Any electricians in the house?

chlngr1970 said
I currently have two service panels fed by my meter base. One feeds the shop with a grid tied 18.6 KW Solar array, the other feeds the house. Both have a 200A Panel.

First, I'd like to install a portable generator input plug that will be able to allow the solar array to continue to produce when there is a power outage. This is to keep the us enjoying power while they fix whatever caused the outage.

Scond, I'd like to install a battery array to allow me to store some of that power, if the grid goes down. Is it possible to store solar generated power form panels that have micro inverters on the panel?

TIA!

j

Sounds like you have one 400A ? main meter panel. Then two 200A sub panels?

The "make or break" transfer switch for a backup generator typically goes right after the meter. But you should consult your electrical company for particulars.

Here's some verbiage some electric companies have for this situation. Research and find what your particular companies or state policy is:

“Backup systems” are generators used by customers to serve part or all of their electrical needs during a power outage. These generators will normally be operated only when electric service is not available. Most backup systems are designed to operate independently from the electric system by using an automatic transfer switch to sense the loss of power from and initiate power use from this generator. Once electric service is restored, the generator’s automatic transfer switch will shift the customer’s usage back and will signal the backup generator to shut-off.

Typically backup generators will use diesel, natural gas, or liquid propane to operate.

Generators operating as a backup system will do so either under a momentary parallel mode or isolated mode:

Momentary Parallel operation mode. A backup generator that interconnects and operates on a momentary parallel basis with the electric system for a duration of one (1) second or less through transfer switches or operating schemes specifically designed and engineered for such operation.
Isolated operation mode. A backup generator that will be isolated and prevented from becoming interconnected with the electric system through a transfer switch or operating scheme specifically designed and engineered for such operation.

While customers operating backup systems under either momentary parallel or isolated mode are not obligated to enter into an interconnection agreement with the electric company, an application for interconnection still needs to be completed to satisfy the electric company's notice requirements for operating such generating facility.