Grid tie inverter set up

[RussN9ZP]

If i wanted to experiment with a grid tie set up would all i need is panels and a inverter? And what would be a decent inverter to play with? Preferably something that wont short out and wont burn the house down.

[Naptown]

An enphase M190 would be a good choice.
The only reason I said that one is if you want to expand in the future it is the easiest to expand. The M215 is a better inverter with a better warranty but the engage cable will eat you alive in splice kits if you try to expand.
If you go the M190 route get a 60 or 72 cell module. Check the Enphase compatibility chart before you buy a panel, they don't work with all panels.

[inetdog]

If i wanted to experiment with a grid tie set up would all i need is panels and a inverter? And what would be a decent inverter to play with? Preferably something that wont short out and wont burn the house down.

A grid-tie system to experiment with is a pretty costly way to go given the need for utility interconnection wiring with inspections and approvals regardless of the size.

So in the US you need panels, mounting racks, an inverter, DC and AC disconnects, engineering drawings, at least one additional breaker in your main panel or subpanel, usually sign-off by a licensed electrician, etc.

If you get an inverter which is legal for grid-tie, it is very unlikely to short out and burn down your house. It is more likely that other parts of your system would do that.

[RussN9ZP]

A grid-tie system to experiment with is a pretty costly way to go given the need for utility interconnection wiring with inspections and approvals regardless of the size.

So in the US you need panels, mounting racks, an inverter, DC and AC disconnects, engineering drawings, at least one additional breaker in your main panel or subpanel, usually sign-off by a licensed electrician, etc.

If you get an inverter which is legal for grid-tie, it is very unlikely to short out and burn down your house. It is more likely that other parts of your system would do that.

I was just looking at the inverter and panels, not the whole system. Just that plug in the wall inverter. Ive got some extra panels laying around.

[inetdog]

I was just looking at the inverter and panels, not the whole system. Just that plug in the wall inverter. Ive got some extra panels laying around.

The Chinese-made (or any other source I know of) plug-in inverter is not legal in the US. so I can't recommend one to you. Other than that, it could be an interesting experiment. For most of them a significant percentage will eventually smoke a lot, even if they do not catch fire.

The inverters mentioned by Naptown are designed for hard-wiring in an approved system, not for wall plug connection.

[russ]

The Chinese-made (or any other source I know of) plug-in inverter is not legal in the US. so I can't recommend one to you. Other than that, it could be an interesting experiment. For most of them a significant percentage will eventually smoke a lot, even if they do not catch fire.

The inverters mentioned by Naptown are designed for hard-wiring in an approved system, not for wall plug connection.

Like inetdog said - they are not a legal solution but are fly by night cheap crap - anyone using one is playing a fools game. The 'plug in the wall' inverters are not certified by anyone or any agency. Companies building and selling this barbage are like the ones that put melamine in the pet food - they could care less what happens later.

The green sites pushing this type of stuff are just air heads wishing and hoping.

[RussN9ZP]

Thanks guys, that's what I wanted to know. Great advise as always!