u/dpatldude

All, I have two 200A panels and a sub panel off one of them. Looking to get solar and a Pw3 (with two expansions) installed and want to use as an outage backup for a critical load panel. Got the following quote for $5,010 which includes:
- New Square D QO subpanel in an open space
- New #1 SER cable run, under 50’
- 8 dual-function breakers
- 2 two-pole breakers
- 2 Eaton Ultra CHSPT2 surge protectors, one for each existing 200A panel
- Installation and associated breaker(s)

I have no experience but wasn’t expecting it to come in so high; maybe $3-4k?

Thoughts?

All, need some help. Looking for a home backup for my critical load panel (one of three HVACs, water heater, some lights, some outlets, etc). Configured on Tesla website would be 4.2kwh solar array; powerwall 3, two expansion packs. I typically pay cash and the cost would be $33,336 with taxes.

Lease cost is $600 upfront, $164 per month plus tax % annual increase and an option to buy out after 5 years of $14,625 in the contract. If I calculate that out it’s $25,673.

If I plan on putting all $25,673 in an account why wouldn’t you lease vs buy upfront in cash?

Thanks in advance

Experts - wanted to get some potential guidance as to what I would need.

Here is the home current electrical:

• Main Panel #1: large Siemens panel with a 200A main
• Main Panel #2: another large Siemens panel with a 200A main
• Basement subpanel: fed from the main panel#2, with the basement HVAC and basement lighting
• 3 HVAC systems total
  • Two serving the main house on Main Panel #1
  • One dedicated to the basement
• Pool equipment on the main electrical system (Panel #2)
• Several large 30–40A circuits for HVAC/other equipment
• Average daily usage is about 100kwh (with no throttling and pool filter on 24/7, I know)

We continue to have multiple power outages every month including flickering during hard rain/storms and lose power (very common in our area not just our home). I looked into a generator but felt lower quality in terms of objectives where I would like almost instant automatic switching.

As I look at Tesla PowerWall; I wanted to consider a PW3, with an expansion or maybe another full one to get to about 27kwh of capacity and very limited solar (4-6kwh) to potentially have a power source to aid battery drain and energy arbitrage day to day.

Given my panel design; what would you all recommend? I am new to this all.