I wonder how this works. Maybe it only functions when it detects the wall has 120V power? If it backfed during a power outage it would be like plugging a generator into your house with a cheater cord (never, ever do that) which can step your generators 120V back up into 12-25kV through your local transformer and zap the linesman working to fix your outage on the neutral (a generator backfeeds onto the neutral not the “hot” sides of the circuit. I.e. the “safe” wire suddenly has thousands of volts on it)
Plug-In Solar Panels Are Starting to Sprout in U.S. Backyards |Ten U.S. states have legalized systems that can be plugged into standard wall outlets. The technology typically does not require permits
Submitted 2 weeks ago by silence7@slrpnk.net to nyt_gift_articles@sopuli.xyz
Comments
iocase@lemmy.zip 2 weeks ago
cynar@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
The European systems definitely have line sensing. They need to, to stay in phase. If the power goes, so does your solar.
I think some systems can be turned on from an app, but default to off, without mains as a reference.
cheesemoo@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
Huh, I wonder how that works. How can it differentiate grid power vs the power it’s supplying to the wall? All I can guess is maybe it polls for grid power by cutting its own supply for a few milliseconds to see if the grid is still there? Couldn’t find anything getting into the details online…
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
Yes basically, my understanding is the inverter circuit can’t generate its own sine wave, only match an existing one.
cmbabul@slrpnk.net 2 weeks ago
I hope more apartment complexes and buildings will allow this, I’ve got a bunch of sun that hits my balcony all day when it’s sunny. Would love to cut my power bill and move more into sustainability
reallykindasorta@slrpnk.net 2 weeks ago
Yeah I would love to prop one on my apt. roof, it’s flat so it would be easy to stabilize something up there