PV through a meter socket adapter single line diagram
A meter collar connects the solar ahead of the main breaker, so the panel bus is left alone. Use this when the panel bus has no room for a backfed breaker and the utility accepts a meter socket adapter. The adapter sits between the meter socket and the meter and connects the solar ahead of the main breaker, so the panel is not opened up.
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What the reviewer checks on this drawing
The utility checks that the drawing shows a connection at the meter, not a breaker in the panel, with the adapter’s make, model and rating. The reviewer checks the adapter’s listing and the inverter output at 125% against the adapter’s breaker.
What the drawing shows
Every device on the sheet, in the order power reaches it.
| Symbol | Label | Rating or detail | Conductors feeding it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility source | Utility service | 120/240V 1φ 3W | |
| Meter | Utility meter | 200A socket | Service conductors, per utility |
| Device | Meter socket adapter (MSA) | 200A · between socket and meter, utility approved | |
| Circuit breaker | 200A 2P | Main breaker | |
| Panelboard | Main panel | 200A | |
| Circuit breaker | 40A 2P | Adapter breaker | |
| Disconnect switch | AC disconnect | 60A non-fused, lockable, visible blade | 3 #8 Cu + #10 G |
| Inverter | String inverter | 7.6 kW · 240V · 32A, integrated DC disconnect | |
| Device | Rapid shutdown (RSD) | Module-level devices | PV wire #10 Cu + #10 G, 2 strings |
| PV array | PV array | 20 × 400W = 8.0 kW DC |
Notes on the sheet
- The adapter connects the PV on the supply side of the service disconnect (NEC 705.11 and 230.82(6)). The panel bus is not backfed, so there is no busbar check and no main breaker to change.
- Adapter listed for the purpose and accepted by the utility for this meter socket. It fits the plug-in socket models its maker lists it for, not a bolt-in socket. Its breaker’s interrupting rating to equal or exceed the available fault current.
- The disconnect and overcurrent protection for a supply-side connection are to be suitable for use as service equipment (NEC 230.82(6) and 705.11): the adapter’s breaker where its listing says so, otherwise a fused, service-rated AC disconnect.
- Inverter output 32A × 125% = 40A, the rating of the breaker in the adapter.
- Give the adapter’s make, model and rating on the interconnection application. The utility pulls and resets the meter, or witnesses it.
- Rapid shutdown per NEC 690.12 (CEC Rule 64-218).
Diagram is schematic and not to scale. Field-verify existing equipment ratings. Ratings and conductor sizes shown are typical. Confirm against the adopted code, the equipment listing and a load calculation before installation. Code references are to the 2023 NEC and the 2024 Canadian Electrical Code: see references and editions.
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