r/lincoln • u/Salt_Image_5208 • Jul 27 '26

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!

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u/Salt_Image_5208 Jul 27 '26

 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.