Utility-interactive inverter system architecture and method of operation thereof

Electrically powered equipment and a method of powering the equipment. In one embodiment, the equipment includes: an electric power consuming apparatus (240), a mains input (210) coupled to the apparatus and configured to be coupled to a branch circuit (160c) extending from a distribution panel (150) and allow electric power from the branch circuit to flow to the apparatus and a grid-tied power source input (220) at least intermittently couplable to the mains input and configured to receive electric power from at least one premises power source (180a,180b) and allow the electric power to flow to the apparatus or the distribution panel. In a more specific embodiment, the equipment is an outdoor unit.