The solar photovoltaics were installed yesterday and “commissioned” today. I’m thrilled. This seems like another major step in the process of putting together a truly energy efficient home. And it is another case of purchasing a complete system with installation included.
The electrical connections happened first. Two installers came in a Solar City, doing business as Tesla truck. They had the power wall onboard and the outside electrical boxes including the inverter. First to go in was the Powerwall battery backup. It was unpacked, a bracket installed on the wall and then it was hung on the bracket.
 Powerwall box |
 Powerwall in truck |
 Installing bracket |
 Battery powerwall in place |
The Powerwall needed side ventilation because the shelving unit was a bit too narrow so I cut an opening on the side of the cabinet. I also had to move an electrical outlet that was in the middle of the mounting area.
The installers then moved outside to install the several electrical boxes and the inverter that came with the system. They also made the connections between the outside panel and the solar equipment and connected the main sub panel to the backup system.
Installing electrical boxes
Late in the afternoon the truck with the panels and another install team arrived.
 Solar panels arrive |
 Solar panel specs |
There were five men on the panel install part of the job. The mounting brackets went in very quickly and in a couple of hours the panels were connected to the brackets on the roof.
 Installing mounting braces |
 Panels go up and connections made |
A special boot was used under a panel to run wiring through the roof into the garage attic. Then a penetration was made above the equipment behind the garage into the wall just below the attic ceiling and the wires were brought to the breaker boxes. After the wiring between the panels and the electrical controls were made the job was finished for the day.
The lineup of control boxes behind the garage is impressive.
Inverter and power boxes
I’m also impressed with the amazing usable 13.5 Kwh storage battery that is the Tesla Powerwall. There is a battery disconnect installed above the power wall.
Powerwall and interior disconnect