Okay, let's break down the key considerations for future-proofing your electrical service for a solar installation in Georgia, especially given Georgia Power's 10kW residential limit. Your plan is a great starting point.Here's what you should do now, expanding on your idea of adding extra conduits

1. Conduit, Conduit, Conduit (with extra headroom):
Dedicated Solar Conduit

Yes, absolutely run at least two (and ideally three, see #3) empty conduits from the trough in your garage up into the attic. These should be dedicated only for solar.

Size Matters

Don't skimp on the conduit size. I recommend at least 1.25" or 1.5" diameter. This gives you plenty of room for the necessary wires, including future expansion/upgrades and any communication cables. Bigger is better (within reason, consider aesthetics). Remember, derating rules apply to conductors in conduit. Filling a conduit completely with conductors requires using much larger wire sizes, leading to much larger conduits.

Consider the location of the Solar Conduit Exit in the Attic As you build your conduits from the through to the attic, think about where on the roof you'll be placing your solar panels. For example, it might be useful to have the conduit come out near the center of the house, or perhaps near the south-facing side. It would be a pain to have to run a 20' wire across the attic because you placed the conduit entrance poorly. Separate from Generator Conduit

Keep the solar conduits completely separate from the conduit you're using for the generator. This is good practice for safety and future maintenance.

Code Compliance

Ensure all conduit runs are compliant with local electrical codes and properly secured. Use weather-tight fittings where the conduits exit to the attic.

2. Trough Size and Placement



Sufficient Capacity

Make sure the trough is large enough to accommodate the conductors from your main service, the generator, and the future solar installation. Overestimate a bit. You want enough space for terminations, wire bending, and potential future upgrades. Check NEC (National Electrical Code) for trough sizing calculations based on the number and size of conductors.

Easy Access

Position the trough in a location that will be easily accessible for future work. Good lighting in that area is also a plus.

Mounting Space

Consider leaving open space around the trough to the left and right. This gives you plenty of room to mount additional equipment like string inverters, rapid shutdown devices, monitoring systems, and charge controllers. Don't trap the trough in a corner.

3. Neutral/Grounding Considerations



Dedicated Grounding Conductor

Include a separate, dedicated grounding conductor in one of your solar conduits. This will connect the solar array's grounding system to your main grounding system. Sizing will be dictated by the size of your array's conductors.

Bonding

Ensure proper bonding of all metal components of the solar system, including the racking system, inverters, and conduit.

Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) Access

Make sure your grounding electrode system (ground rods, etc.) is easily accessible for inspection and future connection.

4. Think About Location of the Inverter and Disconnect



Inverter Location

Decide where you might want to locate the solar inverter(s). This will influence where you run the conduits in the attic. Most inverters can be installed indoors or outdoors, but outdoor units require weather-proof enclosures.

Exterior Disconnect

Consider the location of the required solar disconnect switch (typically a fused disconnect). This is usually required to be mounted in an accessible location on the exterior of your house near the meter. Think about a convenient and code-compliant spot for this. Leave space on the outside of your house for this piece of equipment. It's important that it's placed where first responders can easily access it.

5. Load Center Considerations



Spare Breaker Spaces

Ensure your main load center has ample spare breaker spaces for the solar connection. You'll likely need a two-pole breaker for the solar inverter output.

120% Rule

Be aware of the "120% rule" in the NEC. This rule limits the combined amperage of overcurrent devices supplying power to a busbar (like in your load center) to 120% of the busbar's rating. This might require derating your main breaker or the solar breaker. An electrician can help you calculate this. Many people circumvent this by upgrading the electrical panel entirely, or through other means.

Load Calculation

Have an electrician perform a load calculation for your house, taking into account your existing loads and the future solar system. This will ensure your service is adequately sized.

6. Communication and Monitoring



Low Voltage Conduit

Consider running a separate small conduit (3/4") for low-voltage wiring for communication and monitoring systems. This could be for Ethernet, RS-485, or other communication protocols used by the inverter. This prevents interference with power cables.

Location for Internet Connection

Plan for a location near the inverter or main service where you can easily connect to the internet for remote monitoring of the solar system.

7. Documentation



Detailed Drawings

Keep detailed drawings and photos of your electrical system, including the location of all conduits, wiring, and equipment. This will be invaluable for future installers and electricians.

8. Permitting and Inspections



Pull Permits

Ensure you obtain all necessary permits for your electrical work, including the rough-in inspection before closing up walls or ceilings.

Regarding Georgia Power and the 10kW Limit



Net Metering

Georgia Power has a net metering program, which allows you to receive credit for the excess energy your solar panels send back to the grid. Research their specific net metering policies and interconnection requirements.

Pre-Approval

It's a good idea to contact Georgia Power's interconnection department early in the process to discuss your plans and ensure compliance with their requirements.

Key Takeaways



Over-Prepare

It's always better to over-prepare than to under-prepare when it comes to electrical infrastructure.

Consult with Professionals

Consult with a licensed electrician and a solar installer before making any final decisions. They can provide specific advice based on your local codes, site conditions, and energy needs.*

Future-Proofing is Key: By taking these steps now, you'll make the future installation of a solar system much easier and more cost-effective.Your render looks good. Just focus on the points above to add the necessary infrastructure for future solar. Good luck with the rebuild! Flag for review