Plug n play grid tie

[doorfx]

Any one have any experience or input on these newer plug n play micro grid tie inverters ? Or any brand.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/170686843516

 

[theoldwizard1]

That is a very good video ! If you follow his directions, I don't think you will have a problem.

Have you found any of these micro grid tie inverters that have UL or CSA approval ?

 

[kd3pc]

"micro grid tie".... inverter...grid tie, in the solar industry - usually means something other than what this inverter does.

It is not designed for "grid tie" in the true sense of the word. and as the video shows, it is in need of some other items, to do so, safely.

These are notoriously RF dirty and fail with 20-30% failure rates at install, almost that much in 90 day "infant mortality".

Wiz, there is a reason they are not UL/CSA approved. And this one offers a 60 day warranty!!...see above on failure rates.


YMWV

 

[doorfx]

Doesn't he say in the video that it is UL approved?

 

[xiondavis]

Doesn't he say in the video that it is UL approved?

He said in the video that it is NOT UL approved and none of these type of devices (as of April 2014, date of video) are UL approved.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

U/L doesnt approve anything they LIST!!

 

[1/2 Cup]

IMHO, I would not touch them.

They are banned in work places out here.

Regards

 

[mopar4wd]

Hmm would seem you would be better off with something like enphase micro inverters.
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/brands/enphase-energy

 

[1/2 Cup]

Hmm would seem you would be better off with something like enphase micro inverters.
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/brands/enphase-energy

We have the Enphase units here on our solar system and they work a treat..

Regards

 

[tinysparky]

what local requirements do you have? here in wa, you have to sign an agreement with your power company, use ul listed devices, dc disconnect, auto disconnect, etc.....



Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[doorfx]

Yes same here.

 

[reader2580]

That inverter violates so many parts of the NEC I couldn't even begin to list them all. Your power company is normally going to require interconnect agreement and they would never allow this.

will this inverter shut down if grid power is lost? If not your power company would not be happy.

 

[doorfx]

Yes they shut down

 

[reader2580]

You would still need a DC disconnect, an AC disconnect, and a rapid disconnect to meet code. Does this inverter claim to do all of this?

I am not sure if code requires grid-tied solar to be hard wired or not. I can't imagine any POCO allowing this to be connected to their grid.

 

[theoldwizard1]

"micro grid tie".... inverter...grid tie, in the solar industry - usually means something other than what this inverter does.

It is not designed for "grid tie" in the true sense of the word. and as the video shows, ...

Could you explain your statements ?

The Missouri Wind and Solar web site now states that all of the micro-inverters are UL approved.

 

[theoldwizard1]

That inverter violates so many parts of the NEC I couldn't even begin to list them all.

Could you be specific. Most of these are now UL approved.

will this inverter shut down if grid power is lost?

Absolutely ! A few have parallel output that will handle about 10-15A in an emergency even when the grid is down.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You would still need a DC disconnect,

DC disconnect is a good idea and some micro-inverters have them built in. In California, it is NOT required by code, but most power companies require it.

... an AC disconnect, and a rapid disconnect to meet code. Does this inverter claim to do all of this? I am not sure if code requires grid-tied solar to be hard wired or not.

A plug could be considered a type of "quick disconnect". Not sure what NEC has to save about that. There is probably a limit at which it must be wired with a traditional disconnect.

I can't imagine any POCO allowing this to be connected to their grid.

There are literally thousands already installed ! As long as they "sense" when the grid goes down, I don't see why this is an issue

 

[doorfx]

You can take an enphase micro grid tie inverter and put a plug on the end of the cord and plug it in. What is the difference?