Back feed vs line side tap solar. Yeah, the plug-on hardware is more expensive.

Back feed vs line side tap solar Trying Apr 10, 2024 · The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) has introduced pivotal updates with profound implications for the solar installation industry, notably within section 705. If the service panel IS solar ready, I don't worry about the derating because the solar back feed connection is on the line side of the service breaker. • Taps into the busbars or conductors to connect with the utility’s electrical system. May 11, 2022 · Seems to me there is no difference between a line side PV connection, and a separate service dedicated to the PV, which is load side connected to that separate service. This method requires that the wires from the inverter are connected to the service Jun 25, 2025 · Community solar or off‑site solar garden: Allowed in CO & MN. My question is could I just use a 100 amp main breaker lc and line side tap and add a disco inside and outside next to meter. Sep 22, 2022 · I just had my solar installed and had a question about how they tapped into the electrical. 12 (D) (2): 125% of the inverter output circuit current must be used for the ampacity calculations for most of the interconnection methods used. Primary sources of electricity would be electric utility power or on-site power source(s). 5kW inverter - thus a line-side tap is what you are looking at. The previous crew did a line side tap into one of the panels, though the home has a generator system installed that the pv needs to be isolated from. 6a. Sep 4, 2023 · Effectiveness And Efficiency Of Line Side Tap Line side tap is more reliable and efficient, considering load side tap. ?Single family dwelling. They are used when your calculated solar backfeed exceeds the 120% rule of your panel rating. PVComplete always recommends a load side connection when possible (which it often isn’t). Learn how Reficiency Solar does line-side taps for their residential customers! This may be helpful to anyone who is doing their own DIY solar or someone who A supply side tap is a connection that is made to the busbars or conductors on the line or utility side of the main service disconnect. 21. In addition, any such connection must comply with the APS ESRM and specifically with section 8. * Even though the EG4 batteries are UL1certified for something like 1 foot separation, many (most) places in CA require 3' separation. We've never worked with this particular elec contractor before. A line-side tap involves tapping into the service wires between the This makes the data incorrect unless the solar system is not producing anything at all. The disconnect feeds the PV system. Dec 27, 2022 · If the line side tap is outside, you would have an unlimited length. An external disconnect must be installed between the interconnection and the Sol-Ark. 6. Since there are parallel conductors to tap, is the best method to provide a parallel path from the PV inverter as well for continuity across the service feeder? Or does it not matter, and just tap one of the two parallel feeds? You _must_ tap all of the parallel feeds. If the solar is connected to the service entrance conductors via a line side tap, then it is fine to install an interlock the normal way since the main breaker will isolate them. That is the way it is in the 2020 NEC, where "at the point of the tap" means within 16. Systems whole house generators will need to have the PV point of interconnection before the Automatic or Manual Transfer Switch, or be provided with relaying to prevent PV system operation during Jun 9, 2022 · In the current version (2017) of the NEC, solar/parallel power taps to the line side of the main service disconnect require cable limiters if the tap is made using more than 10 feet of conductor length to the solar fuse. This panel design constitutes a line-side tap. The RK5 fuses provide service Jan 31, 2013 · The job has an existing 200amp underground metermain that is bused so no line side tap can be added ahead of the 200amp main for a 70amp solar backfeed. (At least that's how I interpret (B) (2). It will address the code requirements applicable to these systems and it will look at some of the Mar 12, 2015 · Or in the case of a large PV system with a line side tap, the disconnect would have to be in sight of the main service panel. 