60 amp service

[GerryB]

So if you PV guys have a house with a 60 amp service do you still do a system or would you at do a 100 amp upgrade.

 

[zbang]

Power company and local codes might have something to say about this; in some places you're obligated to update the service if you touch too much of it.

 

[ggunn]

So if you PV guys have a house with a 60 amp service do you still do a system or would you at do a 100 amp upgrade.

It depends on the size of the system and/or whether or not the AHJ will let you install a supply side connected system. Theoretically it's possible.

 

[jaggedben]

So if you PV guys have a house with a 60 amp service do you still do a system or would you at do a 100 amp upgrade.

I never call out a service upgrade just because the service is 60 amps. And so far, no AHJ has asked me to change one out just for that reason either, and has always grandfathered a 60A service if it was approved when installed. Same principles apply as on any other service. A few times I have come across 70A main breakers on 100A busbars, which is a gift because you can install 50A of solar if you want, or ignore the 'opposite end' rule if the solar is under 30A.

I did have an AHJ reject a couple supply side tap proposals that would have been done inside old 60A fused service disconnects, but that was really because of the age of the equipment and not the rating.

What sucks, of course, is if you can't connect the solar compliantly and the service is underground. :happysad:

 

[GerryB]

I am looking through 690, where or how do you calculate a supply side tap. Thanks, or in other words what would be the largest fused disco off the 60 amps, another 60? (this system is small, I think 5 panels)

 

[ggunn]

I am looking through 690, where or how do you calculate a supply side tap. Thanks, or in other words what would be the largest fused disco off the 60 amps, another 60? (this system is small, I think 5 panels)

For a supply side connection you are limited only by the size of the service.