Plug-In Solar Electrical Protection
Plug-in solar is here. Is your electrical installation ready for power to flow both way? For total safety, Plug-In Solar Electrical Protection should be considered at the outset.
Plug-in solar systems can now be used in homes across Great Britain allowing solar generation to connect through a standard household socket. The process of Plug-In Solar Electrical Protection is designed to ensure these connections meet current regulations.
Many modern electrical installations may already be suitable. Others may require upgraded protective devices or a dedicated circuit. Eco-ESS provide simple electrical protection solutions. In fact, implementing a Plug-In Solar Electrical Protection board ensures you are protected.
Up to 800W
Plug-in solar systems can now connect through a standard household socket.
ELECTRICAL PROTECTION MATTERS
Power can flow back through the circuit. Electrical Safety First recommends suitable bidirectional protection.
INSTALLATION REQUIRED
This board must be installed by a competent person in accordance with BS 7671.
Is My Home Ready For Plug-In Solar?
There are three possible outcomes. As a result, Plug-In Solar Electrical Protection should be checked by a professional before proceeding.
SOLAR READY
Existing installation and protection confirmed suitable.
No upgrade required.
RCBO UPGRADE
Existing circuit suitable but protective device requires upgrading.
Eco-ESS Type A 16a-30mA Bidirectional RCBO.
DEDICATED CIRCUIT
Existing circuit/CU unsuitable, unavailable or a new circuit is preferred.
Eco-ESS Plug-In-Solar Protection Board.
For Homeowners
Not sure whether your home is ready? Ask our qualified team and check.
For Electricians
For technical information, device specifications and trade pricing speak with our dedicated team.
Not necessarily. In many cases, your existing consumer unit can remain in place. However, plug-in solar must be connected to a suitable, correctly protected circuit. Where the existing consumer unit cannot provide the required protection, an additional protection board can be installed instead of replacing the entire consumer unit.
Where an RCBO is used on a circuit that can experience power flow in both directions, the protective device must be suitable for that application. A bidirectional RCBO provides appropriate protection for circuits where solar energy can be supplied back into the electrical installation.
The RCBO must be suitable for the specific solar system and electrical installation, including bidirectional power flow where applicable. The correct device should always be selected by a qualified electrician in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s requirements and current wiring regulations.
No. Plug-in solar should not simply be connected to any convenient household socket. The socket and circuit must be suitable for the system and have the correct electrical protection in place. The installation should be assessed by a qualified electrician before connection.
Potentially, yes. An older consumer unit does not automatically mean plug-in solar cannot be installed. The existing electrical installation must first be assessed to determine whether it provides the required protection. Where it doesn’t, an additional protection board may provide a solution without requiring a complete consumer unit replacement.
The connection arrangement depends on the solar system, the existing electrical installation and the manufacturer’s requirements. A qualified electrician should assess the installation and determine the appropriate circuit and protection required rather than assuming an existing socket circuit is suitable.
There isn’t one RCBO rating that is suitable for every plug-in solar installation. The rating must be selected according to the circuit design, cable size, solar equipment and manufacturer’s requirements. A qualified electrician should determine the correct protective device for each installation.
Surge protection requirements depend on the electrical installation and the applicable wiring regulations. An electrician should assess whether SPD protection is already present and suitable, or whether additional protection is required. Eco-ESS protection solutions can incorporate surge protection where required.
IMPORTANT – INSTALLATION REQUIREMENT
This electrical protection board must be installed, connected, tested and commissioned by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, BS 7671 OET Wiring Regulations) and all applicable UK electrical safety requirements. This product is not intended for DIY installation. Eco Energy Storage Systems Ltd accepts no responsibility for damage, malfunction, loss or injury arisen from incorrect installation, unauthorised modification, improper use failure to follow the installation instructions, or installation by a person who is not suitably competent to carry out the work. The installer is responsible for confirmation that the product is suitable for the intended appliance and that the completed installation is correctly designed, protected.