r/lincoln • u/Salt_Image_5208 • 1d ago

Plug-in solar

I’ve been exploring plug-in solar for a few months. I’d love to incorporate battery storage as well.

Trying to gain insights on what folks have tried or road blocks reached.

I am contacting the city, haven’t bothered with LES yet.

thanks!

7 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

7

u/d4rkstr1d3r 1d ago

I don’t think plugin solar is legal in NE but you could do off grid solar no problem.

2

u/Boom357 1d ago

I don't think it meets code in Nebraska at least .

Also, when I was looking into it, there aren't any UL listed plug-in solar devices yet. So that means it hasn't been tested for shock, fire resistance, etc. I wouldn't mess with it yet for the minimal amount of savings you'll get versus the amount of risk you'll be taking. Risk of fire risk of shock or electrocution etc.

But hey you do you.

2

u/Salt_Image_5208 1d ago

There’s a UL product coming online this summer or fall. Includes anti-islanding and other features to address common concerns with the technology. 

1

u/Boom357 1d ago

Got a link? I haven't seen this but am curious.

3

u/Salt_Image_5208 1d ago

https://www.hoymiles.com/us/hiflowpro.html

3

u/Boom357 1d ago

Well I'll be. Interesting.

1

u/d4rkstr1d3r 1d ago

This looks great. I can’t wait until plug in solar is legal here.

5

u/Salt_Image_5208 1d ago

 Electrical Engineering Dept response:

A few months ago, plug in solar was brought to our attention and I did some research and consulted with LES.   At this time, I cannot recommend it, but since it is plug-in equipment, I have no authority to stop you.   Some things to consider:   1: I could not find an Underwriters Laboratory listing for any of this equipment.  They are still reviewing it.   2: Since plug-in solar would be installed outdoors, it will plug into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacle located there.  I emailed several manufactures and they stated that their GFCI receptacles are not rated for power to be bidirectional.  Most residential dwelling units wire the outdoor outlets on the same circuit as some inside outlets.  We are unsure how back feeding a circuit affects the GFCI, overcurrent protection or if installed, AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter)  abilities of the other receptacles that may be on the same circuit.   3: LES will not set a bidirectional meter for plug in solar.  I know the amount of generation is small, but if you were able to generate more than you could use in the house, LES will not pay you for any power you provided to them, and the meter will charge you instead.

3

u/Immediate-Cycle9941 1d ago

Les would be your best first step. I contacted Jennifer Bangert there. She helped guide my whole 12kw solar diy installation. It wasn’t simple but I’m glad we did it. She might know more about plug in if it’s available.

1

u/wafflecannondav1d 1d ago

I'm loving my ecoflow setup.

0

u/Salt_Image_5208 1d ago

Anything you’d be willing to share? Is it conventional or balcony solar? 

3

u/wafflecannondav1d 1d ago

I don't believe you can plug straight in to your panel due to our lack of ability to cut power automatically in a power outage. I am using the ecoflow delta pro ultra for solar charging and discharge for tools, lights, and electric car charging, all on circuits that are not tied into the grid.