Grid-Synced Inverters

P

photon4

New member
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
6
Is anyone running any grid-synced inverters as supplemental (instead of off-grid)?
If so, what brand and what's your experience?
 
Do a thread search for "Grid-Tie" There are many here using them and lots of posts about them
 
I don't think many are using grid-tie due to requirements and permits needed. Your profile says United States, if that's the case, you'll need UL-listed equipment (very expensive), a full electrical inspection, and a contract with your power company. You may also need local permits depending on your municipality. It's much easier to go the off-grid route...
 
The most popular brands around here are Envertech, Letrika and AEconversion for units up to 600W or so. I don't know if they operate globally, probably not. Only recently I've learned that it's still difficult to impossible/illegal to use them in the US. So the US are probably not a market yet for these companies. Some Americans I've seen who use such devices are (illegally) using some imported ones from China.
 
If it's grid-tie only, meaning solar direct to grid only, then they're cheap and abundant. Hell I have a 3kw Sunnyboy that I can't sell for $200. That's because it's the most common type of inverter out there and there's lots of them on ebay.

If you're thinking grid-interactive, meaning both battery capable and grid tie capable, then there's few out there. Legal ones are the Outback Radian series or the Xantrex XW series.

Both requires lots of permit and stuff to make it legal enough so your electric company can accept your application.
 
not2bme said:
If you're thinking grid-interactive, meaning both battery capable and grid tie capable
Click to expand...

This is also called a Hybrid Inverter.

Overall, the best option for the US territory where we use 60Hz, 120V, is to use a full split system. Two electrical panels with the circuits split, or have a Transfer switch between Grid-Feed and Inverter-Feed. This can be an auto switch or a manual one.
Other than that, true Grid-Tie is cost prohibitive unless you are getting some really good kick backs from your power company.

Here in Fl, I have Clay Electric. They are one of the cheapest in the nation at $0.13/kWh (this includes taxes/fees/etc). They have a kick back, but it's not that much. Also, not everyone is able to do it because not everywhere has the SmartMeters installed, or able to be installed (this is due to location on the grid. I live too far out to have the SmartMeter)
 
That's most of what I've determined reading online, too. I have a similar 'cheap' electricity at $0.135/kWh off-hour. My work is actually looking to also do free/half-cost EV charging ($0.06/kWh); so I'm looking at used EV's too.

@Korishan - I was actually considering making a hybrid - that, in theory could run a few non-hardwired circuits as a UPS:battery - and auto transfer back to grid once battery is depleted. Any that you have seen here that work well?

Sorry for appearing so novice in my questions.
 
It's pretty difficult for the US market. Most of the hybrid inverters are for 240V non-split phase, ie, the rest of the world. I'm not really sure, to be honest.
 
That's an AIMs clone, basically. Probably built on the same assembly line.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top