gunningopher
New Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2021
- Messages
- 7
A year ago, right before the pandemic, I added a 4500w system with a Tesla Powerwall. I'm happy with the system but I wasn't happy with the contractor. They did some pretty shoddy electrical work and the communication was horrible. I'm also a pretty handy person and am a DIY'er by nature. Naturally, once the pandemic hit our energy use went up quite a bit and I'm considering expanding our system, but I don't want to void the warrantee on the one I have, so I'd rather just add another system somewhere else. I'd be comfortable doing the work myself if the wife would let me!!
I have a detached garage with a 1/2 south facing roof and 2 40 amp circuits in the house main panel feeding the garage sub-panel. Could I add a second complete system to the garage and tie it into the subpanel? All I run off the garage are the tools, smaller compressor, small welder and a 30A receptacle I installed for the motorhome (which has a LiFePo4 battery and 2500w inverter). I have a feeling we'll end up with an electric car in a few years, so I'll definitely be looking to expand the system at that point. While I like the idea of having a battery, this 1 backs up the circuits I need to keep on, so I'm not rushing to add any more right now.
Does it even make sense to add a system on the roof of this? What are the limitations I'm facing? I could probably add another 4500w on the south facing side of the garage. I know my subpanel amperage may be a little low but I don't exactly understand how that could restrict it, since the biggest system I could install wouldn't exceed 40 amps. I could replace the subpanel easily, but I can't replace the feed wire coming from the main panel to it since it is direct buried.
I'm wide open for enlightenment!!
I have a detached garage with a 1/2 south facing roof and 2 40 amp circuits in the house main panel feeding the garage sub-panel. Could I add a second complete system to the garage and tie it into the subpanel? All I run off the garage are the tools, smaller compressor, small welder and a 30A receptacle I installed for the motorhome (which has a LiFePo4 battery and 2500w inverter). I have a feeling we'll end up with an electric car in a few years, so I'll definitely be looking to expand the system at that point. While I like the idea of having a battery, this 1 backs up the circuits I need to keep on, so I'm not rushing to add any more right now.
Does it even make sense to add a system on the roof of this? What are the limitations I'm facing? I could probably add another 4500w on the south facing side of the garage. I know my subpanel amperage may be a little low but I don't exactly understand how that could restrict it, since the biggest system I could install wouldn't exceed 40 amps. I could replace the subpanel easily, but I can't replace the feed wire coming from the main panel to it since it is direct buried.
I'm wide open for enlightenment!!