25 Max Backfeed source + 200A Apr 3, 2015 · If so, is it acceptable to splice service entrance conductors (to the tap conductors feeding the combiner box) inside the panel which contains the main? Is a separate tap box required? Is a back feed breaker required? Stumbled on reference which stated not acceptable to splice line side connection in panel containing the main. Without line side tap you can still backfeed main panel that way, but you turn off PV breaker so inverter isn't trying to drive itself. Then feed the service back into the original box while taking the PV connection out from the new box. A Line Side Tap is when the generating facilities’ POI (Point Of Interconnection) to the power grid is on the utility side of the customer owned/operated main breaker. Interconnection point to be on the supply side of all ground fault protection equipment. Either way this busbar is still fed with both the utility power and solar power to the main lugs. Reinstall shield Photo 12. I would use Polaris or other means to branch off downstream of the main breaker to a 40A fused disconnect, or a PV aggregator panel, then the inverters. Jan 16, 2014 · The tap rules allow the overcurrent device to be on the tap conductor at various distances from the connection point to the feeder. It literally took Apr 15, 2024 · A line side tap connects your solar power systems directly to an incoming power line before entering the main service panel. I also plan to put a second Eyedro on the solar feed to track production on the Solar. Grounding electrode connection (bare # 6 in this example) is also shown. 12 applications for load-side source connections. Feb 21, 2025 · 3. (DOUBLE LUG, POLARIS TAP, OR EQUIVALENT SUITABLE FOR BI-DIRECTIONAL UTILITY SUPPLY SIDE CONNECTION) M METER 1-PHASE, 3-W, 120V/240V AC DISCONNECT: (E) MAIN SERVICE PANEL, 60A FUSED, (2) 40A FUSES, 200A RATED, 240V 240V NEMA 3R, UL LISTED, (SHALL BE FIELD VERIFIED) (IF REQUIRED BY UTILITY) COMPLY WITH 200A NEC 705. 6K subscribers Subscribed Line Side Taps! - Inside Our Industry We answered a question about what we think about line side taps for solar. I have two SB7000 inverters feeding a combiner 100A load center with 40A breakers from each SB7000US ( max 34A output) feeding the load center bus and a 80A output breaker to a Square D 223 RB fused ( RK5 - 80A) which will feed my line tap. You are going to have to go with a line side tap. Apr 14, 2017 · Photo 10. May 10, 2022 · The PV AC power would only enter the breaker box for means to connect to the upstream feeder from the meter to the panel since the utility company will not allow me to tap into the load side lines within the meter box/can. • Used when a PV system exceeds the 120% rule. A common source of unintentional backfeeding is an electrical generator (typically a portable generator) that is improperly connected to a building electrical system. 200 amp panel can have 40 amp back feed etc. That set of busbars is connected directly to the load side Sep 26, 2014 · Load side of the inverter output connection and line side of the inverter output connection In the previous post we jumped ahead to 705. to the main disconnect to the meter side. None of these options interest me. Line side tap is the only solution for integrating photovoltaic systems with whole house generator backup. The tap leads to the inverter via a separate 60 amp fused disconnect (as though it were a line side tap). Mar 25, 2024 · Alternatively, a PV-ready panel, or line side tap, or like I did "load side tap" after a main breaker only panel. The line side tap the simplest way of interconnection when installing a PV system that exceeds the 120% rule. Jun 16, 2025 · A line-side tap resolves this conflict by delivering solar power upstream of the ATS, ensuring isolation between solar and generator circuits and maintaining compliance with both NEC and utility safety standards. This can be done a number of ways. There is still a gray area when it comes to figuring out what to call a PV system disconnecting means using a line-side tap connection. While this gives a good description and quick visual of the connection method, it often sends people to Sec. thanks for the tips, i never thought about the load calculation, although my 4kw solar should still be within the 120% rule after the upgrade, but future 240V loads will mean a load recalculation is required. It's terribly worded and I submitted a PI to try to get it fixed in the code A Supply Side Connection (SSC), also referred to as a Line Side Tap constitutes a new service as defined by the National Electric Code (NEC), and is subject to all applicable NEC requirements and/or requirements adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It was all permitted and passed inspection, but I don't know that the inspector checked that side very closely. Or, if you want to feed grid directly into your inverter, and be able to switch the whole house main panel to output of inverter, using it as UPS for the entire house. Apr 19, 2017 · If you line side tap the SEC either at the meter ( which is not allowed here) Or on the line side of the first means of disconnect. Aug 29, 2022 · With a supply side tap, you don’t need to consider the 120 percent rule and can connect inverters that are rated up to the rating of the utility supply to the panel. Conductors from the Parallel Power Production Source terminate at the load side of the switch. Ok I understand. Oct 17, 2023 · Which is the line side, and which is the load side on this circuit breaker when using between pv panels and AIO inverter? Thanks Oct 4, 2024 · 1/ upgrade the 200amp panel to 225amp panel. Let’s break it down in practical terms that every solar professional should understand before submitting a plan set. 12 (D) (2) ” we clarified the philosophy of the 120% rule for load (supply) side interconnections of solar PV systems. 