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Will the "Beginner Friendly All-in-One Solar Power System" trickle charge a Tesla? Help!

houts

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Complete and utter newbie here.

I purchased a 2018 Tesla M3 two years ago (before the pandemic), and ever since, I've been contemplating using solar panels to trickle-charge it. Not only that but also my lawn-mower batteries (80amp) and snowblower batteries.

The problem: on a scale of 0-10 of knowledge about electricity, solar panels, etc., I am about a 2.

Further trouble: ever watching Will's Youtube video convinced me that I could do it myself. :)
"Beginner Friendly All-in-One Solar Power System! "

Even more problematic: my teacher salary has me cuffed to about 1k.

His video (linked above) shows how to set up the MPP 800W-12V Solar Inverter All-in-one, batteries, solar panels, etc.

Main question: would this set-up, or specifically the MPP Solar Inverter, be able to trickle charge a Tesla (120v)?
Follow-up question: if the first question is answered as "yes", then theoretically (very) and I used a SOK Battery | 100Ah 12v | LiFePO4 Battery, how much would take the battery 'fill' up the Tesla battery? Hopefully, I've made my question clear, but let me know if not.

Please note: my work is about 5 miles away, and my I drive less than 30 miles per week. And ultimately, it is a stepping stone for me.
 
However, it needs 1.25x the kWh needed in the car.
Say you burn 5 miles one day, that's about .35/mile used... so you will need 2.1kWh to recoup that charge overnight.
Or about 200Ah of lithium/400Ah of lead acid...
For 5 miles.
If you don't drive during the day,you can trickle from the sun and half the battery... but you'd need 800W of solar input...
 
Keep in mind...
The 800inverter isn't going to charge it at full household rate...
So, less than 1M/hour charge.
 
Last edited:
Keep in mind...
The 800inverter isn't going to Hargett at full household rate...
So, less than 1M/hour charge.
Thanks SO much! I mean it. This is all new to me.
Not worried so much about getting back the mileage overnight. Just the idea of getting some mileage, let's say, on my off days would be ideal.

Question: would you suggest going up to the 24v Inverter or another route?
 
Thanks SO much! I mean it. This is all new to me.
Not worried so much about getting back the mileage overnight. Just the idea of getting some mileage, let's say, on my off days would be ideal.

Question: would you suggest going up to the 24v Inverter or another route?
If it were me trying this, I'd build a setup that can at least supply the wattage the 120V charger can draw.
I think that is 1875W
So I would get an inverter capable of outputting 2000+ watts, and build a bank of batteries large enough for 15 miles of range.
That's 5kWh of battery.
Then add in enough solar to feed it in an average day so, around 1200W solar.
 
If it were me trying this, I'd build a setup that can at least supply the wattage the 120V charger can draw.
I think that is 1875W
So I would get an inverter capable of outputting 2000+ watts, and build a bank of batteries large enough for 15 miles of range.
That's 5kWh of battery.
Then add in enough solar to feed it in an average day so, around 1200W solar.

Again, I completely appreciate your help here.

Last question, as not to burn the bridge with too many questions, what MPP Solar unit would do the 1875w?

And I love the idea of building up the battery banks. I'll begin with one or two and go from there.
:)
 
Again, I completely appreciate your help here.

Last question, as not to burn the bridge with too many questions, what MPP Solar unit would do the 1875w?

And I love the idea of building up the battery banks. I'll begin with one or two and go from there.
:)
I think mpp/growatt etc all have a 3000VA 2400W 24V all in one inverter.
I just got one off Amazon for around 475.00 set it up in my van for wire stripping machine power.
 
51-p3A6cx3L._AC_SX679_.jpg

24V 3000W Inverter, Including Solar Controller, Pure Sine Maximum Off-Grid Smart Integrated Machine, Suitable for 24V Lead-Acid/Lithium Battery (amazon) - $469.00​



Screen Shot 2022-05-09 at 12.19.53 PM.png

HYBRID LV2424 – 24V 2.4kW, 120V Output, 2kW Solar Input 80A Mppt (Grid Feedback Optional) - $649.99​

Screen Shot 2022-05-09 at 12.23.09 PM.png

Growatt 24V SPF 3000TL LVM – 3kW 120Vac Stackable Inverter 2kW MPPT Charge Controller Split Phase 120V/240V - $712.00​



Here are, I believe, those that would fit the 3K (or close) you spoke about.
-Does this mean I would have to get a 24v battery?
-How many solar panels would I need?

These are all extra credit point opportunities. ;)
 
I think mpp/growatt etc all have a 3000VA 2400W 24V all in one inverter.
I just got one off Amazon for around 475.00 set it up in my van for wire stripping machine power.
If you're bored, above I have extra questions.
:)
 
View attachment 93989

24V 3000W Inverter, Including Solar Controller, Pure Sine Maximum Off-Grid Smart Integrated Machine, Suitable for 24V Lead-Acid/Lithium Battery (amazon) - $469.00​



View attachment 93990

HYBRID LV2424 – 24V 2.4kW, 120V Output, 2kW Solar Input 80A Mppt (Grid Feedback Optional) - $649.99​

View attachment 93992

Growatt 24V SPF 3000TL LVM – 3kW 120Vac Stackable Inverter 2kW MPPT Charge Controller Split Phase 120V/240V - $712.00​



Here are, I believe, those that would fit the 3K (or close) you spoke about.
-Does this mean I would have to get a 24v battery?
-How many solar panels would I need?

These are all extra credit point opportunities. ;)
I got one identical to the first picture... works fine.
 
Yes, 24V needed. Solar depends on the bank size, but I'd get at least 1600W
The top one has av100V max input, so factor that into your plans.
 
Yes, 24V needed. Solar depends on the bank size, but I'd get at least 1600W
The top one has av100V max input, so factor that into your plans.

So...I'm thinking once I figure out what I need and purchase the products, I'll come back here and do a tutorial of 'how to set-up a solar panel all-in-one the wrong way'-with the possibility of a video. Hmmmm...who knows.

For now, I found these Solar Panels for sale via Facebook Marketplace.
Would these work for the Solar Inverters above?

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Yes, those two will safely work in series on the inverter.
I’m leaning towards the mpp or growatt, for the higher voltage limit on solar. Also, stackable for future expansion and faster charging if needed.
 
Yes, those two will safely work in series on the inverter.
I’m leaning towards the mpp or growatt for the higher voltage limit on solar. Also, stackable for future expansion and faster charging if needed.
Great! These are only $90 apiece, and the person has plenty so that I can purchase all the same type. It's a few years old, but I suspect (correct me if I am wrong) that this still will be efficient (for the price).
How many panels can I use? Two, correct?
 
How many panels can I use? Two, correct?
Well at $90 and other considerations above, plus the extra couple panels to compensate for idle consumption, you’d need 6 panels minimum and I’d buy 8 and ask him if he (or she) would take $600 for 8 or $760 for 10 panels.

And that CHiNS or MPP AIO LV2424 sound very good budget wise and power wise.
 
Great! These are only $90 apiece, and the person has plenty so that I can purchase all the same type. It's a few years old, but I suspect (correct me if I am wrong) that this still will be efficient (for the price).
How many panels can I use? Two, correct?
$90! Wow, here those sell for 60 to 45 each.
I've got 68 of them myself... nice panels.
I would keep looking if they want 90 for them
Scour craigslist.
 
At $90 per panel, that's 37.5/rated watt ... most likely around 42c per watt with losses from age.
Brand new 440W panels sell for 153 here... which is .34ish per watt...
 
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