ConnectDER Solar Meter Socket Adapter Installation

D

dofdear

Member
Location
Marana
Occupation
Retired
Currently have a PV system which we are upgrading. The current system contains the following
400 amp Main Service Panel (Square D SU3040D400CB - 200amp Main CB & 200amp CB Sub-Panel)
The Main CB was derated to 175amps when the PV was installed
The Main Service Panel (MSP) is back-fed via a dedicated Solar Meter, Disconnect Switch and 35 panels & Enphase Microinverters & Collector.
Both the Main Service Meter and Solar Meter are identical except for the seral number

In conjunction with the the upgrade, adding 30 panels & microinverters, the solar installer proposed to the Utility (TEP) to place a ConnectDER on the Main Meter Socket. They objected saying the DER is only rated for 200 amps and the meter is currently 400 amp service. So now the question -

Can the ConnectDER be placed on the Solar Meter? This way it is on the 200 amp side of the MSP and would never see more than 200amps.

Here is a link the the MSP (https://www.se.com/us/en/product/SU...aces-40-circuits-25ka-sccr-320-manual-bypass/)

So what's the opinion, can the ConnectDER be installed onto the Solar Meter? Are there any references I can site to the utility and/or installer?

Thanks, BB
 
This is a weird idea to me but I don't know why it shouldn't work or be allowed given some details.

Is the solar meter provided by the utility, or some other third party? What's its purpose?

Can the 175A breaker be downsized further to accommodate the additional backfeed? What's going on with the other service disconnect?
 
The Solar meter is provided by the utility.

From Google: A solar meter (or PV meter) measures the electrical output, performance, and efficiency of a solar panel system, tracking energy production in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Its purpose is to verify system health, calculate ROI, monitor real-time energy generation, and enable net billing with the utility grid

And yes, we can reduce the 175 amp to 150 and then no need for the ConnectDER. Nothing is happening to the other 200 amp CB that feeds the sub-panel located in the laundry room.

Thanks for responding, BB
 
When I asked what the purpose of the solar meter is, I meant: Who needs the data and what for?

For example if the solar meter were for a lease-type agreement for the existing system, you should not put the ConnectDER behind it because it would measure output from both systems and give the wrong data. However if it is supposed to measure any and all solar output for the utility, then it would be fine. You'll have to confirm with the utility if the latter setup is okay or if they might require separate meters for the new and old systems.
 
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