Photovoltaic inverter connected to one-way electricity meter

How do you connect a solar inverter to a utility meter?

A junction box is added between the utility meter and the main service panel. Then the wires from the utility meter, the main breaker panel, and the PV solar are connected in the junction box. An adequately sized PV service disconnect box must be used prior to making the connection between the junction box and the solar inverter.

Can a photovoltaic inverter convert a solar panel?

If the conversion of the power produced by the solar panels is done by more than one photovoltaic inverter, it is recommended that the output of those inverters be grouped by connecting them to a secondary LV switchboard, which is then connected to the main LV switchboard at a single point.

What does a solar inverter do?

Illustration courtesy of Wikimedia. If you have a household solar system, your inverter probably performs several functions. In addition to converting your solar energy into AC power, it can monitor the system and provide a portal for communication with computer networks.

How does a utility meter connect to a solar panel?

There is an ALTERNATIVE UTILITY CONNECTION called a “Supply or Line Side" connection. This connection is made BEFORE the main breaker. A junction box is added between the utility meter and the main service panel. Then the wires from the utility meter, the main breaker panel, and the PV solar are connected in the junction box.

What are the different types of solar inverters?

There are several types of inverters that might be installed as part of a solar system. In a large-scale utility plant or mid-scale community solar project, every solar panel might be attached to a single central inverter. String inverters connect a set of panels—a string—to one inverter.

How do inverters connect to electrical panels?

Circuit breaker connection: The AC wires from the inverter connect to the electrical panel through a circuit breaker. This is the most common type of connection with residential systems and is always allowed by utilities. It is also used with commercial applications whenever the main panel can accommodate the PV backfeed current.