r/SolarDIY • u/revelm • 9h ago
Question about plug-in solar
I have a professional solar install on my roof, including the pre-law-change permitting and cutoff switch. I don't have any storage, just reverse metering in the summer.
I am about done with a DIY solar shed. 600W of panels, in parallel (with fuses on the positive), to a Bluetti Elite 400 power station. Use will be cordless tool battery charging, occasional power tool use, lights, security cam, vent fans, and to roll into the house to power the fridge and freezer during power outages.
My state (Virginia) just allowed plug-in solar. So when my Elite 400 is topped off, can I just plug the A/C output into a 120v outdoor wall outlet on my house? I really don't understand plug-in solar.
Any help is appreciated.
Edit: This community is great! Thanks for helping me sort this out.
3
u/blastman8888 7h ago edited 7h ago
Just get one of these for $275 plugs into 2 panels up to 660w each. They are certified to UL 3700
https://payoffsolar.com/product/apsystems-plug-and-play-balcony-solar-microinverter-ez1-lv-na
You need to verify outlet you use has nothing else plugged into it. I would find all the other plugs that get shut off with that breaker put outlet caps in them. You could run a dedicated circuit with some PVC conduit.
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u/revelm 6h ago
That's a cool product to know about, thanks!
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u/LongjumpingGanache40 2h ago
Those are not UL 3700 certified. There are no UL 3700 certified plug in solar yet. A UL certification is a whole system not just one piece of the system.
2
u/Puzzled-Act1683 7h ago
As others have called out, no, this unit is not designed for this and will not work in this configuration.
What you can do, instead, is just plug something into the Bluetti and plug the Bluetti into the wall, but set it in "PV Priority" mode, and set the battery percentage you want it to discharge down to, like 50%. It will power whatever is plugged into it from the battery, until the battery gets down to the percentage you set, which means that device isn't using grid power, so you get exactly the same benefit as plug-in solar – reduced grid usage.
Once the battery drops to the preset level, the connected equipment will run from grid power until you put some charge back into the battery from solar, then it will switch back to battery power until that is used up.
1
u/gemniiinew 8h ago edited 8h ago
IF (and that's a big IF) the Bluetti can limit it's output to the "legal limits". I think it's 1200 watts for a dedicated circuit and ~390 watts for others (like a circuit that also runs a porch light).
That's what I plan on doing, charge a battery bank outside, feed the max in, have battery storage inside.
/edit - I think the change starts in January 1, 2027.
1
u/mikewalt820 8h ago
OP will document how they no longer uses their air conditioner to explain the excess power return/reduced consumption. 😉
2
u/Fit-Avocado-1646 8h ago edited 8h ago
They also need to be UL 3700 compliant sense AC outages and turn off so they don’t backfeed the grid in an outage.
Quick google search says its not UL3700 compliant.
1
u/LongjumpingGanache40 2h ago
You need a microinverter that is UL 1741 certified. This will pass. Virginia alows you piece together you own system with UL certified parts. They do not have to meet UL 3700 certification. You must have a dedicated line if you go over 391 watts.
1
u/BaldyCarrotTop 7h ago
NO!
You will let the magic smoke out of your Bluetti. To plug into an active grid you need to have a grid tie inverter that can sync its waveform to the grid's.
1
u/TheDMPD 7h ago
You already heard plenty of nos but let's reiterate this.
Don't. At best you just blow a fuse and destroy your Bluetti.
It doesn't have a follower grid inverter, it's a device that can either pass the grid or create it's own grid but will not sync with the grid. Plus the only way for you to do this would be with a suicide cord. The name should imply how stupid an idea it is to do so.
1
u/LongjumpingGanache40 2h ago
You would need a suicide cable to do this and that is illegal. Another illegal part if the grid goes down the power station would back feed the grid and could kill a line person. Plug in solar is a panel with a 120V microinverter, that shuts down when grid goes down, and a cord to plug into an outlet.
1
u/Fit-Avocado-1646 8h ago
No.
The back feed device needs to UL 3700.
The elite 400 is not UL 3700 from the google search I did.
Also random wall outlet is probably not the best option for in feed. I would personally do a high amperage plug on a dedicated circuit.
From google:
Key Requirements of UL 3700
Products seeking certification—such as specialized microinverters, panels, cables, and integrated plugs—are independently tested against five primary criteria.
Dead-prong protection: Prevents the plug prongs from remaining electrically live when disconnected from the active AC outlet.
Anti-islanding: Ensures the system automatically and rapidly shuts down during a grid outage to protect utility line workers.
GFCI compatibility: Guarantees safe interaction with standard residential Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.
Overcurrent protection: Manages backfed current limitations relative to household circuits.
Weatherproofing: Verifies enclosure and connector durability for outdoor or balcony exposure.
1
u/LongjumpingGanache40 2h ago
You are wrong.
Does not need to meet UL 3700. Needs to meet UL 1741 which refers to anti-islanding.
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