Backfeeding a 200 amp panel with an Outback 3048 [RE-wrenches]

[Jim Easton]

In the past, we have used the manufacturer's rated output as the maximum
backfeed rather than the size of the circuit breaker. This has been accepted
by some jurisdictions.

Jim Easton
Alternative Energy Technologies
CSL: 852243
9465-B Mission Park Place
Santee, CA 92071
Tel: 619-262-8800
Fax: 619-562-8811
Cell: 858-527-0240
-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Walters [mailto:walters at taosnet.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 10:27 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Backfeeding a 200 amp panel with an Outback 3048 [RE-wrenches]


First, thanks Todd you nailed my sentiments.
Allan, my crazy idea 1 was not using an existing Outback inverter. I was 
hoping (as Todd mentioned) that Outback would create 2 separate AC outs 
(one for loads, and one for grid sell back that could be put on a much 
smaller breaker) This would be UL1741 listed, etc.
I know we can do the tap, just the batteryless grid tie guys are having 
all the fun simply popping in a breaker in an existing load center. Each 
extra step adds to the cost and ultimately kills some projects.

Ray


 Allan Sindelar wrote:

>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "Ray Walters" <walters at taosnet.com>
>  
>
>>Here's some crazy ideas:
>>Could Outback separate Grid AC IN (for loads and battery charging at
>>60amps) and then have an AC OUT to Grid  that could be sized much
>>smaller just to accomodate the max. array size and therefore get around
>>120% bus limit?
>>1) Is this possible,
>>2) are there any other grid tie/ battery backup inverters with this
>>ability (two AC outs),
>>or 3) once again am I just dreaming?
>>    
>>
>
>The "turd in the punchbowl" of that idea is that AC OUT is for backup
loads,
>not grid. The AC IN is the bidirectional feed with the grid. AC OUT has no
>UL 1741 anti-islanding protection. I think it would also be akin to
plugging
>the inverter into itself. So 1) no, 2) I don't think so, and 3) yep.
>  
>
>>Crazy Idea 2: could we do this with 2 inverters? For instance, one
>>inverter only setup for sell back, and the other only set for backup
>>loads. (Clunky? yes.)
>>    
>>
>
>Probably, but before I went that way, I'd go with the alternative, a second
>service approach. What we are learning is that this is less formidable than
>it seems on the surface. Use a tap to a 60A fused disconnect, then have at
>it.
>  
>
>>Crazy Idea 3: on the 20% rule:  that's at  240 vac, so if you used  a 40
>>amp double pole breaker you would still be within 120% on a 200 A
>>service, then you could use a transformer to step down to a single
>>inverter for its full pass through capability. (might actually fly)
>>    
>>
>
>I have wondered about this too.
>  
>
>>Feel free to shoot my theories full of holes,
>>    
>>
>
>OK.
>Allan
>
>
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