I'm curious about DIY solar systems that can offset electricity use but might backfeed into the grid occasionally, all without having an agreement with the utility. Has anyone had experience with this? Did the utility reach out to you, or did they let it go unnoticed? I'm looking for real-life examples, not just theories.
3 Answers
It's important to remember that doing this might not be safe. Utilities want to avoid any risks to their crew, and if they notice backfeed, you could face some serious liabilities. Here in the UK, we have smart meters that can catch these anomalies, and you could even face fines if things don't match up on their records. Best bet is probably using an off-grid feature if your inverter has it, which can prevent any backfeed entirely.
Honestly, trying to backfeed without the right setup is risky. If your meter isn't designed for it, you could end up increasing your bill instead of saving. I used to work for a utility company, and trust me, those meters can only run one way. Any power sent back just spins it faster, which costs you more.
I have a DIY setup that's supposed to prevent backfeeding, but sometimes it does send a little power back when it exceeds my usage. I’ve tested it to ensure it shuts down correctly, and luckily, I haven't received any complaints from the utility company yet.
I was really hoping to hear about real experiences, not just theoretical risks.