Neutral for circuits micro inverters

[ggunn]

The directions for Enphase micro-inverters call it a Branch Circuit many times in the paperwork included with the product.

I see it as a 2-way circuit...its an Inverter Output Circuit going towards the utility supply and a Branch Circuit going towards the Inverter. And in the direction from utility to inverter the circuit is a Branch Circuit and subject to the rules as applied for branch circuits.

So look at the specs here...

http://www.enphase.com/sites/default/files/M215_DS_EN_60Hz.pdf

See how the nighttime power consumption is "65mW max"...well that makes the micro-inverter an Outlet by definition in the Code.

Actually, all inverters use some power at nighttime and should be considered an Outlet and Utilization Equipment by the Code, I do.

shortcircuit

I agree. It's more important that the circuit be designed and built correctly that to call it by the "correct" name. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck.

 

[SolarPro]

That two-way power flow is even more evident with the Enphase AC Battery, which is basically a lithium ion battery pack married with a microinverter:

https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/ACBattery-DS-EN-US.pdf

This is anecdotal rather than based in Code, but I often describe a PV system to someone unfamiliar with the concept as a dedicated branch circuit, very similar to those serving other large appliances; in this case, the "appliance" connected to the dedicated circuit breaker exports electrons whenever the sun is out rather than consumes energy.

That brach circuit analogy is obvious better suited for a load-side connected PV system than one that is connected on the supply side of a service disconnecting means.