Yesterday the Xcel technician stopped by about 4 PM to install the solar meter. That completed the setup for our solar system.
Xcel technician installing meter
She gave me a hang tag that said the system was ready to bring online!
Xcel ready hangtag
After she left I called Tesla support to get directions to turn on the system. It was so windy outside that my phone lost connection! But after calling back I just went out and did the checks with the phone left inside. Basically I had to be sure the system circuit breakers were on and then turn on the Eaton shut off box and then the inverter. It takes about 10 minutes for the inverter to come online. Then I reported the production numbers to the support rep. Next the Powerwall switch was turned on and we were in business.
The system showed the Powerwall was down to 0%. So the power initially went towards charging that back up.
Powerwall at 0%
The power diagram shows the house being powered by the grid as the batteries are charged by the panels.
Initial power flow
In the last hours of daylight the Powerwall charged up to 2%. I was hoping for a nice sunny day to see what the system could do and we got it. By mid morning the panels were producing enough to charge the batteries and power the house.
Excess power to battery
By afternoon the Powerwall was completely charged. Then excess power from the panels began to feed grid.
Power to the grid
As the sun began to wane the Powerwall began to supplement the panels.
Then at night, the panels shut down and the Powerwall batteries take over.
The Powerwall will not go below the set reserve which is about 50% for our system. Then the grid will provide power until the sun charges the panels in the morning!
This is a great day in the life of a LEED hopeful home.