Plug in solar and GFIs

[brycenesbitt]

UL could limit the output, that's I feel the best that can be done.

Precisely the solution in Germany.
I worry more about the energy loss of cords through windows and/or cords getting cut by being run through doors. Seems that needs some tech like now exists for EV charging under garage doors.

 

[analog8484]

I think another thing to keep in mind that real PV system is not like a steady power source. No real PIPV will likely produce anywhere near the max inverter power capacity for longer than a short time without throttling. An 800W PIPV inverter will likely only produce 600-700W in a real system during peak season for a duration that is likely much shorter than the continuous use time limit (3 hours?) used for UL compliance rating of wires and receptacles.

 

[jaggedben]

I think another thing to keep in mind that real PV system is not like a steady power source. No real PIPV will likely produce anywhere near the max inverter power capacity for longer than a short time without throttling. An 800W PIPV inverter will likely only produce 600-700W in a real system during peak season for a duration that is likely much shorter than the continuous use time limit (3 hours?) used for UL compliance rating of wires and receptacles.

I think that is incorrect. An inverter with a sufficiently high DC/AC ratio and optimal panel orientation will typically output at its continuous current rating for several hours on a clear sunny day in summer. That's why the NEC requires the continuous 125% factor for output conductors and OCPDs. It may be that a smaller percentage of PIPV systems will actually do that, due to less than optimal panel orientation or exposure, but it's not something that can be counted on from a branch circuit safety point of view.

 

[analog8484]

I think that is incorrect. An inverter with a sufficiently high DC/AC ratio and optimal panel orientation will typically output at its continuous current rating for several hours on a clear sunny day in summer. That's why the NEC requires the continuous 125% factor for output conductors and OCPDs. It may be that a smaller percentage of PIPV systems will actually do that, due to less than optimal panel orientation or exposure, but it's not something that can be counted on from a branch circuit safety point of view.

Sure if the DC/AC ratio and orientation were all optimal then the peak output could be achieved. However, based on my own experience and observations of others (including systems on pvoutput.org) I really see that for most residential systems. I understand ratings compliance can't count on such factors and I was just commenting on the difference between likely reality vs theoretical worst case scenarios.

 

[ggunn]

Sure if the DC/AC ratio and orientation were all optimal then the peak output could be achieved. However, based on my own experience and observations of others (including systems on pvoutput.org) I really see that for most residential systems. I understand ratings compliance can't count on such factors and I was just commenting on the difference between likely reality vs theoretical worst case scenarios.

Did you mean "rarely"?

 

[analog8484]

Did you mean "rarely"?

Oops .. yes ... thanks for catching it

 

[kwired]

And while I suspect that limiting output to something like 4amps would eliminate danger

Until Mr Homeowner plugs 4 or 5 units into the same branch circuit.