Lockable disconnect [RE-wrenches]

[sunwise at win.bright.net]

Greetings Wrenchers,

I mentioned a couple systems I did where the outdoor (visable) lockable
disconnect was waved by Alliant power.  Though it made a big difference
in the underground home where getting a run to the building exterior was
painful, I don't see this thing as a big deal.  In fact, I see the
disconnect as essentially a transition device, as utilities learn to
accept renewables onto 'their' lines.  A 60 amp exterior disconnect of
the type used on exterior air conditioner units fits the bill and can be
had for about $30US.  A much bigger issue is insurance.  While I have
had  some clients with a home owner's policy that covered the insurance
requirement with no additional premimium charge, on two systems I did
the home owner was told that by entering into an agreement with the
utility for them to purchase energy from the homeowner, the homeowner
was entering into a business agreement and any policy covering such an
arrangement had to be a comercial or business policy, which translates
into at least $200 yearly.   Even when I explained that there would be
no solar net gain on any mothly billing period (no payment from the
utility), the #$!& insurance people wouldn't have it.  Ya gotta spin a
meter backwards a whole bunch to cover that kind of annual expenses! 
One of these systems managed to get the system covered by their other
off-site business policy and the other system is now guerrilla.  I have
another system where the insurance may be part of the reason that the
Trace is left in the LBX mode, which is a lot less efficient than
grid-tied.  Dealing with the big utilities is a royal pain, but add the
scumb-bucket insurance people into the mix and things get real shitty.

Kurt Nelson
- - - - - - -
To send a message to the list use: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>

To view an archive of previous messages go to: <http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

To unsubscribe send an email message to: <RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com>

Hosted by Home Power magazine: <http://www.homepower.com>

for info contact: <michael.welch at homepower.com>
_________________________________________________________
Enlighten your in-box.         http://www.topica.com/t/15