Can I run PV service back to dedicated 480V Utility Transformer w/ Meter?

[LifeLongLearner]

I am working on a large office building and there will be PV arrays mounted on a structure in the parking lot. No arrays will be mounted on the building. The building will have a dedicated pad-mounted utility transformer. I also have a fire pump that I need to run a dedicated service to as well. For a grid-tie, net metering system, can I run the PV service directly to the secondary side of the transformer? I've attached a sketch of what I'm thinking. This will make the install a lot cleaner on my end.

Also, I haven't run into this situation where I possibly could have too many conductors for the secondary side. At what point would I need a secondary bus enclosure?

Thank you.

 

[Elect117]

You would have to ask the utility if they allow it. The utility might need to meter your solar with a net meter. Maybe they can true up a performance meter instead. Like totalize the solar as subtracting from the normal load meter. But, that is up to them.

 

[LifeLongLearner]

That makes sense. I'll reach out to the utility. Thank you.

 

[ggunn]

I am working on a large office building and there will be PV arrays mounted on a structure in the parking lot. No arrays will be mounted on the building. The building will have a dedicated pad-mounted utility transformer. I also have a fire pump that I need to run a dedicated service to as well. For a grid-tie, net metering system, can I run the PV service directly to the secondary side of the transformer? I've attached a sketch of what I'm thinking. This will make the install a lot cleaner on my end.

Also, I haven't run into this situation where I possibly could have too many conductors for the secondary side. At what point would I need a secondary bus enclosure?

Thank you.

If the POCO meters the service at the transformer, and if you can land your PV conductors on the load side of their metering CTs, and if the POCO allows it, then sure. That's a lot of ifs, though.

 

[LifeLongLearner]

If the POCO meters the service at the transformer, and if you can land your PV conductors on the load side of their metering CTs, and if the POCO allows it, then sure. That's a lot of ifs, though.

Ah, so it's feeling like it's a remote possibility.

 

[ggunn]

Ah, so it's feeling like it's a remote possibility.

It's worth investigating, though. The first thing to check is if the utility meter is on or very close to the transformer enclosure.

 

[LifeLongLearner]

It's worth investigating, though. The first thing to check is if the utility meter is on or very close to the transformer enclosure.

I’ll finish the design and get everything in the hands of the POCO. I’ll come back with an update.


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[ggunn]

I’ll finish the design and get everything in the hands of the POCO. I’ll come back with an update.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If the meter and CT can are on the wall of the building and away from the transformer you won't be able to connect at the transformer.