One Circuit solar/wind

Oct 14, 2008 07:09 pm
One Circuit solar/wind

My brother tells me I can buy a solar/wind generator and just plug it in to a circuit in my house like you would plug in any appliance. So, he says, then you just turn of the breaker for that circuit and run everything off of your wind/solar. 

Is this true?  From what I've read you can't do this because you could electrocute the utility linesmen because you would send juice into the grid - assuming you forget to turn off the breaker. 

Also, if this is legal, what is the product? 
 
578 Posts
Oct 16, 2008 11:02 am
Re: One Circuit solar/wind

I am not aware of any such product.

you correctly point out that anything tied to the grid generally has to meet the ul 1741 and ieee 1547 so as not to send electricity onto a disabled grid.

generally wind turbines and pv modules will output dc electricity that cant be connected to the grid without a grid tie inverter that meets the above standards.

the closest thing to what you describe will be on the market soon and is from a company called enphase energy i believe.  it will allow an individual (with consent of their utility) to grid tie as little as 1 module.  it will meet applicable electric codes to the best of my knowledge.

for more information, please check the university tab and some of the webinars you can watch at your computer.

http://learn.altenergystore.com/

cheers,

james
altE staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 
163 Posts
Oct 16, 2008 11:16 am
Re: One Circuit solar/wind

I hate to bring up the rather touchy subject, but he is probably referring to the original freetricity design which can still be found at some of the "older" distributors who have not updated their website.
http://freetricityofsiliconvalley.com/how_it_works.html
 
27 Posts
Oct 16, 2008 06:34 pm
Re: One Circuit solar/wind

I know a lot of folks in my area who do just that when theres a power failure
pull the fuse and backfeed with a Generator
Hey it my not be wise but it works
 
578 Posts
Oct 16, 2008 06:50 pm
Re: One Circuit solar/wind

while that may function, a listed transfer switch would be the appropriate way to provide backup power if need be for the greatest degree of safety to the best of my knowledge.  appropriate listed transfer switches are not that expensive, and most electricians are used to installing generator backup systems that have nothing to do with solar.

cheers,

james
altE staff


AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 

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