Utilities and AC Disconnects [RE-wrenches]

[Joel Davidson]

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Why SCE does not require AC disconnects. In 1996-7 before net metering
became law, utilities were deciding how to deal with <10 kW residential net
metered PV systems which was the biggest PV system that was going to be
allowed by law when deregulation started March 1998. All utilities starting
point for engineering was SO4 contracts requirements for big on-site
generators. Members of the PV Alliance facilitated by Vince Schwent (when
he worked at the CEC) tried to explain to utilities that there were at
least a magnitude of differences between <10 kW residential PV and
commercial customer owned generators. Wayne Gould (formerly of SCE) was the
only utility manager that understood what PV people were saying. Wayne said
(paraphrase) "SCE doesn't need a locking disconnect. If we have to
disconnect the PV system, we can pull the meter that belongs to Edison."
Wayne understood inverter had anti-islanding protection and that at least 2
disconnects (the backfeed breaker and the service panel main breaker) could
be shut off.

(Editorial - If inverter manufacturers had done a better job testing for
islanding and educating utilities, the issue of manual, lockable,
visible-break AC disconnects on residential PV systems would have never
taken root.)

Original Message:
-----------------
From: William Korthof wkorthof at earthlink.net
Date: Tue, 06 Apr 2004 09:18:52 -0700
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Utilities and AC Disconnects [RE-wrenches]


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I've never really gone into the question of what SCE officially
wants by way of disconnects, but they haven't asked for
anything beyond a 1-line drawing and a signed off city permit
for any of our installations. But I'm sure there are installations
connected to SCE that lack the VLD within access distance
of the meter/panel.

/wk


>In a message dated 4/5/2004 11:38:37 AM Pacific Standard Time,
>bob at energyoutfitters.com writes:
>They want us to provide the names of 10 utilities that no longer require
it,
>before they'll consider it.  I'd love to provide the info and watch for the
>response!
>
>Southern Ca Edison has in the past not required the VLD
>
>You can tell them that SEPA (Solar Electric Power Association) -they are
>comprised of utiltities, munis and escos- does not think the  VLD is
required.
>
>Don
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
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