00). Honestly, if you get a newer AHJ or one that's never seen one, it can be an ORDEAL, because it's not common outside of solar. I got a 200A one. GMA Benefits Eliminate the need to make modifications to your meter panel, which may help reduce the overall cost and time of your renewable generating facility installation. It is a 60a pv system and neither of the interior panels have a 225 bus rating to land the back feed onto. They are two requirements that both must be met if you are tapping a feeder. A supply side connection allows a higher solar amp feed without having to derate your main breaker. Size the disconnect according to code. 82 (6), the PV system disconnecting means shall be listed as suitable for use as service equipment. I've always been under the imperssion that 120% rule was pretty straight forward: if you have a service with a 200A main breaker and 200A busbar, the max size for a PV backfeed breaker is 200A Jun 17, 2021 · Then there is a supply/line side tap (with insulated limiters) coming from the load out of ac disconnect (bottom). So any energy from the array either goes back to the home or goes to the grid THROUGH the meter. Line side connections from the existing service (supply-side connection) terminate at the line-side of the switch (top) Photo 11. Short answer: you are looking at spending $2-3000 on a new main panel in order to get your solar connected according to code, and it won't do much for you aside from expand your solar capacity and upgrade to AFCI breakers for living spaces. Duke Energy says no to line (supply) side taps, which would have solved this for me. My understanding is I'd lose the 8kW if grid was down. Jul 12, 2020 · We're an installer in AR/OK working on a grid-tied job. I'd like to get views on the best way. In most cases, a 200 amp service does not have a load anywhere near 200 amps. This is considered a line side tap. That way all that solar is on put on the grid at a higher cost, even if you are consuming at the same time. Then fan out to existing loads panel and your PV system. 11 (A) and (B), where you’ll find the requirements for making PV connections on the supply side. No need to make a line-side tap. Jun 20, 2022 · What is the 120% solar rule, and what should you do to meet this criteria? Learn how to calculate and derate your breaker to accommodate your system. Residentail Solar installer here, I have a question regarding the 120% rule for busbar ampacity when using a backfeed breaker for load-side connections. No place to connect for a true line side tap. Jun 24, 2015 · You could put in a new "solar ready" main panel with a 225A busbar - but that is still a maximum 12. The PV AC power would not be back fed through the bus or breakers. 12(A) - SUPPLY SIDE CONNECTION Additional complications arise when backup generators are introduced into the system. 100 amp panel can have 20 amp backfeed. It is important to not design a system that can backfeed a generator during operation, and destroy the generator. I have a Square D 200A side by side combo meter and service main panel that is heavily utilized with underground utility feed. Do any of the manufacturers make an all in one 200amp metermain with provisions for lineside taps? Mar 21, 2017 · Is anyone here familiar with Line-Side taps? What are the options for products that can accomplish this if you have a 100A service and more than a 20A system? Solar System Line Side Tap Installation Made Easy with the Turbine Guy Turbine Guy 13. Oct 18, 2013 · My above post is assuming that your solar system is backfeeding a breaker. Apr 7, 2023 · My engineering plans and electrical permit specify a line-side tap, but the electrician who was scheduled to complete the final wiring has informed me that there is no available space in my 200-amp panel to accommodate the tap. (if that's what you mean). and it saves a ton of cost. Aug 22, 2014 · Let's start out with the first basic requirement in 705. The suggestion of a line side tap may make sense if it's prepared properly for your upgrade. The planner did mention that the AHJ will inspect and approv according to the Dec 6, 2021 · Thanks, -pvgreeze PS - I read thru that other feeder tap thread, but that seems concerned with load side interconnection, not line side. There are 100A visible blade knife switches which can be service disconnect. ABC Solar ProjectsABC Solar Grid Tie Single Line Diagram Load Side Tap Solar Electric Grid Tie SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM The Single Line Diagram is needed for construction and permitting. 