FCC Inverter Ban: What It Means for DIY Solar

The FCC just banned approval of all foreign-made inverters. Here's what that means for anyone doing DIY solar right now. Read Eric's full article with primary government sources: FCC Bans Foreign-Made Solar Inverters: DIY Solar Guide On July 28, the FCC ruled that no new foreign-made inverter can receive FCC certification unless 65% of its component value is US-sourced. If you already own an inverter with an FCC ID, you're fine. But new models, hardware revisions, and anything with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular communication may never reach the US market. We break down the actual ruling text from FCC.gov, talk about who's affected (EG4, Victron, SMA, SRNE, and every power station brand), and share our predictions for what comes next: communication-less inverters, a boom for Solar Assistant, and a possible component-based workaround via Victron's Cerbo GX. Plus: Adam's 12000XP is finally running, Rodney drove a Tesla Model Y Performance, the Sunshine Report hits 2 megawatts, and we answer viewer questions about solar yield reporting, adding a second FlexBOSS 21, and dongle setup on the V2 12000XP. Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and what's happening this week2:40 Rodney test-drove a Tesla Model Y Performance4:09 Adam's 12000XP is running (6000XPs are out)7:14 The FCC inverter ban: how we found out8:12 TL;DR: what the ruling actually says10:00 65% US-made requirement and who's affected (Victron too)12:30 The DJI drone ban parallel15:30 Existing inverters are safe, but what about updates?18:25 Chat Q: What does FCC have to do with solar?19:07 The Wi-Fi dongle workaround idea20:08 Reading the actual FCC ruling text25:00 Wireless vs. wired: where's the line?28:30 Power stations (EcoFlow, Anker) are affected too29:00 We're going to RE+ 202630:00 Predictions: communication-less inverters and Solar Assistant31:00 Victron's Cerbo GX loophole38:48 Tangent: Flock cameras and surveillance39:10 Sunshine Report: community solar production45:25 Mid-show recap and podcast reminder52:22 1984 and George Orwell53:54 Q&A: How to read your solar yield55:15 Eric shares screen: 12000XP solar yield (43.9 kWh)57:17 Q: Orient Power battery settings on Mac vs PC58:52 Q: Adding a second FlexBOSS 21 and dongle setup1:01:12 What's coming up next1:02:08 Adam: Starlink 1-year review, FCC video, EV side-by-side 90 days1:04:50 Rodney: Bluetti charge controller testing1:05:31 Sign-off Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unpluggedsolar Watch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarAdam DeLay DIYRodney HuntEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy Independence Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to [email protected] with the subject "Unplugged". Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com (use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500)Current Connected: currentconnected.com Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, transfer switches, generator interlocks, inverters, and backup-power wiring can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, fuel/CO risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code.