Easy check, grab a voltmeter and do it yourself.
Pull the plug, set voltmeter to AC, and read the voltage across the prongs. If you get anything over the usual float voltage you get from just holding the probes ungrounded, then you have a problem.
Comment on Easy-to-use solar panels are coming, but utilities are trying to delay them
artyom@piefed.social 7 hours agoHow do you know? In a typical solar system, you have to have a permit, which requires an inspector to come out and ensure everything is configured correctly and safely. These don’t require any permits, which is great for making them more affordable and accessible, but there’s also no one coming around to make sure that anyone is doing it safely.
shininghero@pawb.social 7 hours ago
artyom@piefed.social 7 hours ago
By “you” I did not mean your personal solar system. I mean how does the utility know that other users that have systems connected are doing so safely?
ThePantser@sh.itjust.works 6 hours ago
The PRODUCT is designed to stop feeding OUT the plug if it doesn’t detect VOLTAGE from the socket. AC is alternating current so it pulses on and off so the solar system is doing the same. It’s turning on and off quickly and seeing if it gets power back and if it detects no power incoming it shuts off the power from the solar. It’s quite simple and ingenious.
HubertManne@piefed.social 5 hours ago
ok I have to believe the guy replying is a shil at this point. Use of approved products is as old as the electric stystem. Its why the electric company does not have to come and inspect everything you have plugged into the grid and does not come out every time you get a new appliance. The standards are with the product as you correctly point out and the state does not allow on compliant products to be sold just like with refrigerators.
artyom@piefed.social 6 hours ago
I am not asking how the technology works. I am asking how the utility verifies that people are using compliant products.
acosmichippo@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
you can unilaterally connect your solar panels to the grid. you have to work with the utility to turn them up, and they require permits and passed inspections.
artyom@piefed.social 6 hours ago
According to my research, there is no such permit required in Utah. And presumably new legislation is looking to have this exception as well.
acosmichippo@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
not true, you still need to apply to the utility to export to the grid.
artyom@piefed.social 6 hours ago
Your link doesn’t mention anything about balcony solar.
why “presumably”?
Because the whole point is to make solar easier and more affordable?
eleitl@lemmy.zip 7 hours ago
I know it because it’s in the spec necessary for licensing. It shuts off in under 20 ms so you can’t even get shocked by the prongs of the plug if pulled out.
artyom@piefed.social 7 hours ago
What license? Who is coming to verify your license?
eleitl@lemmy.zip 6 hours ago
It is a commercial product, connected to the grid via a standard schuko plug, sold in Germany. It has to be compliant with the local law to be sold legally.
It all shouldn’t be so difficult to understand.
artyom@piefed.social 6 hours ago
So you can’t buy raw solar panels or inverters in Germany?
It’s not, which is why I’m not sure why you’re struggling.
ywuduyu@piefed.social 6 hours ago
You are only allowed to dell inverters improved by VDE
artyom@piefed.social 6 hours ago
Again I ask, if there is no permit, how will the utilities know you are in compliance with this law?
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 3 hours ago
In the United States that would be UL Certification.
artyom@piefed.social 3 hours ago
UL is not a license. It’s a certification. And you forgot the second question.