We installed a Tesla Powerwall for this customer, alongside solar panels and an EV charger. The system also includes a Backup Gateway, which provides energy monitoring, metering and management.
The goal
The homeowner wanted solar, a home battery and an EV charger that all work together, so the car can be charged from surplus solar rather than the grid.
What we installed
- 12 x Jinko 430W solar panels (5.16 kWp)
- 12 x Tigo optimisers, one per panel
- 1 x 5kW string inverter
- 1 x Tesla Powerwall, 13.5 kWh
- Tesla Backup Gateway
- 1 x zappi EV charger, untethered
- 1 x Cloud Connect Advanced controller
Why we designed it this way
A string inverter runs the panels, while the Powerwall stores surplus solar and supplies it back to the home. The Backup Gateway monitors the grid and switches the home onto the battery in a power cut.
The zappi can charge the car from surplus solar, and the Tigo optimisers keep each panel performing in changing light.
How it works day to day
Solar powers the home first, then tops up the Powerwall, with the zappi able to use spare solar for the car. In the evening the Powerwall covers the home, and in a power cut the Gateway keeps it running.
Questions homeowners ask about a system like this
Can a zappi charge the car from solar only?
Yes. The zappi has modes that use only surplus solar, or a mix of solar and grid, depending on how quickly the car needs charging.
Related reading
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Get a free quoteCall 01202 985 888Equipment details are from our installation records. Photos are of this installation and have not been altered.