[RE-wrenches] Solar Ready Service Panel vs adding Supply Side connection?

Wed Oct 23 19:14:42 EDT 2019

Jeff,
While this is a big thread but if I understand correctly, especially with
your last comment "combiner cost is to high". I use a fiberglass 14 x12
junction box with a hinged cover along with  a power distribution block.
Total cost is just a bit over $200 bucks. Attached is a picture. If you
want specific p/n contact me off list and I'd be happy to share.

Christopher

On Wed, Oct 23, 2019 at 6:04 PM Jeff Clearwater <
jeffc at villagepowerdesign.com> wrote:

> Hey William,
>
> That exact unit is actually where I started this journey but PG&E will not
> accept that Solarready residential unit because it’s a commercial account
> and anything over 200 A in a commercial account requires a CT cabinet. So
> to avoid CTs we need to separate out the 200 amp meter socket.
>
> I could feed that unit with 200 Amos after a 200 A Meter\Main but the
> combined cost would be high.
> Best,
>
> Jeff
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Oct 23, 2019, at 10:59 AM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com>
> wrote:
>
> Jeff:
>
>
>
> Would a class 320, solar-ready, meter/main combo be approved for this
> commercial application?  Here is a link
> <https://www.downloads.siemens.com/download-center/download?BTLV_44465>
> to a product we have used in residential applications.  It offers
> through-the-jaws metering at 400 amps peak, 320 amps continuous.
>
>
>
> William
>
>
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
> Behalf Of *Jeff Clearwater
> *Sent:* Wednesday, October 23, 2019 9:11 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] SolarReady Service Panel vs adding Supply
> Side connection?
>
>
>
> Hey Jay,
>
> Yes so you were on to it - but with the addition of having that downstream
> of a separate 200 AMP meter box and 200 A Main that works :)  Otherwise
> PG&E would call it a 400 Amp service which for commercial accounts means
> having to have CTs for the metering.
>
> Thanks!,
>
> Jeff
>
> Jay wrote on 10/17/19 3:38 PM:
>
>
> What about installing a 200 amp breaker in the 400 amp buss box?
>
>
>
> We talk a lot about doing it for smaller boxes, is there a reason it won’t
> work here?
>
>
>
> Jay
>
> Peltz power
>
>
>
> On Oct 17, 2019, at 1:30 PM, Glenn Burt <Glenn.burt at glbcc.com>
> <Glenn.burt at glbcc.com> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi Jeff,
>
>
>
> Seems to me if allowed in your jurisdiction, you might be best served by
> installing a new 200A fused service disconnect ahead of the existing main
> service panel. Or even a 400A one to allow for additional work inside
> (CT’s), then perform a supply side connection in it. Some manufacturers of
> switchgear have an option for lugs that accept multiple conductors, so no
> piercing of conductors needs to happen.
>
>
>
> Good luck,
>
> Glenn
>
>
>
> *From:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> *On Behalf Of *Jeff Clearwater
> *Sent:* Thursday, October 17, 2019 3:20 PM
> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] SolarReady Service Panel vs adding Supply Side
> connection?
>
>
>
> Esteemed Wrenches,
>
> I am in need of changing out an existing 200 Amp service entrance in order
> to accommodate a bus capable of handling a a 200 Amp Solar backfeed (41 KW
> system) .
>
> PG&E is upgrading the transformer to handle the backfeed but when I
> proposed a Siemens SolarReady 400 Amp service entrance they couldn't
> approve it cause since the building is a shop - they classify it as
> commercial and require a panel that can handle CTs when there is a 400 Amp
> service involved.
>
> Anyone else faced with this have solutions?  What is the cheapest
> equipment I can provide to satisfy all requirements?
>
> We don't need to upgrade the existing 200 amp service entrance equipment
> for load purposes - only to meet the bus requirements of backfeed.
>
> Would it be cheaper and easier to use the existing (or new) 200 Amp
> residential panel - not call it a 400 Amp upgrade but simply add a 200 Amp
> Supply Side Connection?  Suggested equipment to do that in the most
> economical manner?
>
> Any help well appreciated!
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> ~~~~~~~~~~~
>
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-clearwater-0622a312/>
> www.villagepowerdesign.com
> cell - 413-559-9763
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
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