12 (D) (2) (3) to cover the interconnection rules related to busbars since the backfed circuit breaker to busbar connection is most commonly used when connecting a utility interactive PV system to the grid. That's always something new for them. 5 feet in a non dwelling building per 705. It talks ethernet over powerline to the microinverters and can report data to Enphase making it easy for you to see everything with a free app or web browser. Cold water and ground rod. 12 (A)]. Line‑side tap + main‑panel upgrade: Bypasses the busbar rule altogether (see next section). See full list on solarbuildermag. The main breaker should be OFF so the inverter is supplying and controlling 100% of the power. But now I can Here we connect our taps to the line side electric wires in the main panel. I prefer a "Meter Main" which lets me cut power an install feeder taps to multiple boxes without talking to utility and having them cut power. I’m I did a line side tap on my system due to the 120% rule. 2/ line tap between the 400amp main and the new 225amp sub panel. Oct 15, 2024 · Many people still choose line side tap is because the the back feed using breaker to the main panel is usually caped at 40A breaker in a 200A panel with 200A Main breaker, unless I replace that 200A main breaker. Outback feeds critical loads Sep 16, 2013 · Solar Ready Residential Service Panel The photo shows a Siemens “solar ready” service panel which is produced as a response to the need for easier connections with PV systems. Oct 11, 2025 · Choosing between a supply-side (line-side) or load-side (breaker-based) connection impacts not only your system cost and complexity, but also code compliance and inspection outcomes. The NEC 120 % Busbar Rule in Plain English Think of your service panel busbar like a two‑lane bridge: Lane 1: Utility power flows down through the main breaker (e. Apr 17, 2018 · It should be noted that all ac PV circuits after the first supply-side connected overcurrent device/disconnect and back toward the inverter ac output (s) are now considered load-side (of the service (PV) disconnect) circuits and must follow the requirements of section 705. So the other options being discuss is a line side tap on the main panel to feed in the excess solar. Would the the disconnect that the taps feed be required to have a GES. Yeah, the plug-on hardware is more expensive. Mar 31, 2021 · Where to start First of all, 705. Dec 6, 2021 · we usually used to use square d main panel that has dedicated lugs for line side tap ,but because of material issue its hard to get those panel before hand and I was wondering if we could use siemens panel dedicated for solar and connect both ways. Sep 7, 2022 · In this edition of Code Corner, we're going to talk more about 2020 NEC section 705. A separate set of busbars, rated at 60 amps, is supplied for connecting to an inverter with a set of breakers. This video shows one way to do it while maintaining safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code. The Envoy is the main monitoring hub. e. Learn the pros, cons and differences, and get professional advice now! Sep 25, 2020 · The conductors going to the feed-through panel are easily accessible and the taps can be made in similar fashion to a line tap. 1: Examples of load vs. To this point, installers have been making supply-side connections in PV systems following the Code to the best of their ability. I don't know if utility objects to that. Alternative - feed the Jul 16, 2021 · It's an 8. From what I have read yyour better off performing a line side tap between the meter and main breaker in home. There's a Square D panel that has a built in, listed, Line Side Tap option that lets you put 175A of solar on a standard 200/200. When it comes to designing a PV system for any residential or even commercial system, the 120% rule is used to determine the limit to how much a building or structure can hold or how much energy the site’s service can handle. doing a supply side connection on the service conductors outside. Line side taps do not interfere with net metering or Feed-in Tariffs (FiT), although an additional meter may be required as a dedicated production meter. We subcontract with a local licensed elec to do the bottom-side work. Why not see if you can downsize the main breaker in the current panel or a line side tap off the feeders before the main breaker Apr 20, 2013 · I am getting ready to install an addtional 2 KW grid tie system and want to avoid a line side tap. Connection to the Backup Gateway 2 / Gateway 3 must be a directly routed feed. In this edition of our Code Corner video series, our Founder and CEO Ryan Mayfield is joined by Senior PV Designer Ry Heller to look at NEC 702. Line side tap rule: • The minimum wire size for a line side tap connection is 6AWG. Where distribution equipment, including switchgear, switchboards, or panelboards, is fed simultaneously by a primary source (s) of electricity Assuming the system size you provided is AC (it’s probably DC but erring on the side of caution) you’re