Batteries
Guidance for Tesla Powerwall 3, SolarEdge Energy Bank, and Enphase Encharge
Bright Home currently offers Tesla Powerwall 3’s, SolarEdge Energy Bank, and Enphase Encharge. The type of use option will be dependent on the brand of battery. If you are choosing a backup option the loads discussed in the home with the homeowner will need to be communicated BEFORE Site Visit as the breakers will need to be tested for each load. See below for more details.
PW3’s
We can do a whole home backup or a partial home backup. It’s our preference to always go with the whole home unless we are unable to due to the HO’s existing panel. This will be determined during our Site Visit Review stage. The homeowner’s WiFi info will be needed every time. Partial home is more expensive than whole home due because of additional materials (gateway).
SE (SolarEdge)
We can do Back Up loads or a Consumption. Consumption is for peak shaving only so there will not be a separate panel for loads.
Enphase
We can do Back Up loads or a Consumption. Consumption is for peak shaving only so there will not be a separate panel for loads.
Identifying Loads & Examples
During our Sales Process, please work with the Homeowner to identify the main appliances and important circuits they would like to back up.
Example of appliances we can back up: Fridge, deep freezer, microwave, garage door opener
Example of circuits we can back up: WiFi router, Master Bed, TV
Breaker & System Limits
The key is limiting the selection to 20A (or smaller), single pole breakers only.
SE has provided additional guidance that potentially gives us up to 10 breakers that can be backed up but that will depend on the breakers selected. Recommended setting the expectation with 6 breakers with a possibility to do up to 10 but not guaranteed.
Breakers We Can Never Support On A Single Battery
- Two-pole breakers
- AC
- Stove tops
- Electric dryer
- Pool equipment (pump or heater)
The possibility to do a car charger will be determined after the Site Visit (type of connection matters).
Breaker Examples: Single vs. Two-Pole
Please see the example below illustrating a two‑pole breaker (in Red) and a single‑pole (in Green).
Mix & Match Equipment (Not Recommended)
If you need to mix and match, it will be more expensive due to more equipment and labor, in addition to added work for the homeowner.
Battery Capacity Guidelines
- 1 Battery: Up to 6 breakers at 20A or smaller (single pole only).
- 2 Batteries: Allows backing up larger appliances. While larger appliances are running off battery, other backed‑up breakers may be unusable depending on the loads. Example: An AC may take full capacity of both batteries to run, so other loads selected may not work while the AC is running. In most cases, only 1 AC unit can be backed up with 2 batteries.
- 3+ Batteries: Most of the home can be backed up, including 2 AC units (site‑dependent).
Notes
Exceptions to these rules may exist but knowing the loads going into Site Visit is crucial so we can make decisions based off of the actual wiring.