Tesla Backup Switch why would they not use one?

[Tanquen]

I've been trying for a few months to get a system from Tesla and have some questions.
I know most of it comes down to whatever is essayist for Tesla is what they will do.

They want to install a lot of boxes it seems and I have a smaller home and want as few as possible.

This is all outside. They want to leave the existing Load center as is, Install a new one on the other side of the door (I guess they will move all the circuits into it) with a gateway and run a bunch of conduit, then install another load center on the outside of the garage even though there is one mounted in the wall of the grange.

The backup switch seems like it would help but they are not using it. PG&E is my utility so I'm not sure what requirement I'm missing.
Tesla Backup Switch

This is their current plan. Not sure why they want the Powerwall on the garage and trench wire to it.

But I want something more like this.

I asked them again but they refuse to answer the questions I have as to why.

"Please be aware that we plan on using a gateway instead of opting for backup switch. I hope this information is helpful."

But the backup switch should make the install easier and not require the extra load center and gateway. Why spend more money and add more unneeded boxes. Documents for the backup switch had already been included in the project?

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[Tanquen]

Tesla Backup Switch
Backup Switch is optional in Powershare Home Backup systems and will be available to install later this year depending on system configuration and utility approval. Like Powershare Gateway, Backup Switch also automatically detects grid outages and can be installed behind the meter to seamlessly transition to backup power.

Note: Find your state to see if Backup Switch is approved by your utility. Backup Switch is not yet approved in any utilities for Powershare installations.

Lame, I wonder when/if that will happen. I'd be willing to wait if it means getting rid of the gateway panel and an extra load center enclosure.

 

[DJAlan2000]

It's the UTILITIES... They, for some reason, don't like to put in Backup Switches if the system is using Powerwalls... So, you end up having to have MORE wiring and MORE panels because (Edison in my case) hasn't 'FULLY' approved it's use when hooked to SOLAR...

At least that's what they are telling me...

 

[mongo]

I've been trying for a few months to get a system from Tesla and have some questions.
I know most of it comes down to whatever is essayist for Tesla is what they will do.

They want to install a lot of boxes it seems and I have a smaller home and want as few as possible.

This is all outside. They want to leave the existing Load center as is, Install a new one on the other side of the door (I guess they will move all the circuits into it) with a gateway and run a bunch of conduit, then install another load center on the outside of the garage even though there is one mounted in the wall of the grange.

The backup switch seems like it would help but they are not using it. PG&E is my utility so I'm not sure what requirement I'm missing.
Tesla Backup Switch

This is their current plan. Not sure why they want the Powerwall on the garage and trench wire to it.

But I want something more like this.

I asked them again but they refuse to answer the questions I have as to why.

"Please be aware that we plan on using a gateway instead of opting for backup switch. I hope this information is helpful."

But the backup switch should make the install easier and not require the extra load center and gateway. Why spend more money and add more unneeded boxes. Documents for the backup switch had already been included in the project?

New electric code has more restrictions on how close Powerwall can be to doors and windows, thus mounting it to the garage.

 

[Tanquen]

New electric code has more restrictions on how close Powerwall can be to doors and windows, thus mounting it to the garage.

I thought that was if it is living space. If it's a utility room that should not be an issue?
Also, there is a down spout and gate where they show it on the garage. They just told me I'd need to move it. To where? They just waste tons of time by not running anything by the customer.

 

[mongo]

I thought that was if it is living space. If it's a utility room that should be not issue?
Also, there is a down spout and gate where they show it on the garage. They just told me I'd need to move it. To where? They just waste tons of time by not running anything by the customer.

Ok, that is an interesting situation. I'm guessing the window requirement supercedes the idea that the window is known a utility room. I also question is a utility room which is specified as having 5/8 fire drywall installed on walls and ceiling can have windows. Basically, the window is not as fireproof as the walls should be.
https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and...residential-energy-storage-system-regulations

https://isaksensolar.com/understanding-nfpa-855/

Powerwall is going to stop that gate from swinging... Are there windows all the way down it?

 

[Tanquen]

Powerwall is going to stop that gate from swinging... Are there windows all the way down it?

Yes, the gate would hit it when you open it. Also, I don't have another location for the downspout, it is there for a reason.

 

[mongo]

Yes, the gate would hit it when you open it. Also, I don't have another location for the downspout, it is there for a reason.

Gotcha...
Anything going on in this area? It could get mounted 3 feet away from the house on its own (or along the fence? )
Possibly mounting at a right angle would allow the needed window separation.

 

[Tanquen]

That is a small side yard and I'd not want it there and there is currently a tree in that spot.

"Note that if the locations are fire-separated from the dwelling part of the home then a window into that location does not 'directly' enter the dwelling."
https://forums.mikeholt.com/threads/battery-to-garage-window-distance.2581121/post-2921159

There is no opening from the inside the utility room to the rest of the house. I'd maybe, be more interested in giving up the window if needed. But as it there is room to place the battery 3' from the windows. I'm guessing that is edge to edge?

 

[mongo]

There is no opening from the inside the utility room to the rest of the house. I'd maybe, be more interested in giving up the window if needed. But as it there is room to place the battery 3' from the windows. I'm guessing that is edge to edge?

Doesn't the utility room have a normal door to the rest of the house and non-fire rated drywall though? Or is it only accessible from outside?

3' edge to edge seems correct.

 

[Tanquen]

Doesn't the utility room have a normal door to the rest of the house and non-fire rated drywall though? Or is it only accessible from outside?

3' edge to edge seems correct.

" There is no opening from the inside the utility room to the rest of the house. "

The only way into the utility room is through that window and one exterior door.

 

[mongo]

" There is no opening from the inside the utility room to the rest of the house. "

The only way into the utility room is through that window and one exterior door.

Yeah, was just making sure I understand correctly as having an inaccessible (from inside) room isn't common in my region. One could think that a closed door isn't an opening.

Still leaves the fire proofing/resistance issue though.

(How much do you like the window? )

 

[Tanquen]

(How much do you like the window? )

That could be an option but it seems like there's enough room as is. I don't know why they can't just put it on the side of the house.

 

[mongo]

That could be an option but it seems like there's enough room as is. I don't know why they can't just put it on the side of the house.

They might just exclude the house because windows are usually too close. Your proposed location seems fine.

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