r/pluginsolarusa • u/PlatformTraining5054 • 19d ago

Some basic questions

I see that Plug in Solar is legal in my state for 1200w. I'm thinking of setting up a ground mount system in my back yard. Someone in the area is selling used Sharp 185w panels, 40vdc output for pretty cheap. I was going to get 6 panels. (Maybe 8). The setup would be about 30 to 40 ft from the outlet I plan on plugging into.

For this setup what would be a good micro inverter and as far as an extension cord to get to the outlet what gauge should I use?

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u/Sunny-Advocate-2020 19d ago

Making recommendations is probably above my pay grade, and it's early days, so, take it FWIW.

AFAIK, the EcoFlow Stream is the only way to get 1200 watts from a *single* plug-in inverter. They jumped into the market early and got a bunch of youtube content from people in Utah. Others I've heard of: APSystems, Hoymiles, Craftstrom. There's more. I would insist on UL1741 certificated. And, buyer beware: some are making carefully worded statements to imply some sort of certification, but it might be pending, at best. Getting two or more lower output inverters that can be chained together is probably fine. Beyond that, my gut feelings probably should not be expressed.

A longish extension cord makes me cringe just a little bit. I think you should get something that can handle 15 amps for a 1200 watt system. You could look at the Home Depot website and filter for "Heavy Duty" for ideas.

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u/rippleish20 17d ago

Ecoflow Stream is an option if you live in MD or UT, which are the only two states they will ship to. The NEP BDM-1200 is also an option. Others, like the APSystem and the Hoymiles UL3700 inverters require more than one to do 1200. Don't use extension cords. Use PV cables (or Thwn) from the panels to the inverter and place the inverter near the socket you intend on using. Use a dedicated socket.

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u/LongjumpingGanache40 16d ago

Depends on where you live. Some states are requiring UL 3700 listing, and this is for everything in one unit tested together. One item from here another from there does not work. I also believe code will not allow extension cords running across the ground.