The Powers That Be do allow grid tie inverters with current limiters to be used. Here is is important to distinguish which Powers That Be you are referring to.
I’m interested in any UL-Listed GTILs that can be connected in parallel (in-the-critical-path hybrids not included).
As far as the building code is concerned, any grid tied inverter that is UL approved can be installed with just a building permit in most places. For example my current Enphase micros can be configured for non export and I am of the opinion that if I do not export I do not have to apply for a Permission To Operate.
I believe that is correct.
Micro-inverters under control of a centralized battery/storage system to assure all unconsumed generated power is either used to charge the battery or the micros are forced to taper-back production is the other attractive alternative to achieving the same end-result.
If we don’t see UL-approved GTILs by the time I’m putting together my ‘final’ build in a couple years, that may be the direction I go.
What are you using to control your Enphase Micros and does it need to be wired into the critical path like a hybrid inverter or can it connect on parallel through it’s own circuit like a GTIL?
I do not think the building codes will ever be relaxed to the point of allowing non UL approved Inverters to be permanently attached to household circuits.
No, I don’t believe permitted installs will ever allow installation of non UL-approved equipment.
The ‘Powers That Be’ that I was referring to was UL itself. I’m not aware if anyone has attempted to get one of these GTIL inverters through the UL approval process or not yet ($$$expensive).
I honestly do not know if a GTIL connected through a plug and receptacle is considered temporary like a generator.
I’m not aware of any permitted/listed installation of a generator that allows it to be powered and supplying loads in parallel with the grid. Off-grid or separate island, fine, but supplying power in parallel with the grid requires a listed hybrid inverter (from what I’ve understood).
A generator including a solar generator can be connected up to one or several appliances (ie: with extension cords) but I’m not aware of any permanent installs that don’t require use of a transfer switch so generated power is essentially off-grid (again, except in the case of a hybrid inverter).
Appliances that consume power can be connected to any outlet and the ‘grey area’ exploited by these GTIL inverters is that they are essentially configured as appliances that generate a bit of power rather than consume a bit of power.
The better proxy might be a UPS for a computer. Those are listed but they only kick-in when the grid goes down and they only power a dedicated socket/appliance.
A UPS could be designed so that is powers the appliance/computer during peak hours and recharges the battery during off-peak hours.
I’m not aware of any UPSes that do that and in any case, we’re still talking about serial connection versus parallel connection, but it’s still a closer analogy than a generator that typically cannot be operating while the grid is live (without a hybrid inverter).