I'm not sure how I triggered you to show up in my UA-cam algorithm, but I'm glad it happened because you are providing some of the most straightforward solar information available on UA-cam. (And I don't give compliments lightly) Bravo. 👏
When Enphase inverters cost more than the panels I said hell no. That is a scam. The fact that they max out at 295Watts of output for a 430 Watt panel makes it even worse. Fortunately I saw these videos before buying my system and sent the overpriced Enphase installers packing.
The major problem I have with Enphase micro-inverters is that they haven't kept up with panel wattages and can/will experience clipping since they can't keep up with amount of power modern panels produce (440+W) and are limited to 380W or less of continuous output. Hoymiles micro-inverters don't have this issue but ... One difference between using a PW3 and Tesla Solar Inverter is that the latter doesn't need a rapid shutdown button since turning off the disconnects will power down the roof array. That isn't true for a PW3 since even though the disconnect (and Gateway/BackupSwitch) will prevent back feed, the PW3 is still powered on and so the roof arrays are still fully powered with high voltage. So when converting from the Solar Inverter to a PW3, a rapid shutdown button will/should need to be installed.
This is a good point. There is certainly more planning going into it when pairing module size to micro size when compared to a string inverter. It’s an interesting balancing act of both sides.
@ I did look at the monthly (per day) generation frequently to compare to usage and see if it had any issues. It helped me see when the inverter had an issue.
I really like Enphase and was all in on a Enphase system till the PW3 came out and the quote was literally less than half the price for a comparable system. With the Enphase system, it required an upgrade to a 2x200amp panel (only 1 would actually be on battery backup). But now the panel was too close to the gas meter, so we'd have to move that. Oh, then we'd have to move the pool equipment to fit all the batteries. With the 4xPW3's and the backup switch, they just combine into 200amp subpanel, then a 200amp lug kit in the botton of our orignal panel, no upgrades needed! And everything is backed up! Flawless Victory!
I have the Tesla system with a solar edge inverter. Unfortunately, the solar edge inverter has failed twice in the last four years and I had to wait four to six months each time to get it replaced by Tesla. That is where the single point of failure is a problem because we could not even charge our powerwalls during that time.
I have shading issues but would like to stay in the tesla ecosystem. If I get ~19kw solar system and two powerwall 3s and add power optimizer. Does that sound ok? With 2 powerwalls it’s 23kw inverter capacity so good dc/ac ratio compared to microinverters as well?
I haven't heard of anyone installing Powerwall with optimizers but I'm sure you could do it if needed. 19 kW DC on 23 kW AC is a completely fine ratio. That will be an awesome system!
@@TurreTuntematon thanks. I’d prefer staying in Tesla ecosystem as I have their cars and ev chargers. I’d like to use charge with solar feature. Are you suggesting I get enphase inverters and their batteries or just the microinverters and use pw3 for batteries. If I use 2 powerwalls, that would make it 23kw inverter power for the strings. I would think that would be more advantages to have a lower dc/ac ratio as compared to microinverters?
Always a good video from Zach! I plan to buy a new construction home in Vegas area and would like to put solar panels and battery system. Is Tesla's solution (panels + battery) a good one? What would be your recommendation?
Hey I appreciate that! I actually service the Vegas area as well. Since we can use the backup switch with NV Energy, Tesla's option is hard to beat for the money. But there are other good options out there too. I'm bias towards Tesla personally just from experience though. Book a call with me whenever you're in the market and I'll take care of ya.
You can pair Enphase micros with a Tesla Powerwall 3. There might be some things to consider on sizing. Email me if you need any assistance figuring out the right setup - infozachsolar@gmail.com
If you need help deciding between these two inverter options for your home, book a quick call with me here: calendly.com/infozachsolar/discovery
I'm not sure how I triggered you to show up in my UA-cam algorithm, but I'm glad it happened because you are providing some of the most straightforward solar information available on UA-cam. (And I don't give compliments lightly) Bravo. 👏
Thank you Mark, that means a lot! I’m just hoping to add a little transparency to a confusing industry. I appreciate your support!
