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If an iVolt or AVR is exposed to a reverse voltage can this damage it or does it protect itself?

Introduction
When considering methods to save energy consumption in a building there are a range of possible technologies you may be considering. Along with an iVolt to reduce the electricity consumption, you may also be think looking at using solar PV, or may already have it installed.

The question is, “Will the iVolt and grid connected solar PV work well together?”
The answer is “Yes”, provided the system is connected in the correct way.

Connection of an iVolt
An iVolt reduces and regulates the voltage of the power supplied to a building. It is connected between the incoming supply and the AC distribution panel. This way all loads in the building will benefit from the regulated voltage and reduction in power. Figure 1 shows this configuration.

Connection of Grid PV systems
A PV system is usually connected as shown in Figure 2 (excluding the iVolt installation, highlighted in red). The solar modules feed power to a PV inverter, which changes the DC power to AC power and feeds it into the AC power system. Power from the solar inverter can be flow in either direction; a) into the house to reduce the electricity imported from the grid, or b) exported out to the grid, when there is more power from the solar than is required by the house. A dual electricity meter is required so that it will record both the normal import consumption from the grid as well as credits when exporting power to the grid. These are charged at different tariffs.

Correct Connection of an iVolt and Grid Connected PV
In the case where an iVolt is used along with a solar PV system, it is important to connect the solar PV inverter at the point between the meter and the iVolt input – this is shown in Figure 2.

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