Charging your Tesla Model 3 with a solar-powered battery system, consisting of three Enphase 5P batteries, is a fantastic way to utilize renewable energy. In this article, we’ll explore two scenarios: one where you charge your Tesla at night using the stored energy from the batteries when there’s no sun, and another where you charge your Tesla during the day while also harnessing solar energy.

Understanding Solar Charging with the Enphase 5P Battery

What is the Enphase 5P Battery?

The Enphase 5P battery is designed to store energy generated from solar panels. Each battery has a capacity of 5 kWh, and with three batteries, you have a total storage capacity of 15 kWh. This setup allows you to use sunlight to power your Tesla and meet other home energy needs.

How Does Solar Charging Work?

1. Solar Panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

2. An Inverter transforms the direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for charging your electric vehicle.

3. The Enphase 5P Batteries store excess solar energy for nighttime or cloudy days.

See if my home qualifies for Enphase Battery Grants

Scenario 1: Charging the Tesla Model 3 at Night

In this scenario, imagine it's nighttime, and you want to charge your Tesla Model 3 using the stored energy from your three Enphase 5P batteries.

Charging Details:

• Total Capacity from Batteries: 15 kWh

• Tesla Model 3 Battery Size: 75 kWh

Remaining Capacity After Using Batteries:

Since you’re using the batteries to charge your Tesla, you will be using all 15 kWh stored overnight. However, there will still be 60 kWh needed to fully charge the Model 3.

If you were to charge the remaining capacity using a 240Volt home charger that outputs 11 kW after drawing from the batteries, it would take:

Summary of Scenario 1:

• Total charge from batteries: 15 kWh (but not a full charge).

Additional time to charge from the grid: Approximately 5.5 hours to complete the charge from empty.

Scenario 2: Charging the Tesla Model 3 During the Day

In this scenario, it’s daytime, and your Tesla Model 3 is charging while the solar panels are also generating power.

Charging Details:

• Total Available Energy: While solar panels produce energy, you can use both the stored energy from the batteries and the electricity generated from the sunlight.

• Solar Generation: Let’s say your solar panels generate 30 kWh of electricity during the day.

• Total Capacity from Batteries: 15 kWh.

Step-by-Step Charging:

1. Charge from Batteries: Start by using the 15 kWh from the Enphase batteries.

2. Charge from Solar: Simultaneously, your solar panels generate an additional 30 kWh over a day.

Assuming that you’re charging your Tesla as soon as the solar energy starts coming in, the combined charging capacity now becomes:

Summary of Scenario 2:

• Total energy used: 15 kWh from batteries plus 30 kWh from solar, for a total of 45 kWh.

• Remaining power needed: 30 kWh, taking approximately 2.73 hours to charge further with an 11 kW charger.
  

Benefits of Using Solar Power to Charge Your Tesla Model 3

Cost Savings

Using solar energy to charge your Model 3 can significantly reduce electricity costs since sunlight is free after your system is installed.

See if my home qualifies for Enphase Battery Grants

Environmental Impact

Charging with solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cleaner way to fuel your vehicle.

Energy Independence

Harnessing solar energy means you are less reliant on the grid, enhancing your energy independence.

Convenience

Using the combined energy from your solar panels and battery storage allows you to efficiently charge your Tesla at different times throughout the day.

FAQs About Charging the Tesla Model 3 with Enphase 5P Batteries

How many Enphase 5P batteries are needed to fully charge a Tesla Model 3?

To fully charge a 75 kWh Tesla Model 3, you would need 15 Enphase 5P batteries (5 kWh each). With three batteries (totaling 15 kWh), you can partially charge the vehicle.

Can I charge my Tesla Model 3 at home with solar power?

Yes! Installing solar panels at home allows you to generate your own electricity for charging.

Is solar charging cost-effective?

Absolutely! Solar energy can significantly lower your charging costs compared to traditional electricity rates.

Should I charge my car during the day with solar energy or at night?

Charging during the day while your solar system is generating electricity is generally more efficient. However, battery storage allows you to charge at night using stored energy.

What if my solar batteries don’t generate enough energy?

If energy generation is low on some days, you can supplement charging with grid power or adjust your usage to match your solar energy availability.

Charging Your Tesla Model 3 with the Enphase 5P Battery

Charging your Tesla Model 3 with a solar-powered Enphase 5P battery system is an effective way to leverage renewable energy. In Scenario 1, charging at night allows you to use stored energy but will require additional charging from the grid. In Scenario 2, charging during the day takes advantage of both stored energy and solar generation, allowing for a quicker charging process. This setup offers financial savings and environmental benefits while ensuring that your Tesla is always ready to go.

See if my home qualifies for Enphase Battery Grants