Grid Tie Inverter

andy300z

Hello Guys .
We all know those chinesse Grid tie inverter that you plug into the wall is not safe and not ul listed. I want to install and enphase micro inverter to my main breaker panel. It seems easy you just have to connect this to a 220v branch circuit following the proper wiring code.

1. Do i need a licence electrician?
2. Must i get a permit from the city? (NY)
3. Do i notify my power provider.?
4. Can i install this by doing it myself without permission from the above.

Thanks

XRinger

Re: Grid Tie Inverter

andy300z wrote: »

Hello Guys .
We all know those chinesse Grid tie inverter that you plug into the wall is not safe and not ul listed. I want to install and enphase micro inverter to my main breaker panel. It seems easy you just have to connect this to a 220v branch circuit following the proper wiring code.

1. Do i need a licence electrician?
2. Must i get a permit from the city? (NY)
3. Do i notify my power provider.?
4. Can i install this by doing it myself without permission from the above.

Thanks

1. & 2.
I live in MA and I needed a 220 service disconnect installed for a heat pump
that I was installing.
To stay legal, I got a permit and permission to be my own electrician.
Later, the inspector came by and checked it out and approved it.

Had I just installed it on the sneak and the heat pump blew up and
set my house on fire, It's pretty likely that my insurance would not pay me anything..

3. Here in MA, the power co (NStar) sends you forms to fill out.
The forms are not too complex and don't require excessive expertise to understand.
There are a few steps to the process, including inspections.

I'm pretty sure a DIY install wouldn't be easy. But might be doable.
The state of Mass wants us to use installers from their approved list..


4. I don't advise DIY installs. One day, the city inspector is going to
be at your door, asking you about those panels.
And, in some places they have made it a felony to hook un-approved/un-inspected power generators to the gird.


When I called NStar recently, about AC over-voltage, they sent out
a tech to check it out.
While he was up the street, a neighbor came out and spoke to the tech,
while pointing down at my backyard.?.
When the tech came back, he started asking me about my backyard solar panels..
He wanted to know if they were hooked to the grid..?.

I guess my neighbor wanted some kind of reward for turning me in.. LOL!

dwh

Re: Grid Tie Inverter

andy300z wrote: »

1. Do i need a licence electrician?
2. Must i get a permit from the city? (NY)
3. Do i notify my power provider.?
4. Can i install this by doing it myself without permission from the above.

Thanks

No.
Yes.
Yes.
No.


You can work on your own house. You still need the permit and inspection. You CAN NOT feed power to the grid without permission.