no.

I may be confused, but it seems to me that once the PV - DC supply is converted to AC and hits the first means of disconnect, it now beomes normal premises wiring and thus meet general rules of conductor overcurrent protection.

I guess I am having a hard time to understanding the installtion as described.

I'm sure that I'm confused. If possible, I will post a pdf of the one-line diagram, or at least some of it. It may take me a day or so.

Well the cells are dc and there is a current limit on the cells.
So if the limit of the cells is say 100amps, that is all they provide. Period.
Kinda like a generator rating. If you have say a 500kva generator. Then above that rating if the load calls for it . pretty much the generator will stall or reduce its voltage because it can't keep up with the load.

My 2 cents.

Am I to late to give my 2 cents worth?

Nick, I have a couple of questions.
Is this an Utility interactive system?
Are there overcurrent protection devices in the "collector box or boxes" on the AC side of the inverters?

I agree with Byran a PV system does not fall under the NEC definition of service, so what do we call them??

Some PV contractors tell me that the are appliances what say you guys on that point?

I was taught that when dealing with PV systems you have to think backwards.

So if indeed this is an utility interactive system, as soon as the utility power is taken away (been told within 6/10 of one cycle) the inverters stop the AC output.

The overcurrent proctection devices located in the collector box or boxes will "limit" the current that can be placed on the 600 foot "feeder" conductors.

If there is a ground fault or short circuit in the "feeder" the fuses in the 800 amp disconnect will open (this is where the backward thinking comes in) and the inverters will stop producing AC power.

The PV panels would still be producing DC power and the DC side of the inverters will still be energized, but no danger would be present.

IMHO
Neal Burdick
City of Tampa
Construction Inspector II

Never too late, Neal.



To the best of my knowledge - yes it is.



I'm not sure. Will have to check into that.



A big pain in my butt? (just kidding) I'm pressed for time lately. I have been meaning to post a sketch and will try to do so this week...

Thanks!