[RE-wrenches] large array on 200 amp service

[Jason Szumlanski]

Yes, assuming the SE conductors are rated for 200A, you can backfeed 200A
subject to utility approval.

​Jason


On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 11:09 AM, gary easton <gary at arp-solar.com> wrote:

> Thanks Jason
> That's what we do as well so is the supply connection limited only by the
> utility and the rating of the conductors feeding the service?
>
>
> On Friday, September 25, 2015, Jason Szumlanski <
> jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> Supply side interconnection is the only option, usually tapping service
>> conductors in main panel between meter and existing main. Without other
>> complexities present, it's pretty straightforward. We're running into a lot
>> of meter/main combos that don't have conductors that can be tapped (copper
>> bus bars between meter socket and main breaker. That has required changes
>> of service equipment, which can be pricey.
>>
>> One thing that you should consider... Just because the service is 200A,
>> it doesn't mean the utility transformer can handle the backfeed from a very
>> large PV array, especially if a neighbor on the same transformer has a PV
>> system. In one extreme case we had a single 25kW pole-mounted utility
>> transformer feeding SIX tenant meters at a single property ranging from
>> 100A to 200A! We wanted to install a PV system larger than 25kW (about 105A
>> rating), and the utility blocked the project, denying the request to
>> upgrade the transformer, even at the customer's expense. It was a bit more
>> complicated than that, but bottom line it was a pure political/principle
>> stance. If we had the legal department the utility does, we probably would
>> have fought it.
>>
>> It's a lesson to check the utility transformer serving the property, not
>> just the service rating.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Sep 25, 2015 at 9:10 AM, gary easton <gary at arp-solar.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello Wrenches,
>>> What are folks doing when installing 100A plus of solar into a 200A
>>> service?
>>>
>>> --
>>> Gary Easton
>>> Appalachian Renewable Power
>>> Stewart, Ohio 45778
>>> NABCEP Certified Solar PV
>>>
>>> T: 740-277-8498
>>>  www.arp-solar.com
>>>
>>> “First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you.
>>> Then you win.”
>>> ~Ghandi
>>>
>>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20150925/2bfdd719/attachment-0003.html>