I have gotten out of it, is 6300 watts without the engine beginning to stall out. again on propane and we are at 5535 ft elevation. So I think that is pretty good output and enough to run the 2 Chargeverters at 3100 watts each when needed
link to 1st post about generator
link to how capacitors are used instead of an AVR
Replaced the 40uFD caps (3) with 3 50uFD caps to boost the voltage
old results with the 40uFD were
No load 120v
3000 watt load 112v
4000 watt load 109v
5000 watt load 107v
new 50uFD caps installed
No load 127v 62hz
3000 watt load 116v 60hz
4000 watt load 115v 59hz
5000 watt load 114v 59hz
great improvement.
the generator feeds Chargeverters so even with the older lower voltages things would be fine, but I wanted the generator to produce near 120v per leg
all on propane
Winco 2cyl 16hp 8000watt dual fuel generator - yeah, someone sold it for $50 because its power head would not generate power. I believe someone misdiagnosed it as a "bad" power head without investigation, with a huge cost to replace it. So the owner basically dumped it on the classified and I got lucky.
The issue was caused by a simple #16 shorted/broken AC feed-line to the 3 capacitors.
Fixed that line and the generator began making great power and works great. My super deal for the year
the most power I have gotten out of it, is 6300 watts without the engine beginning to stall out. again on propane and we are at 5535 ft elevation. So I think that is pretty good output and enough to run the 2 Chargeverters at 3100 watts each when needed
Last edited:
