What is the limit for PV I can install on my electrical panel?
I need to put 3 circuits of 20A (Enphase) into my 200A distribution panel, but my installer is saying I can only put in 40A due to 690.64 requirements.
Comments
Martha,690.64 is commonly known as the 120% rule. Basically, you can only feed an electrical panel (Solar and Utility Breaker combined) at 120% of its rating. In your case 200 * 1.2 = 240, hence the 40A - if your main breaker is 200A. One option for you might be to use a smaller main disconnect (from the utility). For example, if you could use a 180A main breaker, then you would have 60A of solar feed-in capacity.
You should check to see if you can do a supply side interconnection. Then you will not be limited to 40A. Other than that you can either replace the 200A panel with one that has a higher rating or as Stuart said, install a lower rated main breaker. The reason you are only allowed 40A is that you take 1.2 times the panel rating and subtract the main breaker rating.
Comments
Other than that you can either replace the 200A panel with one that has a higher rating or as Stuart said, install a lower rated main breaker. The reason you are only allowed 40A is that you take 1.2 times the panel rating and subtract the main breaker rating.