Just getting rolling on the planning/design of a DIY PV install, grid-tied using Enphase M215s. I have a whole variety of questions to ask some of the solar-electric experts here, but thought I would start with a relatively simple one for anyone who may have done this or is working on it.
I am working on the electric schematics (for the permit & utility company) and have a question about the disconnect. I know I will need to install an AC disconnect to disconnect the PV array from the utility (for worker safety during a power outage) but I'm not sure where in the schematics to place it. This layout seems like it would provide the safety for the utility workers and be appropriate...
PV Array>AC Subpanel>Main Service Panel>AC Disconnect>Electric Meter>to Grid.
A couple of other installations I have seen (like Gary's PV Array on BIS) have it either immediately after the array or between the AC Subpanel and Main Service Panel (which would not work on mine, unless I also installed another subpanel.)
Does anyone see issues with installing the AC Disconnect where I have it planned? BTW, I am meeting with an electrician to review all of these things with me, but it is his first solar project so he may not be able to consider any factors unique to the solar/grid-tie arrangement. Also, I have checked the Enphase wiring diagrams and they do not even show the AC Disconnect. I think it is because the inverters shut down themselves when disconnected from the grid for this very reason, but I'm sure the utility will want to have this fail-safe in place. Thanks in advance
I am working on the electric schematics (for the permit & utility company) and have a question about the disconnect. I know I will need to install an AC disconnect to disconnect the PV array from the utility (for worker safety during a power outage) but I'm not sure where in the schematics to place it. This layout seems like it would provide the safety for the utility workers and be appropriate...
PV Array>AC Subpanel>Main Service Panel>AC Disconnect>Electric Meter>to Grid.
A couple of other installations I have seen (like Gary's PV Array on BIS) have it either immediately after the array or between the AC Subpanel and Main Service Panel (which would not work on mine, unless I also installed another subpanel.)
Does anyone see issues with installing the AC Disconnect where I have it planned? BTW, I am meeting with an electrician to review all of these things with me, but it is his first solar project so he may not be able to consider any factors unique to the solar/grid-tie arrangement. Also, I have checked the Enphase wiring diagrams and they do not even show the AC Disconnect. I think it is because the inverters shut down themselves when disconnected from the grid for this very reason, but I'm sure the utility will want to have this fail-safe in place. Thanks in advance