[RE-wrenches] off-grid permitting problem

[William Miller]

Jeff:

There is a code passage that specifically states that one does not need to 
provide full rated ampacity to a service.  I am sure you can find it.

Find a way to prove, mathematically, that the system planned will provide 
adequate power.  Create or find a spreadsheet listing all appliances and 
wattages and system watt hours provided.  Dress it up, put your logo on it 
and sell it to the building department.

William Miller




At 07:52 PM 12/11/2012, you wrote:
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>We have a client that just had assembled on his rural property a pre-fab 
>modular home with  "normal" wiring and 200 amp main panel and meter 
>base.  However, landowners around his property will not grant access for 
>electric utility to cross and he needs to move in ASAP.  He realizes that 
>some day he should be able to resolve this utility access but until then 
>he wants us to do an off-grid "basic" solar system with generator backup 
>so he can at least power lights, well pump, and basic appliances.   His 
>budget will not allow a fully off-grid solar system so we wanted to do 
>reduced solar and battery system with larger generator to fill in on bad 
>solar days.  He does have good solar exposure and lots of cleared land, 
>but figures one day the solar and generator will become a backup system to 
>a future grid connection so does not want to spend any more than 
>absolutely necessary.
>
>However ,this local inspector for this rural county has no experience with 
>solar and is expecting to see a 200 amp service connection from the 
>utility before allowing occupancy.  He did hint that a 100 amp service 
>connection may be allowed but nothing less.  I know NEC does mention that 
>a panel does not have to be supplied with the amount of service capacity 
>it is rated for, but what other code issues can I point out to get this 
>accepted without getting into a pis----- contest?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jeff Yago