looking at 125A of backfeed. Interconnecting Generation Under Rule 21. I was lucky my first place for PV install had meter main. Oct 2, 2024 · 2) The back feed breaker (s) must be at the oppisit end of the Busbar than the main breaker so no one part of the busbar sees all of the current For a 200A busbar in a breaker panel with a 200A main breaker, this is the math: Backfeed calculation (120% rule): 1. AN EASY TO FOLLOW GUIDE FOR SOLAR INSTALLERS THAT WILL MAKE INTERCONNECTING A NO-BRAINER 120% RULE LOADSIDE TAP Explore line-side tap solar with our comprehensive guide! From basics to installation, embark on an electrifying journey towards a greener future. com Jan 31, 2023 · Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to line side tap vs load side tap. The wires run into the box the same as if they would be connected into a breaker but instead they are tapped into the incoming lines just before the main breaker. This means that I will need more than 40A in order to back feed (and going larger would require more than that), so I am over the 120% rule on my bus bar (200A) service panel. But, usually the main breaker is very expensive (like $180. Since there is a disconnect between the meter and where I would connect the grid tie inverter, is this still The supply side tap requires a shut-down (or pulling the meter), compliant taps, some AHJ education, room in the top of the panel, etc. STEP 1: CHOOSE SOLAR PANEL Over the years we have installed solar panels made by SolarWorld, Sanyo, Mitsubishi, Sharp, LG Solar, Suniva, JA Solar, Hyundai, and Sunpower (from black market). I need help understanding the calculations for the back feed breakers. Simple way to go is what you were thinking. Jan 20, 2023 · You have a 100A main breaker only panel. Also, in Canada, it seems practically all panels with a 200A main come The term “line-side tap” is often used to describe the method for connecting a PV system to the service conductors. The only way to de-energize the underground wire from the meter to the inverters is to pull the meter. 2 x 200A = 125% Max back-feed source + 200A 240A = 1. In a previous article “ The 120% Rule Explained – 2011 NEC 705. Load Side Tap: Connecting the Backup Gateway 2 / Gateway 3 to the load side of the main panel or service disconnect by tapping via insulation-piercing connectors is non-standard practice and increases the possibility of issues and/or failed inspections. The plans call for a Square D B-Tap model D223NRB Line tap. I have a 200 amp service and could not feed my system into a breaker. 2. The tap wires: check that there is enough space for the system to be successfully connected and there is a fusible disconnect (see below). First, when we say “supply side,” we are talking about the supply side of the main overcurrent device, sometimes referred to as a line side tap, even though they are technically supply-side connections. In 90% of all situations the module-level disconnect would be close to the main service panel. 12 (B) Load Side. Supply-Side Taps vs. Mar 28, 2020 · Learning more about 120% rule and load vs line. However, this approach can not void the UL certification of the main panel and will need approval by the local AHJ building authority and the utility. You could also use mechanical multitap connectors (Unitap Find the requirements for Rule 21 interconnection of distributed energy systems with SCE. Fig. I need to take a closer look tomorrow, but can anyone Jan 11, 2022 · New to the NEC 2020 we have section 705. Nov 16, 2018 · Solar power from the inverter is either sent back into the main breaker box through the main breaker, same as the grid power, or it is sold to grid. To maximize the benefit of the installation, the connection to the grid power is being planned on the line side of the main service disconnect (typically a circuit breaker Dec 2, 2016 · Therefore the 120% rule shouldn't apply, right? I really don't see any difference electrically speaking if we connect with the 225 A breaker at the busbar vs. Whether interconnecting the Inverter Output Circuit through a breaker at the service panel or directly to a feeder, it is important to first know the inverter output circuit current. Jun 29, 2013 · 1. I have a 200 amp service I'm installing 2 arrays. you get paid for what you generate - and it is at a higher rate than what you pay for electricity) they often do line-side connections with a dedicated production meter. 2017 Code Language: 705. AHJ Inspection Article 705 covers the installation of interconnected generators, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and fuel cell systems that operate in parallel with a primary source of electricity. Solar electricity system interconnections with meter/main combination panels can be tricky. Jan 8, 2025 · I can flip that back on you and ask, has your research shown many hybrids being fed through a line side tap, vs a grid tie inverter. Load-Side Taps • A connection made on the load side of the main breaker. Feb 15, 2025 · I prefer line-side tap, and the option to backfeed main panel through an interlocked breaker after manually turning off excessive loads. 