Plug-and-play solar installation: now you can connect photovoltaic modules directly to a socket

In Switzerland, as a customer of an electricity provider, you are entitled to operate a small, mobile photovoltaic system, also known as a "plug-and-play photovoltaic system", with a maximum output of 600 watts, which can be plugged into a socket.

You read that right: we are talking about one to three photovoltaic modules that can be plugged directly into an outdoor socket on the balcony, terrace or garage. It is also possible to plug 3 such "plug-in" photovoltaic modules into three different sockets, provided that the total output of 600 watts is not exceeded.

With a plug-and-play photovoltaic system, the solar power is fed directly into the building's electrical circuit – without first running through a special control device or electricity meter (as is the case for a more powerful installation). This renewable energy then powers electrical and electronic devices that are constantly in operation: refrigerator, modem, battery charger, etc. The electricity that is not consumed immediately is not lost: it is fed into the power grid and is available to electricity customers in the neighbourhood. A plug-and-play photovoltaic system with an output of 500 watts can produce about 500 kWh of electricity per year, i.e. about a fifth of the amount of electricity consumed by an average 2-person household (~2500 kWh per year) – provided, of course, that it is well supplied to the sun and connected all year round.

Regulations must be complied with

For the installation of a plug-and-play photovoltaic system, four regulations must be observed:

1. Their electricity production power must not exceed 600 watts to avoid any risk of heating the building's electrical wiring when running equipment is already consuming a lot of electricity.
2. It must have a declaration of conformity: all components must comply with the standards listed in Article 6 of the NEV (Regulation on Low-Voltage Electrical Products). In particular, it must have a Type B residual current circuit breaker.
3. It must be able to be converted "mobile", i.e. without much effort.
4. It must be reported to the power distributor before commissioning. It is best to send a copy of the technical characteristics of the system in a registered letter. It is possible that the electricity distributor asserts special provisions, for example requiring a change of the electricity meter (see below).

This should have made it clear that it can be worthwhile to follow the offers on the Internet carefully and to choose a reputable seller who knows the Swiss regulations. It is also advisable to check with your electricity distributor before buying. If you are a tenant and want to install your pluggable photovoltaic module clearly visible from the street or on the balcony railing, it is recommended to obtain permission from the administration or the homeowner.

One, two or three photovoltaic modules

A plug-and-play photovoltaic system consists at least of a photovoltaic module (A), a microinverter (B) – this is the box that converts the direct current from the solar cells into alternating current 230V/50Hz – a residual current circuit breaker (C) and a plug (D). Residual current circuit breakers and plugs can be combined. Depending on the size and power of the solar modules (and their microinverters), you need 2 or 3 modules to reach the maximum permitted power of 600 watts.

A small photovoltaic system can be installed on the flat roof of a garage, on the balcony railing, on a tool shed, or on a terrace or simply directly in the garden. There are even outdoor tables on the market that are equipped with a solar panel.

In any case, however, the modules should be firmly fastened so that they are not blown over or away by storm winds. And if martens occur in the area, it makes sense to protect the wiring from browsing with a plastic sheath.

Make sure that the electricity meter performs the phase balancing

It is important to know that, from a purely physical point of view, the solar power fed into the socket is only available to the devices that are on the same electrical phase (on the same large circuit breaker of the electrical fuse box). The electricity that is not consumed directly in the household is fed into the public power grid. However, most of the three-phase electricity meters installed in Switzerland balance the electricity consumed or fed into the grid on each of the 3 phases (balancing meters). In other words, these electricity meters take into account the power of the plug-and-play photovoltaic system, even if it is not connected to the same phase as the devices that consume electricity.

If, on the other hand, the photovoltaic system produces more electricity than is consumed in the household, the surplus is often not taken into account, unless you still have an old three-phase meter that can run backwards (although not all old meters can run backwards), or you are equipped with a balancing bidirectional meter (surplus/purchase) equipped: When you notify your electricity distributor of your plug-and-play installation, you can ask them to confirm that the installed electricity meter balances the phases. You can also ask him to replace the currently installed bidirectional meter with a balancing bidirectional meter: with such a meter, you can better optimize your self-consumption, and you can also measure the amount of solar power that is fed into the public electricity grid and can be financially remunerated.

Optimisation of the sunlight of the photovoltaic modules

In order to make maximum use of the sunlight, the solar modules can be advantageously aligned depending on the season. If you have two photovoltaic panels, both equipped with a microinverter, you can place them facing south like a pitched roof in summer to take advantage of the rising and setting sun: the panels will produce less electricity at midday, but the duration of solar power production is spread over the whole day.

If you have bought a solar table, don't forget to clear it of all objects that obstruct it, because if a single cell of the solar panel receives less sun, the energy output of all cells in the module will be lower.

In the event of a failure or interruption of the public power grid, the inverter(s) of the "plug-and-play" photovoltaic solar system are automatically switched off. The solar module(s) therefore no longer supply electricity.

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A small, mobile plug-and-play photovoltaic system is in the right place:

• If their electricity production does not exceed 600 watts (maximum 2.6 amps under 230 volts).
• If all the material has a declaration of conformity (require from the seller).
• If it is equipped with a Type B residual current circuit breaker (safety by detecting smooth DC residual currents AND AC residual currents) – or with microinverters that perform the same function.
• If the grid operator has been informed in writing before commissioning.
• If the homeowner or the administration has given their consent (for visible solar modules on the façade or balcony).
• If the installation is securely fastened and insensitive to wind influences.
• When the plug of the system is plugged into an outdoor socket that meets safety standards (any modification of a socket must be made by a qualified electrician).
• When the solar panel(s) are fully exposed to the sun (a small shadow spot reduces the output of all the solar cells in the panel).
• If the solar module(s) are cleaned of dust, old leaves and bird droppings, and if you also remove the snow.
• If you also don't forget to save electricity, mainly during the winter months.
• If you do not forget to disconnect the solar panels from the power grid before working on the electrical installation of the building – it is advisable to place a warning near the electrical cabinet.

Plug & Play photovoltaic systems, question and answer document by SwissEnergy (PDF)

www.topten.ch, Overview Plug & Play Solar Systems

www.swissolar.ch, Swiss Association for Solar Energy

Photovoltaic system (solar modules for power generation)

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