Solar Power on Medical Buildings.

[perry vogler]

I was told by the instructor of the class you can not install PV solar panels on a medical Building. I have reasearched this and found no restrictions in this area other than the inverters saying not to install them in a life saftey areas or equipment. It does restrict this from being used in a instinctivly safe area but not in a medical building. My solution was to tap the power to feed ,than back feed the solar panels/inverters before the transfer switch to the instinctivelysafe areas, like at the main disconect or meter base. When power is lost, the batter'y and generator kicks in. The PV system remains off until grid power is restored. Engineers and solar Installers, please let us know the facts on this special application and any proof in this area that allows or restricts the use of PV grid tie systems on medical buildings. Thank you PV

 

[BillK-AZ]

Solar Power on Medical Buildings.

I also know of no restriction of PV on medical buildings. There are many restrictions on the PV inverters, not that they will not work, but to limit liability. This starts with the microprocessors and other parts that have such a restriction on use in life support equipment.

The PV inverter must connect to the utility line side of any transfer switch. All breakers that could see the back feed must be rated for back feed. In addition, if there is a GFP on the service, all breakers in the chain from the utility to the PV inverter must have GFP (need to coordinate) and be listed for back feed. Difficult in places with 1000A 277/480V services.

The main reason for not connecting the PV inverter such that it could assist an emergency generator is to protect the generator. If at any point the load decreases below the PV output, the inverter would feed into the generator and possibly damage the generator. Of course, the generator CB would not likely be listed for back feed.