Utility Interconnection Question - "Does the distributed generation system utilize Reverse Power Relay Technology?"

[AllYourSun]

Hi there, I'm trying to fill out the interconnection application for a solar array we're installing, and I can't find anything about this question in our inverter's documentation (Sol-Ark 15k): "Does the distributed generation system utilize Reverse Power Relay Technology?"

It seems like this is something that prevents backfeeding the grid when that's not wanted, and the 15k supposedly does prevent backfeeding when the grid is down, but it seems like it's probably a specific piece of equipment?

Thanks for any pointers you might have.

 

[TM48]

I'd ask for clarification from the company. It may just be asking if you have a automatic transfer switch.

 

[kommando]

In the UK there are relays that limit outgoing amps which are used in commercial PV setups but they are not used domestically where the Inverter will instead have a connection to a 2 way meter or a CT clamp to detect outgoing flow and then use this info to limit Inverter production.

 

[AllYourSun]

Thanks! I’ve reached out to our power company, but waiting on a response. And thanks for the info, Kommando, I’m getting the sense from other sources that this is probably mostly for commercial installations.

 

[Solar Guppy]

Hi there, I'm trying to fill out the interconnection application for a solar array we're installing, and I can't find anything about this question in our inverter's documentation (Sol-Ark 15k): "Does the distributed generation system utilize Reverse Power Relay Technology?"

That's a term geared towards commercial scale mechanical generators, which would lead me to ask, are you sure you using the correct form?

 

[Quattrohead]

I think they are asking if there is an actual relay that will disconnect the inverter from the grid terminals.
Not sure about the Solark 15k, but the EG4 18kpv does. I imagine the Solark does too.

 

[AllYourSun]

That's a term geared towards commercial scale mechanical generators, which would lead me to ask, are you sure you using the correct form?

Yeah, this is for <20kw systems, and everything else has been pretty simple. Looking around about this, I have been getting the sense that this is more applicable for commercial systems, not sure why they ask it on here.

 

[AllYourSun]

I think they are asking if there is an actual relay that will disconnect the inverter from the grid terminals.
Not sure about the Solark 15k, but the EG4 18kpv does. I imagine the Solark does too.

Hm ok, so you think the answer might actually be yes? It does seem like the hybrid inverters do the same thing, but it’s a pretty oblique way to ask whether you’re using a hybrid inverter.

It seems like I might just have to wait for them to get back to me on it. I’ll try to remember to follow up here for others who hit this.

 

[AllYourSun]

OK, just got back a response from the utility interconnection team. They said they don't really care what the answer is as long as the inverter is on the approved list. I guess it's for cases where someone's doing something more manually.

Thanks for the tips, everyone.