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  • Adding Panels

    I have a 100a panel with a 20amp back feed breaker. Right now I have 16 panels maxing out the 120% rule. Is there a way I can put an additional system on the panel without changing it? Or running it to a sub-panel? I have searched a little but no direct answers. I am new to all of this and felt the company I used could have added more so I am trying to figure out how without upgrading my main panel. I just put in a new driveway and don't want to cut it and trench it to add 3" conduit to upgrade my main service panel Electric company requires 3"). I will eventually, just not now.

    Thanks

  • #2
    For your area and 100A panel, 20A backfeed is likely all you can safely get and still meet code. To upgrade the panel, you'll need the larger conduit, as you know.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

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    • #3
      What kind of inverter do you have?
      Is your solar array facing all south? Would the additional all face south?

      have you thought of doing a lineside tap?
      Last edited by ButchDeal; 08-30-2018, 12:47 PM.
      OutBack FP1 w/ CS6P-250P http://bit.ly/1Sg5VNH

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      • #4
        You have 3 different options that I am aware of.

        1) replace the main breaker in your panel with a smaller one. If you go down to a 75A main breaker, you can now do a 45A solar breaker and still fit the 120% rule. For this you need to make sure a 75A supply is enough for your house.

        2) Upgrade your main panel to a 150 or 200A panel, and replace the breaker with a 100A main breaker to match your service wires. This would technically allow 120A solar breaker, but obviously you would never go that high. With this option you still get the full 100A service if you need it.

        3) Line-side tap. This is where you use tap connectors to connect to the service lines between the meter and the main breaker. Many AHJs and POCOs won't allow this option, so you would have to check with them. There is one product available that actually installs between the meter and socket that allows you to tap there, but again, you need approval from the POCO.

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