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Why is plug-in solar a total gamechanger?
For decades, the sustainable choice often cost an expensive premium. That's not the case for plug-in solar. Now, anyone can start saving money and the planet just by plugging into an outlet.
So, how does it work?
How it works
01
The sun shines on solar panels, generating Direct Current (DC) electricity.
02
Microinverter converts DC to Alternating Current (AC), which powers the home.
03
AC power flows into your home's electrical circuit through the standard wall outlet.
04
Home uses the clean energy first, offsetting what would have been pulled from the grid.
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Videos & Webinars
Recorded explainers and fireside chats, including our state-by-state strategy session.
Common misconceptions
MYTH
"The NEC has to be updated before plug-in solar can be legal."
FACT
UL-listed systems are in full compliance with the NEC. Because the UL standard for PIPV is designed to operate within existing NEC requirements, there is no need to update the electrical code for plug-in solar.
MYTH
"Lineworkers could be shocked by plug-in solar."
FACT
Microinverters shut off automatically when grid power goes out, so they don't send power onto lines being repaired.
MYTH
"Older houses are more at risk when using PIPV."
FACT
As long as the home's wiring meets minimum code standards, UL-listed systems are safe for older homes.
GLOSSARY
Plug-in solar terms
Plug-in Solar 101
Microinverter
A small box that converts the panel's DC power into the AC power your outlets use.
Anti-islanding
A safety feature that shuts the system off when grid power goes out.
GFCI Outlet
An outlet that cuts power instantly if it senses current leaking where it shouldn't.
Watts vs kilowatt hours
Watts measure power at a moment. Kilowatt-hours measure energy over time, which is what your bill charges for.
DC vs. AC
Direct current (DC) is what the panel produces; alternating current (AC) is what your home uses. The microinverter converts between them.
Legal
NEC (National Electrical Code)
The national model code for safe wiring, which states and cities adopt.
UL 3700
A U.S. safety certification created for plug-in solar equipment.
Interconnection
The process of connecting a power source to the utility grid, often with the utility's approval.
360W and 391W limits
360W is the NEC buffer limit on a shared 15A circuit; 391W is the threshold some state laws use (e.g. Utah’s original law).
Net Metering
A billing setup that credits you for solar power you send back to the grid.
Buying, Installing, Saving
Breaker Masking
When solar feeding into a circuit hides part of the load from the breaker.
Dedicated vs Branch Circuit
A dedicated circuit serves one outlet or device. A branch circuit is shared by several outlets.
Battery Storage
A battery that saves daytime solar power to use later.
Payback period
How long it takes for bill savings to cover what you paid.
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