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Twenty four US states are now considering legislation to allow small, plug-in solar power systems that connect directly into a wall socket. (www.nytimes.com)
submitted 9 months ago by to c/energy@slrpnk.net
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I'm a little wary of plug-in solar in the US. Some of the bills propose allowing 1200 watt panels which can overload wiring depending on what else is on the circuit and how in the wall wiring is run. Limiting plug-in panel wattage to, say, 400 watts might be necessary

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[–] 1 point 9 months ago (1 child)

I think the issue is that, if you have a circuit designed and protected for X, then put Y solar in, you can get a situation where X+Y is flowing down some of the wires. It's more than they are rated for, but the breaker doesn't see it.

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  • [+] 0 points 9 months ago (1 child)
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  • [–] 2 points 9 months ago

    What matters is the differential. A breaker limits the input. E.g. to 16A. A plug in solar provides an independent input. E.g. 10A. Under certain circumstances, multiple loads, up to 26A total could exist on the spur, without the breaker being triggered. This could put up to 26A down some of the wiring of the spur.

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