As noted in Design Considerations, third party MLPE solutions, such as
optimizers, are not compatible with Powerwall 3.
CAUTION
Only connect PV wires to
the integrated DC
isolator as described in this step. Do not attempt
to modify factory-installed wiring or connect PV wires to any other terminals.
Note
If there are more than three PV strings,
strings can be combined upstream of Powerwall 3 so long as the voltage and current
ratings of the system do not exceed the capabilities of Powerwall 3.
Before connecting the PV strings to Powerwall 3, use a PV string tester to test each
string, confirming it is performing as expected. Refer to
the testing requirements of AS/NZS5033:2021 cl 6.3.2.
Before terminating any conductors inside
Powerwall 3, turn the Powerwall 3 switch OFF to shut the system down,
then turn the integrated DC
isolator OFF. See Powerwall 3 Switch Locking Mechanisms for instructions to lock the integrated DC
isolator in the OFF position.
Warning
Before
proceeding, confirm both switches are OFF and there is a lack of voltage at the PV
terminals.
Clear out any debris that may be present
in the PV wiring terminals.
Warning
Metal debris like loose wires or metal shavings could create a high
voltage risk when Powerwall is turned on.
Route the PV conductors and PV array
Protective Earth into the enclosure, through the conduit or cable gland. Create a service
loop with extra wiring.
Connect the PV array Protective Earth to
an equipment grounding terminal in Powerwall:
Strip the conductor insulation up to
19 mm.
Insert the grounding conductor in an
equipment grounding terminal and tighten the screw in the Earth terminal to 4 Nm.
Note
It is best practice to
connect the ground circuit before making any PV circuit connections.
Starting with MPPT 1:
Note
If MPPT 1 is not wired first, it will not
be possible to access that wiring terminal once conductors are connected to MPPT 2 or
MPPT 3.
Warning
Before proceeding, confirm there is a lack of voltage
on the PV wires.
Strip the conductor insulation so
that the ends of the copper strands are visible.
Crimp the following insulated forked
terminal onto the end of the conductor; a ratcheting die crimping tool is strongly
recommended.
TE Connectivity P/N
165015 (4 -
6 mm2 wire
size)
Vogt P/N 3654c /
3655c (4 - 6 mm2 wire size)
CAUTION
Forked
terminals are required for PV wiring. Do not connect bare wires or any type of
forked terminal other than those listed above due to increased risk of poor
electrical connection.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to insert multiple
forked terminals in a single wiring terminal. Only connect one forked terminal to each
wiring terminal.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to connect multiple wires to a single forked terminal.
If the system has more than three PV strings, combine strings upstream of Powerwall 3 and connect no more than three
strings to the integrated DC
isolator.
Note
Ensure the ends of the copper strands
are visible at the bottom of the fork, indicating the conductor is making strong
contact with the forked terminal.
Insert the forked terminal into the
wiring terminal and, using a Philips PH2 torque screwdriver (see Required Tools for additional details), tighten
the screw in the PV wiring terminal to 1.6 Nm.
CAUTION
Confirm the
forked terminal is fully inserted before tightening the screw to avoid damaging the
connector.
Repeat Step 5 for MPPT 2, then MPPT 3. Figure 1. Powerwall 3 PV Wiring Connected to Integrated DC
Isolator
CAUTION
Before
energizing the system, use a multimeter to confirm the polarity of the PV strings is as
pictured above (positive strings in bottom row of terminals, negative strings in top row
of terminals). Reversed polarity of the PV strings may cause damage to the
system.
Figure 2. Powerwall 3 PV Wiring and Protective Earth
CAUTION
All PV strings
must pass through the integrated DC
isolator. Do not attempt to connect PV strings
via any other terminals. For more information on the integrated DC
isolator, see Appendix F: Shutting Down Powerwall 3.
CAUTION
Any wire routing must be
done through the wire management tabs at the top of the enclosure. Do not route loose
wires through the front of the enclosure or over the Tesla Asset Controller.
WarningBefore proceeding, confirm both switches are OFF and there is a lack of voltage at the PV terminals.
NoteIt is best practice to connect the ground circuit before making any PV circuit connections.
CAUTIONConfirm the forked terminal is fully inserted before tightening the screw to avoid damaging the connector.
CAUTIONBefore energizing the system, use a multimeter to confirm the polarity of the PV strings is as pictured above (positive strings in bottom row of terminals, negative strings in top row of terminals). Reversed polarity of the PV strings may cause damage to the system.
CAUTIONAll PV strings must pass through the integrated DC isolator. Do not attempt to connect PV strings via any other terminals. For more information on the integrated DC isolator, see Appendix F: Shutting Down Powerwall 3.CAUTIONAny wire routing must be done through the wire management tabs at the top of the enclosure. Do not route loose wires through the front of the enclosure or over the Tesla Asset Controller.