Powerwall 3 DIY
I should’ve made a YouTube video but I didn’t have time. For clarification, I went through all Tesla installation videos on YouTube and the Tesla website. I purchased the Powerwall and Solar panels on Facebook. The Gateway 3 I purchased on eBay. The fact that I was replacing both my old electrical panel and meter made this much easier. I started by laying out where everything was going to go on the wall. I must’ve measured a dozen times just to be as accurate as possible. I used blocking behind the Powerwall bracket for extra support. After installing all the hardware, I temporarily connected the Powerwall to the solar panels and new electrical panel to test it and it worked! I was skeptical since I purchased the Powerwall on Facebook without knowing if it was working. After testing everything I started to make the permanent connections. I used 2/0 Copper wire between the new meter box and the Gateway 3. I also ran 2/0 Copper from the Gateway 3 to the new electrical panel. I used 4AWG THHN from the Gateway 3 to the Powerwall with an 80AMP breaker to support maximum output. I think the hardest part was mounting the unit to the wall. That thing is heavy and had to call my neighbor for help. The solar panels are not mounted anywhere yet. They’re sitting on plastic bins until I decide where to mount them. I started with (4) 495W Trina Solar panels just to test the system. So far it’s been working great. My greatest satisfaction is watching the meter go backwards during the day. I don’t agree with how the electric companies are abusing their customers and that was my motivation for doing this. It’s only going to get worse, but I’ll be ready!