Xcel "Smart Meter"?

[bellavite1]

Just need to break out the outlets that you want protected in to another breaker panel and then install an inverter and power transfer switch and a way to plug your generator in to it.

I'll get right on it
Do you want me to die?
Because THAT is how I die...
Yeah, I know my limits.
Anyone that actually does this for a living?
Also, I'd rather go solar than generator, and my house AND electrics are old , I need to consult with a trustworthy professional.

[Grant H.]

I don't do household solar for a living, but I do build/maintain solar installs for remote communication sites. Tower sites ranging from 15kw of solar down to individual 100w installs.

I have an offgrid solar setup at my house that powers my "critical" loads. Furnace, Fridge/freezers, some lights, some outlets, my server rack in the garage, all network hardware, etc. I only have 3.6KW of panels currently, but have space to add another 3+KW to the roof.

For some ballpark pricing:
Panels - $.25/w is relatively easy to find - Makes 10kw of panels $2500 (10kw is a pretty common pallet, free shipping usually on a complete pallet). The average household can probably be run entirely on 6-7kw, just depends on your electric bill.
Batteries - LiFePo4 is the way to go - Commercially made/sold: $3800/13kwh - DIY Battery Boxes and Grade A cells (easier to build than an AR): $2200/13kwh (maybe less) - 13kwh is 48VDC at 280ah capacity (pretty common in LiFePo4).
Wiring/Control/Inverters: The sky is the limit. Brand, capacity, etc will drive cost. Can be done for as little as $3500 for split phase 240VAC, but expect this to be more on the lines of $5000+.

If an average home in America wanted to be capable of turning off their main breaker and run their house as is?
8-10kw of panels
3x 48VDC 280AH batteries
Appropriate charge controllers, wiring, inverters
Total: $12,000 to $16,000 in parts

SHTF Maintain Important things with some creature comforts?
4-5KW of panels
1-2x 48VDC 280AH batteries
Charge controllers/inverters/etc
Total: $6,000-$8,000 in parts

Real thread discussion:

Another reason to opt out while it's financially viable, the smart meter can remotely turn off your power at the whim of your Electric Utility.

[def90]

I don't do household solar for a living, but I do build/maintain solar installs for remote communication sites. Tower sites ranging from 15kw of solar down to individual 100w installs.

I have an offgrid solar setup at my house that powers my "critical" loads. Furnace, Fridge/freezers, some lights, some outlets, my server rack in the garage, all network hardware, etc. I only have 3.6KW of panels currently, but have space to add another 3+KW to the roof.

For some ballpark pricing:
Panels - $.25/w is relatively easy to find - Makes 10kw of panels $2500 (10kw is a pretty common pallet, free shipping usually on a complete pallet). The average household can probably be run entirely on 6-7kw, just depends on your electric bill.
Batteries - LiFePo4 is the way to go - Commercially made/sold: $3800/13kwh - DIY Battery Boxes and Grade A cells (easier to build than an AR): $2200/13kwh (maybe less) - 13kwh is 48VDC at 280ah capacity (pretty common in LiFePo4).
Wiring/Control/Inverters: The sky is the limit. Brand, capacity, etc will drive cost. Can be done for as little as $3500 for split phase 240VAC, but expect this to be more on the lines of $5000+.

If an average home in America wanted to be capable of turning off their main breaker and run their house as is?
8-10kw of panels
3x 48VDC 280AH batteries
Appropriate charge controllers, wiring, inverters
Total: $12,000 to $16,000 in parts

SHTF Maintain Important things with some creature comforts?
4-5KW of panels
1-2x 48VDC 280AH batteries
Charge controllers/inverters/etc
Total: $6,000-$8,000 in parts

Real thread discussion:

Another reason to opt out while it's financially viable, the smart meter can remotely turn off your power at the whim of your Electric Utility.

The smart meter is not capable of turning off your power, it is only a meter that reads your usage. They would have to install additional relay units in order to turn off your power or any appliances.

[kidicarus13]

Saver's Switch. A method of torture during those 100+ degree days.
https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/resid.../savers-switch

[Grant H.]

The smart meter is not capable of turning off your power, it is only a meter that reads your usage. They would have to install additional relay units in order to turn off your power or any appliances.

The smart meters on my work facilities are absolutely capable of disconnecting power via remote command.

I haven't spent as much time on the residential side, so maybe they don't have this capability built in?

[def90]

The smart meters on my work facilities are absolutely capable of disconnecting power via remote command.

I haven't spent as much time on the residential side, so maybe they don't have this capability built in?

Smart meters simply replace the analog meter that of already there, there are no relays or mechanisms in them that can cut off your power.

[Grant H.]

Smart meters simply replace the analog meter that of already there, there are no relays or mechanisms in them that can cut off your power.

K.

[buffalobo]

Smart meters simply replace the analog meter that of already there, there are no relays or mechanisms in them that can cut off your power.

Maybe early models(circa 2008-2010) could not but modern(gen 2, 3) Smart meters can.

Power companies are strictly regulated as to when and who they can disconnect whether by pulling analog meter or programming Smart meter.

If you're unarmed, you are a victim.

[FoxtArt]

Something I want to know is how hardened are these meters both physically and cyber.

Can a compromise at a utility individually shut off a ton of customers?

Can an EMP attack permanently take out a lot of meters because they install IC's in crtitical infrastructure applications that absolutely don't need them?

I imagine the answer to both of these questions is probably "yes", but I have not looked into it.

I'd much prefer to keep my meters from the 1970s, kthanks.

[eddiememphis]

Smart meters simply replace the analog meter that of already there, there are no relays or mechanisms in them that can cut off your power.

My residential meter is an Itron Gen5 Riva.

https://na.itron.com/o/commerce-medi...hments/3804170

From the spec sheet-

Remote Disconnect/Reconnect
-Support integrated disconnect switch
-Perform remote disconnects/reconnects through the system