12 (B) where busbars, overcurrent devices and feeders are involved. This work should be done by a licensed electrician. 50A breaker feeds Outback. Generally, it is best practice to interconnect on the load side if amperage allows. You’d get to keep your 200 amp service and you don’t have to give up any space for breakers. Nov 2, 2016 · A 100A backfeed breaker would vertainly break the 120% rule. This article will examine some of the reasons for those increasing numbers of supply-side or utility-side connected systems. Jun 9, 2020 · Using a line side tap, the only NEC limit is the nominal size of the service, in this case 200A. This is a common setup in our area, which is prone to frequent electrical shutoffs. One of my biggest questions about the said whole house backup system is how do they use the generator input function. The output of an interconnected electric power source shall be permitted to be connected to the load side of the service disconnecting means of the other source (s) at any distribution equipment on the premises. ” The rapid-disconnect proposal is for a PV disconnect that kicks in on the loss of ac mains power, Paiss explained. 8K Solar Energy News RSS Feed Oct 28, 2024 · Want to line side tap a PV inverter (10 KW in this example). , 200 A). Here’s the after with the load side tap and the insulation piercing connectors. Eyedro has a nice online tool for showing both usage and generation in real time on the same graph. On set of CTs goes on the circuit to the inverter and the other set goes on the circuit to the service panel. 9kW system (for now) with room for a little more gain from the bifacial panels. Provide a safer installation than traditional line-side taps by eliminating the need to enter or modify the service panel. But , many solar systems I see simply backfeed on a double pole breaker into the panel and the main always stays on. So you don’t need special supervision or trouble disconnecting from a load-side tap. Apr 29, 2015 · To upgrade would be pretty costly. Oct 22, 2023 · What specifically is the issue you are trying to solve? Looks like a line side tap feeds the inverter (s) and the inverter (s) back-feed the main panel bus bars at the bottom right. A back-fed circuit breakers in the panelboard shall be positioned at the opposite end from the main circuit breaker and marked with a warning label at the back-fed breaker from the PV system. 1K Grid Tie and Grid Interactive Systems 656 Solar Water Pumping 816 Wind Power Generation 624 Energy Use & Conservation Discussion Forums/Café 314 In the Weeds--Member's Choice 75 Construction 124 New Battery Technologies 108 Old Battery Tech Discussions Solar News - Automatic Feed 3. The 56 Kyocera's are in 4 strings Jul 21, 2017 · This means I have to do a line side tap (which doesn't work with battery backup) or pull the main 200 amp breaker and replace with a 175 amp. What Is an Interconnection? Dec 2, 2016 · I really don't see any difference electrically speaking if we connect with the 225 A breaker at the busbar vs. Jun 16, 2009 · I'm installing a 12kw ( 56 Kyocera 210w and 2x SB7000US Inverters) system and want to make sure I connect my line side tap properly. 1 is to use a special adapter that fits between the meter and the meter base. System under overload condition with solar interconnected line side (supply side) How does a line (supply) side interconnection affect the overload scenario? Below is the example with the same load. The connection allows you to integrate solar power into existing electrical infrastructure without modifying anything. Does the 200a CB inside the disconnect make it an ocpd? Would changing to a knife style disconnect allow A Supply Side Connection (SSC), also referred to as a Line Side Tap constitutes a new service as defined by the National Electric Code (NEC), and is subject to all applicable NEC requirements and/or requirements adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. I have two questions. 240. When installed correctly, line-side taps are a safe and efficient way to interconnect solar systems with the utility grid. As the line side tap connects directly with the main and solar, the load side tap does not. So with that being said, there is always the option of a line side tap, that’s what my installers did and you’ve got the same panel as me too. I used two inline Ilsco IPC (R) 4/0-2 (T) 2/0-6 T UL connector that cost about $30 each. Work is similar to residential electrical work EXCEPT when we get to the line tap. So in that sense, the true difference between a line side and load side PV connection would be this: the downstream most (farthest from the utility) point at which a conductor may carry both power produced by the PV inverters You still connect on the load-side of the meter, but it's the line-side of the main breaker. And you will be adding a 12kw inverter with the ability to pass through the 24kw (actually twice that) without issue. But with some admittedly vague rules around a few key issues, we wanted to address supply-side connections here. Oct 12, 2024 · Thanks for the comment, but I see in multiple places where Solar PV is line side tapped outside in the meter base on the load side of the meter. 