do I have to encapsulate my cells

[zane5150]

I am new here so thanks for any help. Here is a run down. I own an old school and I live here and run a gym here as well.

I want to make some panels to lower my electric bill. just basic 60 watt panels run into a grid tie inverter that plugs into the wall.

I have the time and ability to put my panels outside in the morning and inside at night basicly baby sitting them from bad or rainy weather.

So my question is if I glue cells to a piece of plywood do I need a cover on them? I would just have an open panel, this should also keep them cooler correct?

Thanks

[Mike90250]

the cells themselves, are fine in the air. It's the dust, when it gathers on them, sticky pollen, and such, that the cells are too delicate to clean off.

I'd suggest bonding the fronts to a sheet of framed glass, and leave the backs open. At least that way, you can dust them off.

[solarnoobie]

Hi,
Just as a side note, which you probably know already...

You can't just plug in a pure sine wave inverter into the wall. There are legal and potentially harmful consequences.

[zane5150]

I'm sorry I was under the impression that the ones that plugged directley into the outlets and come from the factory as such was ok to use. I am in the US am I wrong in thinking this????

[zane5150]

I think I will just build a frame for them. It will make them easier to mount and be more sturdy. Thanks for all the help

[solarnoobie]

Hello,
The problem is two folds...

First, as of today, there are no consumer "plug-and-play" approved UL inverters that homeowners can plug into the wall directly to back feed into the grid. This is especially true in the U.S. I don't know about other country's regulations.

Secondly, even if you get a large, professionally installed grid-tie system, you will also need an electrician to write-off on the assembly, and obtain approval from the local utility company.

I look forward to the day where one can buy off the shelf inverters and the elimination of all this red tape.

[Mike90250]

....I look forward to the day where one can buy off the shelf inverters and the elimination of all this red tape.

Today, you can buy Grid Tie inverters off the shelf. You are just not allowed to "plug them in" without permits and inspections.

[zane5150]

Hello,
The problem is two folds...

First, as of today, there are no consumer "plug-and-play" approved UL inverters that homeowners can plug into the wall directly to back feed into the grid. This is especially true in the U.S. I don't know about other country's regulations.

Secondly, even if you get a large, professionally installed grid-tie system, you will also need an electrician to write-off on the assembly, and obtain approval from the local utility company.

I look forward to the day where one can buy off the shelf inverters and the elimination of all this red tape.

So just so I am straight the plug and play inverters they sell all over ebay are illegal?????

[Mike90250]

So just so I am straight the plug and play inverters they sell all over ebay are illegal?????

Illegal to plug into the USA power grid for sure. If it's not UL certified for grid tie, you can't plug it in.

[zane5150]

haha back to reading I have alot more to learn. thanks

[Mike90250]

Actually, in the USA, if anything is not UL certified, it's not supposed to be plugged in. Lights, rice cookers, shop vacs, all have UL on them.

[bigsmile]

I contacted my utility company. The guy told me it just need to pass inspection.

I think it really depends on local regulation.

Actually, in the USA, if anything is not UL certified, it's not supposed to be plugged in. Lights, rice cookers, shop vacs, all have UL on them.

[Sunking]

I contacted my utility company. The guy told me it just need to pass inspection.

I think it really depends on local regulation.

You got it half right, you just left out a whole bunch of stuff.

You are correct from the utility POV all they require is you to pass inspection. Now do you know what it takes to pass an inspection?