PV Disconnecting means

Status
Not open for further replies.
E

Eros

Member
Location
United States
The Utility companies in Michigan require a AC disconnect between the inverter AC output and the back feed breaker in the electrical panel, to be located in proximity to the utility meter. If i am installing a service disconnect off the meter and converting the existing electrical panel to a sub-panel, can the new service disconnect be also used as the solar AC disconnect ? (they serve the same purpose). Where can i find verbage to validate this /
Thank you
 
G

ggunn

PE (Electrical), NABCEP certified
Location
Austin, TX, USA
Occupation
Electrical Engineer - Photovoltaic Systems
Eros said:
The Utility companies in Michigan require a AC disconnect between the inverter AC output and the back feed breaker in the electrical panel, to be located in proximity to the utility meter. If i am installing a service disconnect off the meter and converting the existing electrical panel to a sub-panel, can the new service disconnect be also used as the solar AC disconnect ? (they serve the same purpose). Where can i find verbage to validate this /
Thank you
Click to expand...

I don't think so. Most utilities want to be able to shut off and lock out the solar feed without affecting anything else.
 
electricalist

electricalist

Senior Member
Location
dallas tx
Line side tap, back fed ,service disconnect to combiner and probably a few other methods all have one thing in common. They all will have a service disconnect grouped by the meter.
 
J

jaggedben

Senior Member
Location
Northern California
Occupation
Solar and Energy Storage Installer
Eros said:
The Utility companies in Michigan require a AC disconnect between the inverter AC output and the back feed breaker in the electrical panel, to be located in proximity to the utility meter. If i am installing a service disconnect off the meter and converting the existing electrical panel to a sub-panel, can the new service disconnect be also used as the solar AC disconnect ? (they serve the same purpose). Where can i find verbage to validate this /
Thank you
Click to expand...

Your description is a little unclear. Why are you installing the new service disconnect.

If you're doing a supplyside connection and will have one new disconnect for the loads and one new disconnect for the solar, then the latter can fulfill your utility requirement, I would think.

If the new service disconnect is being put in for some other reason and will disconnect more than just the solar from the grid, then it won't suffice.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top