So damn true!!! Some inspectors have no clue about how any of this works and just go by rules they have memorized.... and often they memorized it incorrectly or apply wrong rule to the situation at hand....and that is just for standard household wiring. The inspectors are slowly starting to understand solar and string inverters, so they are getting better. However, put a battery in the system and most of them are completely lost....but still have the authority to shut you down.
Don't get me wrong. when properly applied, code compliance is a good thing...... but the key point is 'properly applied'.
I started my solar project intending to install a DIY fixed "Stand Alone" solar (ESS configuration with 3KW panels, 3KW inverter, 15kWh Lithium).
Designed in accordance with NEC 690 and 710 "Stand Alone" ....implementing multi-circuit 120 VAC transfer switch (Reliable 10-circuit 30Amp).
Local permitting proving to be expensive and complex (impossible) for DIY solar mainly due to required certifications of designer&installer and component requirements of NEC specs.
So, I am implementing Plan-B instead:
I'm not going to install an ESS.....instead am building a "portable generator".
The small-scale of my original system design allows me to implement a portable battery generator solution which is portable and not part of my home's structure.
Notable design considerations:
*)Inverter and charge controllers are NOT UL-listed.
*)There is no permitting&inspecting process for rolling a portable home generator into the garage for standby power.
*)I'm still using NEC guidance in the design.....it is for the most part VERY solid process/procedure/safety practices for implementing solar.
*)Conductors fabrication, breakers/fusing, labeling scaled as outlined in general electrical code/best-practices and NEC 710.
*)Even though not an ESS from standpoint of permitting, I am implementing using using "NEC 690 Standalone System" guidance. Considerations include PV&ESS/&Inverter-out&Controller disconnects (integrated within generator unit)
*)using 2020 NEC 706 guidance for ESS implementation
*)No grid interconnect (NEC 705?)...is standalone with power transfer (Using NEC 710 guidance) to select circuit (total 125% amps of selected circuits under rated capacity of generator design).
*)Instead of installing hard-wired 10-circuit transfer switch myself (easy 2 hour job) will instead hire electrician to install transfer switch with 30A 120VAC generator inlet box/connection. Let him get it through inspection.
*)Unfortunately cant avoid permitting and inspections for panels. May just farm panel installation out to a solar pro and be done with it.