I just bought a solar tracker with solar panels included (1170 watts). But I am undecided on how to use it; originally I was thinking about just get one of those grid tie inverter and connect it to a socket, I mean that circuit is protected with a breaker (20A) with higher capacity than what the system and loads can stress on the system. But then I realize that in order to interconnect with the grid you need permits, installation by a certified electrician, etc.. etc... Also equipment needs to be UL1741 and most of those for small inverters on Amazon are not. The only one I found UL is an Aptos MAC-800 (which I may use 2) but is only 240V not the 120V from my socket. So, my only options for something relatively simple and not expensive are
I know option 2 is safer to avoid any complain or fines (if any) from the electric company, but will require more investment from my side.
It is lame that something simple and with a lot of incentives to promote clean energy is flooded with so many regulations that we cannot make a simple and not expensive transition.
- Use 2 Y&H microinverters of 800W (none UL), add some fans to them so they can work fine and last, don't ask permit to anyone, and assume I will get lucky my electric company here in Texas will not notice. If the company only monitors at the end of the month the total consumption, obviously I will never produce more than I consume and everyone is happy, but since it is possible that sometimes my panels produce more than what I am consuming at an specific hour, the meter will detect negative consumption and if there is alarms set on the meter my company will know I am interconnecting with them.
- There is one Y&H inverter that includes a limiter so that I don't produce more than what I consume, but only in options of 1000W. I don't think the panels can get that efficient to produce more than the 1000 watts.
- Make an hybrid system, use a battery, inverter and select some circuits from my panel that can get the benefits of my 1k panels, and install a switch that in case of cloudy days with batteries without enough charge, just switch those circuits back to the grid.
I know option 2 is safer to avoid any complain or fines (if any) from the electric company, but will require more investment from my side.
It is lame that something simple and with a lot of incentives to promote clean energy is flooded with so many regulations that we cannot make a simple and not expensive transition.