Newbie here, looking to learn much more about solar and wind energy. Also support for my first DIY panel. Hoping to use a plug into wall outlet, grid tie inverter.
Anyone have any advice for me concerning the small grid tie inverters,,,please chime in and give me your .02.

Thanks Dillion

Welcome to the forum.

A plug and cord grid tie inverter does not have a certified listing (UL) and does not comply with electrical codes or utility regulations.

__________________
Dereck, PE, MSEE
Moderator

Thanx for the info, and quick reply...
So I assume all this stuff I been seeing is to good to be true huh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hANi5NbcY5g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82yHA0eDXDU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo0_aDfgRpM

Thats not what I was hell bent on doing but seemed like the most practical.
My first DIY panel is going to be a 18volt evergreen 36 cell system. Using it for charging batteries would also be practical for me. In warmer weather months about 8 to 9 a year I keep 4 batteries charged. 3 for boat and one for drag car.

wow, lots of great info on this site. One thing I didn't mention is that I have a hunting cabin with no water/power. I might use my panel as a mobile panel. Use it at home to charge my drag car an boat batteries and take it to the cabin to power a light and radio. I have everything I need to get started other than the solar cells themselves.

At the cabin I'll be using a regular 12v marine battery. I'd like to run at least two 10watt incandescent lights and a radio that uses 8watts.

Anyone have an estimate on how long that would last on a fully charged battery?


Update...due to all the info on this site I answered my own ?

Correction- I'll be using CFL bulbs. Seeing 5watt lights a walmart.com Should be good for what I need. Cabin is only one room 15x15. So I can get by with one 5watt light and 8watt radio. Maybe some other type of device. Should be awesome, I've had the place since about 1995 and the only power I've had is when I take a generator. 99% of time I don't take it. Just when I know I have to run some power tools.