Labels for PCS (EMS) systems with battery and PV

Zee

Senior Member
Location
CA
Per NEC 2020, what is the label I need to apply at the backfed breaker for a Power Controlled System?
(Specifically Enphase IQ Storage+PV system, but that shouldn't matter much.)

For decades I relied on this trusty label:
Screenshot 2025-07-30 101334.png
I'd print it at home with the specific variables A and V for each job.
Does this still apply?

However, I believe now (since the advent of PCS) 2020 NEC 705.13 is the governing section. So, I may need this:

Screenshot 2025-07-29 191403.png
Also this variant:
Screenshot 2025-07-30 102540.png
If so , where do I apply it?
Do I still also need the old label at top?
Oh just noticed the 1st says "kW" and the 2nd says "A". Which one is preferable?

My understanding is the exact verbiage or color was never specified for these labels, but the information the label must contain was prescribed in general terms. Is that accurate?

Background: Inspectors love labels! As they should.
 
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I don't think you need to change the label. The PCS setting is the maximum rated output. Most of the time the wire, breaker, etc. is sized to the PCS setting for which it controls. So I think the top one still makes sense.
 
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The code has not addressed this AFAIK. I think you can still use the same label for the main output. The amps should include battery amps if applicable IMO. I have some custom printed labels that say it's the solar+battery output.

The PCS labels may be code required in a roundabout way if the manufacturer says to put them on. So look in the manual if it's specific where to put those labels. I've been putting them on the Enphase System Controller or combiner.

The amps vs. kW labels apply to different PCS features. The one that refers to amps backfeeding the main panel is for main panel upgrade avoidance. The kW to the utility refers to aggregate power export limit. The former actually limits amps regardless of voltage and power factor while the latter actually limits watts regardless of amps and power factor.
 
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I don't think you need to change the label. The PCS setting is the maximum rated output. Most of the time the wire, breaker, etc. is sized to the PCS setting for which it controls. So I think the top one still makes sense.
OK, so just change the wording from PV system AC disconnect to Solar + Battery system AC disconnect.
 
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