1. All of these makers Mar 12, 2012 · 200 amp main service panel does not have space for a breaker, so he tapped into the feeders to the only subpanel, after the 100amp breaker on the service bars protecting the subpanel feeders. Feb 29, 2024 · Yes there are listed tap connectors for line side of service equipment, I don’t know if an insulation piercing style is available, as I only saw multi port style ones. 11, governing load side and supply May 1, 2021 · A load-side PV connection is an electrical connection of the PV system output (power source) to a circuit in the building or dwelling, which is on the load side of the main service disconnect. Apr 10, 2022 · I'd like to use what may be considered a line side tap installation for my grid tie inverter to avoid having to de-rate my main service panel breaker. Mar 8, 2020 · Line side tap used for a hybrid means hybrid and its loads can draw from grid, and main panel can too. Agreed with the first person - line side tap if you’re jurisdiction and utility allow. There are also 'Solar Ready' panels that feed the solar in via busbar before the main breaker. You currently have a 24kw (100a) panel feeder. Now, If the PV system is connected to the supply side of the service disconnecting means as permitted in 230. Dec 13, 2023 · Can you do a line side tap instead? That's what I did with my system Probably an option, I'm just looking at it from the standpoint of why not use the SYN-200 for down the road capability. Depending on the meter type it may be possible to do a tap out of the existing meter which could then be easily moved to the new meter when you get it. The existing circuit - does it go to a sub panel inside? I would like that to have 100A OCP, since it will now have available to it 100A + 40A. I was a little bit surprised there is no breaker, fuse, or disconnect for the load side tap he installed. If it is inside the disconnect/OCPD would have to be at the point of the tap. One obvious solution is to do a line side tap between the meter and the Sep 19, 2020 · Line side tap would only be needed if you wanted more than 50A breaker for PV. Since the solar is on the line side of the main, it cant sneak anything past it to the distribution section. Another is to use insulation piercing connectors to tap into the service wires between the meter and main breaker. This production meter will measure all of the solar power generated, regardless of if you use FOR PARTIAL BACKUP: Connect the output of your back-feed breaker or line side tap (depending on the point of interconnection) to the "GRID" breaker. Jan 7, 2023 · The solar is 4kw, load side tap connected to a 20A breaker. The local area really doesnt have any master electricans with solar experience so I need to work with one and point him in the right direction . By connecting on the Line side, it avoids de-rating the existing service panel and avoids back-feed limits of the panel governed by Rules 1 and 2 above. LOAD SIDE TAP CONNECTIONS INTERCONNECTION REQUIREMENTS EXCERPT A Load Side Tap constitutes a “tap” as defined in this document, and is subject to all applicable NEC requirements and/or requirements adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Jul 27, 2023 · (As a line side tap) And the question is breaker and wire size? They will remain the same as they currently are. g. A line or supply side interconnection (tap) connects the solar on the utility side of your main disconnect so your panel is still protected by the 200 amp main disconnect. Mar 28, 2020 · If you haven't installed the combination meter/panel yet, I would consider staying with or installing plain meter socket, and doing a line side tap to 2 fused disconnects for your inverters. The inverter output overcurrent protective device is still required to be 125% of the inverter output rating; and, of course, there may be rating round up involved in selecting an appropriate overcurrent device. The difference is that the connection is made after the main breaker so different rules apply. A line-side connection thus bypasses the main breaker to tap into the conductors leading out of the service panel and back to the utility grid. Apr 6, 2022 · From there the IQ Combiner can feed into the house's load panel or a line-side tap, it also serves as the outdoor disconnect. supply side connections. The other option is a spit system (I have two 200A main panels) each with 200A breaker, two system controllers, two combiners, two envoys. I Nov 4, 2013 · I was a sub for a solar installer for almost 2 years and performed almost 200 hundred Iinstallations. put the CT on the new tap 3/ backfeed AC out on the EG4 to the new sub panel @ 65 amp. Maybe there is a 100A one. But the POCO may have their own limits based on both the service size and the voltage stability of your specific transformer secondary and its primary feed. CEC is different than NEC so I wanted a Canadian Electrical Code rule number that says I can or cannot tap INSIDE the service panel, just before the main breaker? There is LOTS of room in the panel for the taps. Mar 6, 2024 · Learn the 120% rule for solar installations in our comprehensive guide that breaks down the definition and applications for electrical engineering standards. 