SolarEdge EV Charging Inverter

[goldbrick]

Getting the tax rebate makes some sense but since the EVSE cable is not included it seems the only additional benefits are 1) a (possibly new) circuit for the EVSE is not needed and 2) some EVSE energy use monitoring is available. All in all, that doesn't seem like much of an advantage. Or maybe I'm just missing it?

[ashdeacon]

Well, here are the numbers quoted - the inverter will add $750 to my solar install. I will get tax incentive of an additional $750.

I won't need to pay for NEMA circuit install (quoted $985-$1250 depending on distance of outlet) and I won't need a Juicebox EVSE box (or similar), running $500-$600.

Ashley

[HerdingElectrons]

So effectively you're paying $825 for the EVSE component of it, which seems pretty steep to me, especially since it isn't portable. It is a 40A EVSE, which is higher than most (can the Leaf handle charging at 40A?).
Thoughts?

No the Leaf will not charge at 40A on L2. The built-in charger in the car will only allow up to 32A charging. Some of the older Leaf's only supported 16A max charging as well.

[goldbrick]

Well, here are the numbers quoted

I see that it makes sense for you. As usual, every situation is different.

I'm planning my solar installation now and it doesn't make sense for me since 1) I don't need a new 50A circuit installed and 2) I don't have an EVSE cable except the portable L1 cable that came with my 2017 Leaf. Also, I do almost all my charging for free at work.

My biggest problem right now is that my electricity usage is too low, so my power company will limit my install size to 2.x KW. The allowable limit for net metering is 120% of my average yearly usage which is under 300kWh/month. I don't really want any incentives from them except net metering but I would like a bigger system. A first world problem for sure but still...

Good luck with your system. Sounds like it will work well for you.

[ashdeacon]

I enquired yesterday and my solar provider is providing the cable too in the cost. So probably good to check if you are considering it.

[Valdemar]

I see that it makes sense for you. As usual, every situation is different.

I'm planning my solar installation now and it doesn't make sense for me since 1) I don't need a new 50A circuit installed and 2) I don't have an EVSE cable except the portable L1 cable that came with my 2017 Leaf. Also, I do almost all my charging for free at work.

My biggest problem right now is that my electricity usage is too low, so my power company will limit my install size to 2.x KW. The allowable limit for net metering is 120% of my average yearly usage which is under 300kWh/month. I don't really want any incentives from them except net metering but I would like a bigger system. A first world problem for sure but still...

Why would anyone want a system bigger than their needs? I don't know how it works in Colorado, but in CA if you are a net producer utilities buy excess energy at a very low price, so you never get any return on investment you made into excess solar power.

[HerdingElectrons]

I see that it makes sense for you. As usual, every situation is different.

I'm planning my solar installation now and it doesn't make sense for me since 1) I don't need a new 50A circuit installed and 2) I don't have an EVSE cable except the portable L1 cable that came with my 2017 Leaf. Also, I do almost all my charging for free at work.

My biggest problem right now is that my electricity usage is too low, so my power company will limit my install size to 2.x KW. The allowable limit for net metering is 120% of my average yearly usage which is under 300kWh/month. I don't really want any incentives from them except net metering but I would like a bigger system. A first world problem for sure but still...

Why would anyone want a system bigger than their needs? I don't know how it works in Colorado, but in CA if you are a net producer utilities buy excess energy at a very low price, so you never get any return on investment you made into excess solar power.

I live in Ca & PG&E is my electric utility & is still doing Net Energy Metering so I'm being credited my "retail" price that I'm paying for power for any energy that goes back to the grid.

[davewill]

I live in Ca & PG&E is my electric utility & is still doing Net Energy Metering so I'm being credited my "retail" price that I'm paying for power for any energy that goes back to the grid.

Credited against usage, yes, but once you've offset your usage you just get a very tiny rate paid to you for over production. Some people have changed their hot water and other big usages to electric to make a bigger system "pay", but natural gas is so cheap that it really doesn't.

[HerdingElectrons]

Ah, that makes sense & is very good to know! I have only been on solar for two months as the home I just bought already had it so I'm very much on a learning curve.

[Valdemar]

Ah, that makes sense & is very good to know! I have only been on solar for two months as the home I just bought already had it so I'm very much on a learning curve.

Wait until the end of your true up period in ten more months and see where you are. Sizing the system right is crucial for a good ROI, installers have the habit of pushing systems as big as the utility allows which is typically 100% usage offset, this is too much especially if you have an EV that gets normally charged at super off peak rates at night. My system is at about 80% offset yet I ended up with a NEM credit 3 years in a row. That said, the rates and TOU price windows may well change later, but thanks to CPUC it likely won't happen overnight.