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> Backfeeding houses with generators is indeed a killer feature...

oh, you mean like solar PV on-grid setups ...



All of the grid tied solar systems are able to conform to the IEEE 1547 standard. Amongst the particulars are a 300 second reconnection time if there's an interrupted grid to protect utility workers. Most (all?) USA utilities mandate this standard.

Some battery systems, like the Tesla Powerwall include a contactor that allow their microgrid battery systems to conform to the standard without a loss of power to the site they power.

https://standards.ieee.org/standard/1547-2018.html


Your basic solar inverter monitors the grid voltage, and if the grid goes down it stops generating.

Needless to say, if you're looking for a backup power source this isn't a property you want.


People with generators and suicide cables know to shut off the main breaker. Per my buddy who is a lineman in a rural area, DIY solar systems in cabins and such are much more of an issue.


d'oh. i'm an idiot.

(an idiot who the state of NM certified last year to install his own on-grid solar PV system, so doubly an idiot!)


Yeah, our local utility won't let you feed the house from panels without grid power unless you also install a battery.


Those are generally fine because they are generally installed and configured by licensed electricians. Generators with suicide-cables installed by homeowner Joe Blow are the problem.


Close. It's not the electricians qualifications that make it safe, it's a feature in generating home inverters called 'anti-islanding'.

A correct install is of course also required as it's possible to screw up and unintentionally cripple this important safety feature.




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