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Topic: Survival mode.

User: Ruleshocker, Location: Bakersfield California

Asked on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 4:15 pm EDT
Answered on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 4:24 pm EDT

Question: If I took my solar line coming down from the roof and connected it to my main lugs on my main panel while at the same time getting rid of the public utilities line and safety It off. Would I have 120 volts during the day?

This is extremely dangerous and illegal. Do not attempt this.

Here's why, and what would actually happen if you tried it: No, you would not have 120V during the day in a safe and reliable manner.

Here's what would happen:
No Grid Support = Unstable Voltage and Frequency

Your solar panels produce DC (Direct Current) electricity. To use it in your home, it needs to be converted to AC (Alternating Current) using an inverter. However, an inverter is not designed to operate in isolation. They rely on the grid to "sync" the AC wave. Without the grid, the inverter would likely shut down, or if it did try to run, it would produce unstable voltage and frequency, which is dangerous for your appliances. Your home appliances and electronics are designed for a precise voltage and frequency (120V and 60Hz in the US). Fluctuations can damage them.

Backfeeding the Grid (Even if "Safetying It Off")

Even if you try to disconnect the utility feed, there's a high risk you could still energize the utility grid, creating a very dangerous situation for utility workers and your neighbors. The utility grid is designed to handle a large amount of power and has sophisticated protection systems. You would not. If the grid is off (for example a down power line) and you were to energize it through the main, people could get seriously injured or killed!


Lack of Grounding and Bonding

Your home's electrical system is grounded and bonded to ensure safety. This includes a connection to the utility's neutral wire. Disconnecting the utility feed could compromise this grounding, creating a risk of electric shock.

No Overcurrent Protection

The utility grid provides a robust source of power. Your home's main panel is designed with overcurrent protection (circuit breakers) to protect against faults. However, if you're only relying on your solar inverter, you may not have adequate overcurrent protection, which could lead to fires.


No Automatic Transfer

You would essentially be creating a manual "islanded" system. You'd need a way to manually switch between solar and grid power, and this has to be done safely with a properly designed transfer switch. Without this, you risk damaging your inverter, your home's electrical system, and potentially the grid.*

Code Violations and Legal Issues

This setup violates electrical codes and likely local ordinances. You could face fines, be forced to shut down the system, and have difficulty selling your home in the future.

How Solar is Typically Installed (Safely and Legally)


Net Metering

The most common approach is to remain connected to the grid and use a "net metering" agreement with your utility. Your solar panels generate electricity, and any excess power is fed back into the grid. You receive a credit on your bill for the power you send back.2.

Grid-Tied with Battery Backup

You can install a grid-tied system with battery backup. The batteries store excess solar power for use when the sun isn't shining or during a power outage. This still typically uses net metering when the batteries are full.3.

Off-Grid System

A true off-grid system is completely disconnected from the utility grid. This requires a large battery bank, a powerful inverter, and a generator for backup. Off-grid systems are complex and expensive to design and maintain, and they still require permits and inspections.

To summarize: working with mains power without proper certifications and understanding is an extreme risk and should not be attempted.
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