Plug -N- Play Solar power is it legal?
Solar power generation can be a clean way to produce the electricity you
use everyday, whether you're just supplementing grid power or trying to
power your whole house. But most solar panel systems require a
permanent mount, usually on the roof, which isn't really an option for
the many people who just rent their house or apartment. So one choice
that could make sense to renters, both in terms of cost and portability,
is a plug 'n play system that can be moved when you do.U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a five year, $25 million “Plug and Play” photovoltaic research program that aims to make investing in residential solar power as simple as buying a new home computer. The new initiative, inspired by the ease with which households have adopted personal Internet-connected electronic devices, would enable a consumer to purchase solar equipment off the shelf, plug it into a dedicated circuit, and automatically establish a connection with their local utility.
The connection would enable consumers to sell excess power back to their utility, among other smart-grid capabilities. Though the program is aimed at the residential market, the benefits could easily ripple into the small business sector, making it possible for property owners to squeeze some extra income out of their real estate.
If the DOE is seeking this type of Solar energy installations, this tells me that Plug in play is legal though some restrictions must be observed.
Some solar companies that manufacture plug n play solar tends to lead me to believe that plug n play if done properly is legal otherwise they would not be selling them. ""Westinghouse
and CBD on June 5 announced they are to begin distributing
Westinghouse’s DIY “plug n’ play” solar power systems, dubbed Instant
Connect, in Australia."" here is the url to thier Datasheet that shows the system is ULhttp://www.westinghousesolar.com/images/stories/Resources/2012-Datasheet-WHS-Instant_Connect-AC-230-235.pdf
The meaning of plug n play is any "solar system" that the inverter plugs directly into a house wall outlet. the outlet has to be a GFI outlet like the ones that are probably in your bathroom.
I do not know the actual legality that is involved for different power inverters however I do know that this system below was APPROVED tags on the meter to prove it. This system uses 2 GTI Inverters made by Powerjack. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWRrjlDlPJs&feature=related
there was a $25 fee from his Utility Company to get the "NET METER" his current system can put out 1.6kwh on any good clear day. This system is wired to go to the utility box not a GFI outlet.
In most cases the inverter must be certified in one way or another.
DIY Solar panels
Dont believe the hype! there are MANY Website that will tell you even convince you that you can have a Solar setup that runs for about $300 and made with materials at your local hardware store. or on ebay etc.... powerforhome.com is one site and its a scam, well the info is good. but the doing is all wrong. ANY Grid Tie SYSTEM MUST BE UL APPROVED TO HOOK UP TO THE POWER GRID.Home made solar panels just will not do. However there are companies that will sell you a 100watt panel for around $150. pretty good considering they run about $250 in local stores or some places on the internet. the Panels above are made from wood and plexiglass.. Plexiglass will warp over time. at least use Tempered glass. Also the cost of the solar cells have risen. you can not get them for under $0.50 ech anymore. and the parts if bought new would run you about the same as a Store bought Panel.
SO STILL ARE THEY LEGAL?
I have looked all over the internet. and have called the electric company about this. ANY Grid Tie SYSTEM MUST BE UL APPROVED TO HOOK UP TO THE POWER GRID
GTI or Grid Tie Inverter
These are inverters that are built for this type of operation. The inverter simply checks to see if the grid is running. the inverter will then start up after a few minutes, they continue to check to see if the grid is online and will shut down when it is not. Do not buy cheap inverters. you should at least get grid tie inverters costing around $200 for about 1000watts. you should also try to get PURE SINE WAVE inverters. Modified will work but shouldn't be used on delicate appliances.
INVERTER AC OUTPUTS
The inverter output (120 or 240 volts) must be connected to the ac distribution
system in a manner that does not create parallel grounding paths. The NEC
requires that both the green or bare equipment-grounding conductor and the white
neutral conductor be grounded. The Code also requires that current not normally
flow in the equipment-grounding conductors. If the inverter has ac grounding
receptacles as outputs, the grounding and neutral conductors are most likely
connected to the chassis and, hence, to chassis ground inside the inverter. This
configuration allows plug-in devices to be used safely. However, if the outlets on
the inverter are plug and cord connected (not recommended) to an ac load center
used as a distribution device, then problems can occur.
Net Metering
Net metering is a way to be paid for your electricity generated However a few states do not do this. and the ones that do have thier own policies can get paid back in credits or money or both they may pay 500kwh in cash and anything over that in credits. TX is a state that does not have Net Metering but they do require a "net metering" meter. Not having net metering means that they are not bound to do so. ... TXU, Reliant and Green are companies in TX that will pay you in one way or the other.
