Can A Micro Inverter Be Plugged Directly Into An Outlet?

Today, I’m testing out a product I found on Amazon that could potentially offset your monthly energy bill: a micro inverter that feeds solar power directly into your home, even when grid-tied.

The big sell here? It’s a plug-and-play device.

I’m excited (and a bit skeptical) to see if the micro inverter lives up to its claims. But before we jump into the test, let’s get to know the product a little better.

Rather watch than read? Check out this 9-minute video:

How Does the Micro Inverter Work?

The key difference between this micro inverter and others, (such as the Enphase microinverters), is its ability to plug directly into a standard 120-volt outlet in your home.

This means you could start offsetting your energy bill just by plugging in the device, without any complex installations.

This micro inverter can handle up to four panels, totaling 1200W of solar power. Pair it with some affordable used panels, and you’ve got yourself a cost-effective energy solution.

But is it really that simple? Let’s find out.

My First Impressions of the Micro Inverter

Right off the bat, I noticed that many different brands sell this same micro inverter. (The one I’m testing is made by Y&H.) None of them have a ton of reviews and overheating seems to be a common issue.

Despite this, I want to test it out to kickstart a discussion about its viability. After all, it could be a very cost-effective solution if it works. 

Testing the Solar Micro Inverter

My Solar Panel Setup

For my test, I have four Heliene 360-Watt panels connected to the micro inverter.

These panels have an open circuit voltage of 48.6 volts, which are just within the inverter’s operating range of 17 to 50 volts.

However, since the current exceeds what the inverter can handle, it clips the input to a maximum of 300 watts per panel.

The AC Output

Next, we have our AC output, which actually has a small display showing the power output (currently at 870 watts).

Although the display is convenient, it’s not weather-sealed. It should be in its own case to avoid damage from moisture and the elements. The screw terminals are wide open, so be careful having this open to the environment.

From the display, the inverter connects to the 120 plug. The inverter’s 120-volt output is noteworthy, contrasting with the typical 240-volt output of other micro inverters.

Testing the Temperature

Since reviewers say overheating is a common issue, I want to test the temperature of the micro inverter.

I’m using a thermal imaging camera to monitor the temperature, checking for any concerning hot spots. Also important to note, the temperature outside today is very forgiving, at 45–50° F.

The thermal imaging camera shows the micro inverter is around 86ºF, with a hot spot in the upper left that is 94 to 95°F. So, overall it’s warming up but it’s not too concerning.

Analyzing the Power Output

To see how much energy the inverter produces, I use a small energy analyzer. It’s set up on the extension cord, which hooks into a GFCI outlet on the exterior of the house. Remember if you are trying this at your own home best to check with your local inspector and utility before attempting this test.

So far, we’ve produced over 1 kilowatt-hour in 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Despite overcast conditions, these are pretty good results. Our small setup is substantially offsetting the energy consumption of this home.

Line Loss Considerations

One thing you want to consider is the 1200 watts coming through your extension cord. You might want to use a 14-gauge or even better a 12-gauge wire to minimize line loss.

Watch our video to learn more about how different wires affect line loss.

Does the Solar Micro Inverter Work?

So, does this thing actually function? Absolutely.

I’ve been pretty impressed with the product. It’s truly plug-and-play and you’re up and going in a matter of minutes. 

But remember, one of the biggest complaints I see online is overheating. And since this was a cool day, we didn’t really test that at all.

Addressing Safety and Code Compliance

One big question is: how do we plug directly into the grid safely? There’s a risk of back-feeding the grid during a power outage, which is a dangerous situation and completely against code.

However, this micro inverter monitors whether there’s power in the home before it produces any power. If the grid is down, it will not produce any power and thus avoid the unsafe condition of back-feeding the grid.

I was a little skeptical, so I checked with my local inspector. He said that as long as the unit is incapable of backfeeding the grid in a power outage, he would approve the setup.

Certifications: Buyer Beware

One significant red flag is the lack of certifications on this product.

On most electronic devices, you’ll find all sorts of certifications, especially from Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This means that they have been through testing and passed.

But I can’t find anything on this micro inverter. So, buyer beware. Check with your local inspector and do your own testing.

Considering Solar for Your Home

There’s a lot of use cases for this type of plug-and-play setup. But if you want to replace your entire monthly energy consumption, I would go with a professionally mounted system that comes with a 20-25 year warranty. 

If you’re interested in going down that path of solar independence, check out SolarReviews. This is where I started to better understand the size of the system I needed and a rough estimate of the system cost.

SolarReviews will estimate the size and cost of your system in less than 5 minutes. Then if you want to dive deeper, they’ll connect you with local installers so you can lock in some quotes and find the right installer for you.

Ongoing Testing

I will continue testing this solar micro inverter in a small 1,000 square foot house.

I’ll track how much power it produces over multiple days, and how much it offsets my power bill. Stay tuned for updates on this experiment.

Learning Resources for DIY Solar

If you’re just getting started in solar, you might need a better understanding of how to wire solar panels together to get the most power output.

You’ll need to understand series, parallel, and series-parallel wiring to get started on your DIY solar journey. Check out this article where I walk you through all those different scenarios, giving you some tangible examples.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways From My Micro Inverter Test

To wrap this up, let’s take a look at our key takeaways:

1. Discovering the Micro Inverter: I explored an intriguing plug-and-play device that integrates solar panels directly into a grid-tied home.
2. Ease of Installation: I was impressed by its simple setup and user-friendly operation.
3. First-Hand Test: I conducted an in-depth test to evaluate its efficiency and power output.
4. Test Results: Overall, the device performed well on 1 overcast day.
5. Design and Durability Concerns: There are potential issues with its lack of weatherproofing, and online reviews report overheating as a common issue.
6. Safety and Compliance: Although the nature of this product raises concerns, I’ve discovered that it is code-compliant.
7. Buyer Beware: There appears to be an absence of safety certifications for this product. Check with an inspector and use with caution.
8. Ongoing Testing: I’ll be conducting an ongoing test of the micro inverter to see how it performs over the span of multiple days.

Thanks for joining me in exploring this solar micro inverter, and remember to check back here for updates on my ongoing experiment.