can we save with a simple 3 phase 120/208v installation vs 3 phase + single phase?

[911cedric]

Hello,

i need few advises as i'm drawing plans for my new commercial installation.

We currently have 400amp 3 phase at 240v delta 3W + single phase 200 amp at 120/240v in one building, thus two meters.

We need to wire a warehouse and a shed on the same parcel but separated from the main building.

The warehouse would need 3 phase 400 amp at 120/208V + single phase 200 amp at 120/240V (for domestic applications), and the shed could have a 3 phase 40 amp sub panel from the warehouse and another single phase sub panel for light equipment (lighting, alarm, etc)

My question is, as this configuration would involve upgrading to a 3 phase 800amp 120/208V 4W and 400 amp at 120/240v installation,

wouldn't it be easier and more economical to draw single phase out of 1200amp 120/208V 4W splitted in 2x 600 amp load centers when needed and thus only install 3 phase distribution panels?

I have to stress that we subsequently plan to install a solar system, and i have no idea if this will be compatible with that configuration.

Any advise or opinion is welcome!
Thanks

 

[augie47]

Normally eliminating one meter can save a few $$ as you only have one period of minimum billing, but you might want to discuss the whole scenario with your POCO as to any charges on their part for upgrades and the possibility of demand charges,
Beyond that I would suggest a close look at all equipment to see how compatible the 240 equipment would be with a 208 service.

 

[beanland]

PV SYstem

PV SYstem

Most commercial PV systems require a 3-phase wye service. You would be well off with a 208Y/120V service. You can feed the 120V loads on the 120/240V single-phase readily. Many 240V single-phase loads will run fine on 208V (water heater). Any 240V loads (especially motors or HVAC) need to be verified to run on 208Y/120V, sometimes a buck/boost is needed.