Grid tie in micro inverter WVC1200 220V wiring instructions

Welcome to the Forum JeanLafete,

I am guessing you are in the USA (Texas?).

Do you have a link to the product and manual you can post here? Examples:

https://www.inverter.com/1200-watt-solar-micro-inverter
http://www.powerelek.com/grid-tie-power-inverters/131-wv-230-250-.html

It appears there are two versions of these GT Inverters... A 120 VAC nominal and a 240 VAC nominal... And I have seen websites that list the inverters at 50/60 HZ, and others that listed 120 VAC @ 60 Hz and 230 VAC @ 50 Hz.

Without knowing your exact product--Cannot give you exact answers.

For 120 VAC North American circuits, we have L1 (Hot) and L2 (Hot) and Neutral... With L1-L2 = 240 VAC, and L1-N = 120 VAC, and L2-N = 120 VAC. And N-Ground should be "near" zero volts.

For 240 VAC circuits, L1-L2 = 240 VAC... Some GT Inverters that are designed for 240 VAC have L1/L2/G connections, and others ahve L1/L2/N/G connections. The N does not carry any (useful) current... But the N-G connection is used to ensure that everything is connected correctly (Neutral-Ground bond, no floating Neutrals, etc.). If N-G voltage is >> zero volts, then the inverter will fault.

-Bill

Your connections: #1 is L, #3 is N, & #2 is G

Sounds like that is for a Europe/Rest of the world that runs at 230 VAC (+/-) @ 50 Hz (typically)...

In the USA/North America, we have (for most residences) 120/240 VAC Split Phase 60 Hz power... For 240 VAC inverters, we have L1+L2+N+Grnd or L1+L2+Gnd for GT inverters. There are (a few?) 120 VAC inverters too--And you would see L1+N+Gnd there...

Many GT inverters can work just fine connected to L1+L2 (240 VAC). Newer units may also a N connection (voltage checks between L1+N and/or L2+N -- Looking for 120 VAC. If not found, then a failed neutral/ground connection may be present--And GT inverter will shut down).

In Europe/much of the rest of the world, they have 230 VAC @ 50 Hz power... An L1 and L2 connection (230 VAC) and no second Neutral connection.

One of the connections (L1 or L2) may/usually(?) be bonded to Ground==Although there is not a "world standard" that I have seen that require N+Lx bonding and "polarized" Neutral (I.e., L2=Neutral or something like that). The "average home" may find L1=Ground Bonded, or L2=Ground Bonded, or not polarized, or perhaps no Lx+G bonding.

Regarding N or Lx (whatever) "ground bonding". In North America, we have 3 (or 4) leads... L1 (black), L2 (red), Neutral (white), Safety Ground (green wire). For homes, the Neutral+Ground bonding takes place in the Home's main electrical panel (NOT at the GT inverter--Sp you will not find a N+G bond or zero Ohms resistance).

Could you take the L1+N and connect to the main panel L1+L2? It may connect without sparks... But different countries have different requirements for power connections (as above). Since, in North America, neither L1 or L2 are neutral bonded (i.e., L1-N and L2-N = 120 VAC, and L1-G and L2-G = 120 VAC... And L1-L2 = 240 VAC).

Will the micro inverter measure voltage between N and Ground and "fault" (turn off) if "N" = 120 VAC to ground--I do not know.

Generally, for Grid Tied (Utility Interactive) Solar Inverters, both the local building department and the utility have requirements that these GT Inverters must meet--And the inverters must be NRTL (nationally recognized testing laboratories--Such as UL, CSA, TUV, ETL, etc.).

There should be an NRTL "mark" on the inverter, and a Mfg. Name+Model number (that can be looked up online to confirm NRTL Listing).

If the GT Inverters are not LISTED and/or setup for USA/North America, the local building department inspector/utility may disallow connection.

Can you get help from the company that sold you the inverter?

-Bill