[RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters - with meter lugs

Mon Jul 14 06:50:36 PDT 2014

I recently needed to combine the output of two 20kw 3-phase inverters before the PV revenue meter. Instead of investing in an expensive panel for this, I ran each inverter output to its own 30A fused outdoor disco, then combined disco outputs in the meter socket using 2-pole replacement meter lugs (Milbank #K4977). A space and money saver for sure. And there is no panel for someone to come along later and install non system-related load circuits.

Kirk Herander

VT Solar, LLC 

Proven PV provider since 1991

www.vermontsolarnow.com

dba Vermont Solar Engineering

NABCEPTM Inaugural Certificant

VT RE Incentive Program Partner

802.863.1202

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Mark Westbrock
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 8:41 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters

I agree that the exact placarding will depend on your AHJ, but you will certainly want one that says something like "This breaker panel is for combining solar inverter outputs.  Do not add any additional breakers or make any circuit connections".

----
Mark Westbrock
Field Manager & Employee-Owner

NM EE98J Journeyman Electrician
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional

NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales

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Positive Energy, Inc.

510 S. Main St.

Las Cruces, NM 88001
office: 575-524-2030
cell: 575-640-2432
mw at positiveenergysolar.com <mailto:westbrock at positiveenergysolar.com> 
www.positiveenergysolar.com

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On Fri, Jul 11, 2014 at 3:45 PM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com> wrote:

I'd spring a few extra bucks for the QO line of panels. Better bus bar, better breakers, more common breakers (availability), etc.

To answer your question, it depends on the interconnection method. Load side? Line side? Fusible disconnect or safety switch ahead of it? And some jurisdictions have their own opinion.

On Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 5:08 PM, Corey Shalanski <cshalanski at joule-energy.com> wrote:

Wrenches,

We have reevaluated our approach to combining multiple inverters and have settled on a SqD HOM612L100RB as a suitable solution - it is readily available from our local supply house for ~$25 and accommodates up to three full-size 2-pole breakers.

What - if any - labels do you install on these panels: "AC (Solar) Combiner Panel"? 705.12(D)(4)? Other recommendations?

Thanks.

--

Corey Shalanski

Joule Energy

New Orleans, LA

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On Fri, Jun 27, 2014 at 12:41 PM, <re-wrenches-request at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

Message: 6
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:41:52 -0400
From: Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Combining Multiple Inverters
Message-ID:
        <CAJJtG3qZAXb-UGKKoTUPPtD81ncnxv0uZiD_FRJfaP5jo4FdSQ at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Dave,

I looked at the BR24L70RP a while back. It's really a 2-space, 4 cuircuit
panel. I think my conclusion was you actually need a single quadplex
breaker with common trip center and outer breakers to get (2) 2-pole
breaker functionality. The quadplex breakers come in a variety of mixed
rating (i.e. 15A center and 20A outer breakers). They are not readily
stocked and not cheap. We stuck with Sq D QO load centers for that reason.

Am I missing something?

Jason Szumlanski

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