Re: The Physics Behind the Spanish Blackout

On 6/13/25 11:25 AM, Don Y wrote:

On 6/13/2025 10:07 AM, KevinJ93 wrote:

I don't see why the power to the house would be affected. The Solar array can be completely isolated from power. In fact around here it is required that there be a well-marked accessible isolating switch on the exterior of the building accessible to emergency personnel. There is also a separate isolating switch for the battery system.

>
The panels had to be removed from the roof (typically, the only place where
installation is supported) in order for the roof to be replaced (re- shingled).
 From that moment -- until the inspector re-approved the reconnection of
the panels -- she was operating entirely on utility provided power (because
her panels were in storage!) ... yet still on the ToU tariff.  I.e., the
entire reinstallation of the panels had to be re-approved before being allowed
back into service whereby she could begin generating some of her own power.

>
Aah, I read your previous statement as the power to the whole house was turned off, rather than just disabling solar.

 I think they can just pull the meter to disconnect the array.  But,
if you need to replace the roof material, you also have to remove the
panels (likely not something that they will let a DIYer do?) and,
later, reinstall them.

There will always be a separate circuit breaker in the electrical panel for the solar. If there isn't a solar isolator as I'm required to do here then just flip the circuit breaker.
As far as I know removing the panels can be done by anybody here - reinstalling may require an electrician or other certified person (they have 2 or 3 grades here that are approved).

 Amusingly, the roof is supposed to be inspected prior to installing
the array.  The array was installed 12 months ago (maybe 14?).  So,
the roof magically degraded in that short time?  (more likely,
they blessed it as being "OK" to allow the solar *SALE* to be made!)
 

Regarding the re-approval required, the US is renown for excessive red-tape in permitting. It seems to be that the US costs about twice as much as any other western country to install solar just because of the bureaucracy involved. The re-approval requirements will vary depending on your locality.

 Yes.  They have tried to streamline this, here.  E.g., permits for
roof mounted solar are only $25 (I think).  OTOH, installing on
any other structure requires architectural drawings, electrical
approvals, etc.
 In most areas, The Inspector is God.  And, can't be held accountable
for anything (short of negligence resulting in loss).  So, get a guy
who's wife slept on her stomach the night before and you're screwed...
 And, the public utility wants a say (allegedly to ensure there isn't too
much solar in an area).
 I'm planning on adding ~3KW of "off grid" solar and will be curious to
see how much resistance I meet!
 

I have never done it here in California but I had heard some cities are a lot worse than others. They also add installation requirements locally that go beyond the statewide rules. I had to add a fire detector over the batteries that was tied into the house alarm system.

 I recall trying to get guidance for smoke and CO detector installation.
I.e., areas to AVOID, where prohibited, where required, etc.  Not even
the local fire department could provide answers!