Make PV Power Connections

Note

As noted in the Powerwall 3 System Design Guide, third party MLPE solutions, such as optimizers, are not compatible with Powerwall 3.

Turn Powerwall 3 OFF to de-energize the system.
Warning
Wiring Powerwall 3 while it is energized may result in injury and/or product damage. Confirm lack of voltage at the PV terminals before proceeding.
Route the PV conductors and PV array equipment grounding conductor into the enclosure.
Connect the PV array equipment grounding conductor to an equipment grounding terminal in Powerwall:
1. Strip the conductor insulation up to 3/4-inch (19 mm).
2. Insert the grounding conductor in an equipment grounding terminal and tighten the screw in the Earth terminal to 35 in-lb (4 Nm).
  Note
  It is best practice to connect the ground circuit before making any PV circuit connections.
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.
For all Powerwall 3 units except for those with Tesla P/N 1707000-11-L or 1707000-21-L, a warning cover is installed over the PV connector to remind installers to turn Powerwall 3 OFF before connecting any PV conductors.
1. Position a flat head screwdriver above MPPT 6+ and pry the warning cover off of the PV connector, exposing the terminals.
  CAUTION
  Be careful not to damage the PV connector.
2. Recycle the warning cover.
For each PV input:
Warning
Before proceeding, confirm there is a lack of voltage on the PV wires.
1. Strip the conductor insulation up to 3/8-inch (9.5 mm). Add a ferrule if the conductor is finely stranded.
2. Insert the conductor as far as possible into the terminal.
  Note
  As depicted in the figure below, Powerwall 3 units with P/N 1707000-11-L or 1707000-21-L have a unique PV connector in which the positive and negative conductors for each string are connected side-by-side, rather than having all positive conductors on the left and all negative conductors on the right.
  Warning
  For all Powerwall 3 units except for those with Tesla P/N 1707000-11-L or 1707000-21-L, ensure the conductors are inserted into the round terminals and not the rectangular slots. Inserting the conductors anywhere other than the round terminals will result in poor wire termination.
3. Perform a pull test on each conductor (pulling straight up) to confirm it is fully seated in the terminal. Push the conductor back in after the pull test.
  Figure 1. PV Wiring and Equipment Grounding Conductor (Powerwall 3 Units with P/N 1707000-11-L or 1707000-21-L)
  Figure 2. PV Wiring and Equipment Grounding Conductor (All Powerwall 3 Other Units)
4. After installing all PV conductors, gather them and secure them with the provided cable tie as shown above.

Note

If a conductor must be removed from the connector:

For Powerwall 3 units with Tesla P/N 1707000-11-L or 1707000-21-L, push the wire removal button to open the terminal, then pull the conductor free.
For all other Powerwall 3 units, insert a cabinet or electronics tip slotted screwdriver (up to 3/16-inch or 4.5 mm) into the actuation shaft to open the terminal. Pull the conductor free, then remove the screwdriver.

Note

The building and the system shall be marked in accordance with Section 690.56(C) of the NEC (NFPA 70) “Only conductors leaving the footprint of the array are controlled” on PV wiring.