All Meter mains need to be brought up to code standard, for any enclosures that are in doubt please provide evidence to support your argument.
Modifications to Meter Main Disconnects have proven a point of friction in the Solar Access Program resulting in high costs and friction through the installation and activation of systems. Please use the following document as a reference to acceptable solutions with a reduced cost in materials and labor for this program.
Some issues that may trigger a Meter Main Solar Ready Repair,
Disconnecting means exceeds 6'7'' as per NEC 404.8
Enclosure is not limiting exposure of live parts to a person on the operating side of the equipment per NEC 404.38 Clearances are found in Table 110.26 (A)(1)
And an appropriate solution can not be found (no existing deadfront or insufficient coverage)
Replacement of Non-Eligible Electrical hardware per LightReach Prohibited Panels and Replacement Conditions Article
Note: Swapping main breaker internals is NOT an acceptable solution. This would invalidate the enclosure’s UL Listing, and NEC requires all electrical equipment used to have a UL Listing.
In short the recommendation is to preserve the existing enclosure, stripping it of its internal components potentially preserving the line side feeders, and use it as a race way to an externally mounted enclosure positioned below the previous meter main.
This practice would transform the original meter enclosure into a raceway or junction box in which feeders may be spliced, but contains no disconnecting means.
In order for it to be considered a raceway or junction box however, the lid must be fastened mechanically and not be easily opened without the use of a hand tool.
Individual Steps / Recommendations
The enclosure under the meter shall be stripped of internal components as needed,
Remove any and all disconnecting means
Remove any ground to neutral bonding from this enclosure
Install a new enclosure under or near the meter
Meeting NEC guidelines outlined in NEC 404.8
Housing the disconnecting means or additional equipment as designed
Single Breaker Enclosure
Distribution Panel (will require tie-down screw)
Service Rated Automatic Transfer Switch with Main Breaker
Utility Side
Install new wires as needed, meeting all code standards, and land on new disconnecting means OR splice new wires to the existing utility feeders.
Load Side
Wire the new enclosure as outlined or as needed based on the Site Plan, meeting best practices and workmanship standards
Grounds and neutrals shall be bonded at the new (N) main service disconnect, and nowhere else.
The lid of the original enclosure shall be secured by mechanical means to the rest of the enclosure, such that a tool is required to open this enclosure and it cannot be opened by a simple latch mechanism.
As a reminder the conditions before and after this correction need to be thoroughly documented and uploaded to the accounts page for each individual project.