11 which helps us understand how to make supply-side connections more clearly than previous iterations. Oct 18, 2020 · I had a solar electrician wire my solar stuff in 2017. You'll have a feed from the solar tapping the line going to the service panel. Here’s a before picture of my outside box before the install. B (1) pertains to the feeder, and (B) (2) pertains to any taps on the feeder, whether they are power sources or loads. 1(G) of the APS Interconnection Requirements manual. I planned to run out from each inverter to their own AC disconnect then to individual meters for the PA Sunshine rebate program and then into the service panel with a backfeed breaker for each array. So a 200 amp rated panel/breaker you can back feed a 40 amp limit unless you derate the line side breaker in the panel. Where does the ability to tap line side end - at first ocpd? One of my meter feeds is external to an adjacent 200a disconnect (Q22200NRB). . I had such a situation with mine, where the breaker was a 60amp from the solar backfeed (the max output rating on the inverters was 46amps) and I had to derate the panel breaker to 175amps to keep under the 120% limit. Load-Side Taps Supply-Side Taps • A connection made on the line side of the main service disconnect. Are Jun 21, 2024 · Do a supply-side tap for the connection to the inverter. We normally use a 18 by 18 by 6 pvc box and 3 barrel insulated lugs . Where distribution equipment, including switchgear, switchboards, or panelboards, is fed simultaneously by a primary source (s) of electricity Oct 20, 2023 · So I make sure that I comprehend: If the service panel is not solar ready, then the main service breaker has to be derated based on the back feed amperage of the solar system. 12kPV with Supply Side Tap and Partial Home Backup with Notes Note that while a Supply Side Tap is a viable option to interconnect a 12kPV system with the utility we highly recommend you consider using an EG4 GridBOSS. I would attach an additional box to a KO on the left, feed the existing service conductors across into it, make the tap there using Polaris connectors or split bolt. Jun 27, 2023 · Supply side or feeder tap? A easy way to cut your flapping around the design space is to call up your AHJ or POCO and ask about line side vs load side. See other important Nov 16, 2013 · Plan reviewers and inspectors throughout the country are seeing increasing numbers of supply-side connected utility interactive photovoltaic (PV) power systems [705. I'm looking at a couple of options for a line side tap and each has complications. Nov 17, 2021 · A solar PV system entering the main service panel through a 40 A back-fed breaker Feed-through lugs that go to a main-lug-only panel that distributes additional loads in the system Line Side Tap Overview An installation of Alternate Energy (AE) systems for residential applications covers a wide geography and a number of jurisdictions, both for electrical inspectors as well as serving utilities. Inpector says just replace both the service disco and panel above with a 125a busbar panel so I can backfeed breaker the solar, and reconnect the subpanel in the basement. Hopefully (by my preference) they tell you line side requires so much red tape you don't have to worry about it anymore. A properly installed electrical generator incorporates the use of a transfer switch or generator interlock kit to ensure the incoming electrical service line is disconnected when the generator is providing power to the building Oct 15, 2018 · Can someone explain how solar safely backfeeds a panel ? For instancewhen you have a dual feed into a panel like utility power and a generator you need an interlock. 12 (B) (1) and (2) are not different options. At this job, the For jurisdictions having a feed-in tariff (i. If the panel is newer you should really check to see if it says “solar ready” or “solar” labeled on it. **** for this set up, ONLY the sub panel will have power when grid is down solar arrays still work to power the subpanel and charge battery???? Solar electricians- how do you interconnect residential solar? I’ve done tap box, line taps in panel, meter collar, and back-fed breaker. 11. gaiaqe ffvz ufvvhw rnhtcz rgmdes tnljhxumh koovvvs ujvo qnjjdz omlo ddrp zag wgebkhf mandfph epppj