Another informational video. Thanks for the quality content 🙏🏼
When Enphase inverters cost more than the panels I said hell no. That is a scam. The fact that they max out at 295Watts of output for a 430 Watt panel makes it even worse. Fortunately I saw these videos before buying my system and sent the overpriced Enphase installers packing.
A scam? Wouldn’t go that far.😂
Excellent info and delivery like always, thanks...!
Thanks for watching!
The major problem I have with Enphase micro-inverters is that they haven't kept up with panel wattages and can/will experience clipping since they can't keep up with amount of power modern panels produce (440+W) and are limited to 380W or less of continuous output. Hoymiles micro-inverters don't have this issue but ...
One difference between using a PW3 and Tesla Solar Inverter is that the latter doesn't need a rapid shutdown button since turning off the disconnects will power down the roof array. That isn't true for a PW3 since even though the disconnect (and Gateway/BackupSwitch) will prevent back feed, the PW3 is still powered on and so the roof arrays are still fully powered with high voltage. So when converting from the Solar Inverter to a PW3, a rapid shutdown button will/should need to be installed.
This is a good point. There is certainly more planning going into it when pairing module size to micro size when compared to a string inverter. It’s an interesting balancing act of both sides.
We had emphases in our last home. I looked at the per panel details around 4 times in 6 years.
Yeah for most, the monitoring portal starts collecting dust after the first few weeks of ownership.
@ I did look at the monthly (per day) generation frequently to compare to usage and see if it had any issues. It helped me see when the inverter had an issue.
I really like Enphase and was all in on a Enphase system till the PW3 came out and the quote was literally less than half the price for a comparable system. With the Enphase system, it required an upgrade to a 2x200amp panel (only 1 would actually be on battery backup). But now the panel was too close to the gas meter, so we'd have to move that. Oh, then we'd have to move the pool equipment to fit all the batteries.
With the 4xPW3's and the backup switch, they just combine into 200amp subpanel, then a 200amp lug kit in the botton of our orignal panel, no upgrades needed! And everything is backed up! Flawless Victory!
Love it! That's a great resolution. When you can use the backup switch, the cost gap (and aesthetics) of Tesla vs. Enphase is pretty shocking.
I have the Tesla system with a solar edge inverter. Unfortunately, the solar edge inverter has failed twice in the last four years and I had to wait four to six months each time to get it replaced by Tesla. That is where the single point of failure is a problem because we could not even charge our powerwalls during that time.
Man, that is a bummer to hear. 4-6 months to wait on an inverter is unacceptable in my experience.
Great video.
Thanks Hector!
I have shading issues but would like to stay in the tesla ecosystem. If I get ~19kw solar system and two powerwall 3s and add power optimizer. Does that sound ok? With 2 powerwalls it’s 23kw inverter capacity so good dc/ac ratio compared to microinverters as well?
I haven't heard of anyone installing Powerwall with optimizers but I'm sure you could do it if needed. 19 kW DC on 23 kW AC is a completely fine ratio. That will be an awesome system!
@@TurreTuntematon thanks. I’d prefer staying in Tesla ecosystem as I have their cars and ev chargers. I’d like to use charge with solar feature. Are you suggesting I get enphase inverters and their batteries or just the microinverters and use pw3 for batteries. If I use 2 powerwalls, that would make it 23kw inverter power for the strings. I would think that would be more advantages to have a lower dc/ac ratio as compared to microinverters?
@ what’s new with the 10kwh battery?
Always a good video from Zach! I plan to buy a new construction home in Vegas area and would like to put solar panels and battery system. Is Tesla's solution (panels + battery) a good one? What would be your recommendation?
Hey I appreciate that! I actually service the Vegas area as well. Since we can use the backup switch with NV Energy, Tesla's option is hard to beat for the money. But there are other good options out there too. I'm bias towards Tesla personally just from experience though. Book a call with me whenever you're in the market and I'll take care of ya.
I have enphase microinverters on my roof. Can i get a pw3? Or do i need to stick to enphase battery?
You can pair Enphase micros with a Tesla Powerwall 3. There might be some things to consider on sizing. Email me if you need any assistance figuring out the right setup - infozachsolar@gmail.com