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Extending the Tesla Solar Panels System (change rails and etc...)

Greck1982

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May 23, 2022
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Hi All, it is my first post here. A few years back I installed the Tesla Solar panels system:

Inverter: SE7600H-US
Optimizers: P400-5NM4MTM
Panels: Q.PEAK_DUO_BLK-G6_330-345

I have an 8kW inverter and only 6kW of panels.

The system was functioning just fine and almost offsets all of my electricity consumption. With gas prices skyrocketing and Cybertruck coming soon I decided to upgrade the solar system. I'm also doing the whole house remodeling and building an addition. My contractor decided to start a little bit early than expected so I was removing the existing Testa system in a rush, so a new roof should be built within the next 2-3 weeks and I can put solar panels back, and that is where I need help:

1. Tesla was using the mounting hardware that I can't buy anywhere
2. Tesla designed their hardware the way that it requires some special tools that I can't buy either
3. Even solar panel optimizers has it is own special mounting that I can't buy online

so seems like it is gonna be really hard to put the existing solar system back on the roof and add more panels... I was exploring changing the mounting system completely and using the IronRidge XR100 rails, so I can mount my old and new panels. That is the Plan A.

Plan B is to call Tesla and ask them to add more panels, but not sure if they would like to mess with the fact that I removed the system by myself and the roof configuration has changed, so their project is not actual anymore.

Plan C might be something that I can learn from you guys and it potentially can become Plan A, so please share your suggestions and advice, Thank you all so much in advance!


PS: Something to keep in mind is that in the future I would like to add a battery and extend the system to 12kW, currently thinking about 8kW only because of the already existing inverter
 
Last edited:
Exploring Plan B for now
Good luck. I belong to the Teslamotorsclub forum and not many people have been succesfull at getting Tesla to do anything but a cookie cutter plan.

Plan C is your best option since you have probably invalidated your Tesla warranty anyway so what else could go wrong. With a 7kW inverter you could go as much as 10 kW of panels. SolarEdge on some of the newer inverters can go as high as 1.5 to 1 DC to AC ratio.
 
Good luck. I belong to the Teslamotorsclub forum and not many people have been succesfull at getting Tesla to do anything but a cookie cutter plan.

Plan C is your best option since you have probably invalidated your Tesla warranty anyway so what else could go wrong. With a 7kW inverter you could go as much as 10 kW of panels. SolarEdge on some of the newer inverters can go as high as 1.5 to 1 DC to AC ratio.
Thank you for the response, do you know anyone who found the way to get tools\mounts for the Tesla systems? Thank you.
 
Thank you for the response, do you know anyone who found the way to get tools\mounts for the Tesla systems?
No, I have done my last 2 DIY systems using Iron Ridge. My system used micros but the fastening to the top of the rail is similar to a SolarEdge Optimizer. One or two ¹/⁴ inch bolts and nuts. it may depend on which rail you choose.
 
Good luck. I belong to the Teslamotorsclub forum and not many people have been succesfull at getting Tesla to do anything but a cookie cutter plan.

Plan C is your best option since you have probably invalidated your Tesla warranty anyway so what else could go wrong. With a 7kW inverter you could go as much as 10 kW of panels. SolarEdge on some of the newer inverters can go as high as 1.5 to 1 DC to AC ratio.
I had 40 panels in 2016 feeding two Sunny Boy 5 kw inverters. A year later added another string of 15 more panels, and rearranged the 40. Better output. Can hit the max for an hour or two, but certainly benefits off peak.
 
Tesla is a prepaid system that thgey install and warranty . You took it off an not the way I see it is you are on your own
Plan D is in order now
How about reinstalling the old and adding another separate system -this seems the most cost effective .
 
Guys, do you know what is the difference

q.peak duo blk-g6+ /sc and q.peak duo blk-g6+ /ac
And regular q.peak duo blk-g6+?

I thought there is only one type of g6+ but there are many and I get lost if they going to be compatible/ the same with my existing panels/system.

Thank you for any advice.
 
How do the specs compare when you put them side by side? If they are on different strings the do not have to be exactly the same as other strings.
 
I will check, but I have a feeling that something is missing in the specs. And I can’t find any place where they selling SC type of panels ?
 
Attaching all specs here:
 

Attachments

  • Q_CELLS_Data_sheet_Q.PEAK_DUO_BLK-G6+SC_TESLA.pdf
    2 MB · Views: 4
  • Q_CELLS_Data_sheet_Q.PEAK_DUO_BLK-G6+_AC_340-345_2020-07_Rev01_NA.pdf
    1.5 MB · Views: 2
  • Q_CELLS_Data_sheet_Q.PEAK_DUO_BLK-G6_330-345_2019-03_Rev01_EN.pdf
    1.7 MB · Views: 2
  • Q_CELLS_Data_sheet_Q.PEAK_DUO_BLK-G6_330-345_2019-06_Rev01_NA.pdf
    851.2 KB · Views: 2
ok, it is clear that SC and regular G6+ are different, the frame is different and weight because of that, the electrical and PV parts are identical as for me...
 
If the electrical specs are the same there should be no issues. If not then put all the new ones on a separate string, as I mentioned earlier. Do you need help reading the specs?
 
I guess the electrical specs are the same, but the mounting is very different, so I need to search for the same one I have. Thank you so much!
 
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