Hi. I know just enough to be dangerous. I live in San Francisco. Just got a Tesla Model 3 Long Range (82kwh battery). Is there a relatively straight forward way to have solar panels on my roof go into a battery, then inverted to a 220v NIMA 1450 plug that charges my car? My ideal solution would be a solar generator that has the battery, charge controller and inverter packaged together. Or should I just get a Tesla Powerwall?
While this can be done, it isn't the most practical way. Ideally the car would be told to charge with exactly what the PV panels are producing. That might work with a DC charger that communications. If the goal is to store PV generation while car is away and recharge later, then battery and inverter would be the thing to do.
The most cost-effective approach, and highest efficiency (not losing power in charging/discharging a battery) is grid-tie net metering. PV panels spin the meter backwards when the sun shines, with the variable power they produce according to how much sun falls on them. Car charges when it is plugged in, or according to a timer.
Presently, greatest demand on the electric grid (after considering the PV and other sources supplying power middle of the day) is 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Lowest demand is Midnight to 3:00 PM. Some utility rate plans charge different prices for electricity depending on these times. Charging of cars during lowest times is encouraged.
There might be reasons you wouldn't want to do grid-tie with net-metering and time of use (hassle, being forced on a different rate schedule). In that case, zero-export is an option. Connected like grid-tie, but it limits its output so no power is ever sent to the grid, use-it-or-lose-it.
How much PV do you want to install? (if less than typical household consumption, nothing lost due to zero-export.)
What hours will the car be available for charging?
Storing power in batteries probably costs more than just buying power from the grid. I think the PowerWall is relatively economical as batteries go, but that doesn't mean it saves money vs. buying from the grid, except with a time-of-use rate having a large spread between high/low times. But is an available, turn-key option.
PowerWall - $7000 to $12,000, 13 kWh?
Tesla's power storage solution for the home.
screenrant.com
Elon Musk announced that Tesla has increased the power capacity of the latest Powerwall 2 units by up to 50%...
electrek.co
There are DIY batteries for a fraction the cost; those are cheaper than utility rates. More work, and need to be paired with suitable inverter.