Load Centers & Panels

A load center (breaker panel) takes incoming 120/240 V single-phase power and distributes it to branch circuits through plug-in breakers. In solar and battery projects it is often where the PV system ties into the home, or where backed-up "critical loads" are grouped on their own panel. This collection covers Eaton Type BR load centers: solar-ready meter main combos, main-breaker panels, and a compact main-lug subpanel. All of them use Eaton Type BR breakers.

Best for

  • Residential service upgrades that add solar, using a meter main combo with factory PV provisions
  • Critical-load or backup subpanels for battery and hybrid inverter systems
  • Adding branch circuits indoors or outdoors with Eaton Type BR breakers

Which load center fits your project

Eaton Solar-Ready Meter Main Combo, Surface Mount (MBE2040PV200BTS) and Flush Mount (MBE2040PV200BTF). Each one puts a utility meter socket, a 200 A main breaker, and 20 spaces / 40 circuits of Type BR distribution in one NEMA 3R enclosure. Per Eaton, the 225 A copper bus allows up to 70 A of PV input. Pick surface or flush mounting to suit the wall.

Eaton Critical Load Panel / Load Center (BRP12B100R). A 125 A plug-on neutral main-breaker load center with 12 spaces / 24 circuits in a metallic NEMA 3R enclosure. Its compact size suits a critical-load or backup subpanel.

Eaton 200A Load Center (BRP30B200). A 200 A plug-on neutral main-breaker load center with 30 spaces / 60 circuits and a 25 kAIC interrupt rating. It has a NEMA 1 enclosure, so it is for indoor, dry locations.

Eaton BR 125A Main Lug Load Center (BR816L125RP). A 125 A main-lug-only panel with 8 spaces / 16 circuits in a NEMA 3R enclosure. With no main breaker of its own, it must be protected by a correctly sized upstream breaker, which makes it a common choice for small subpanels.

Important considerations

  • NEMA 3R enclosures are rainproof for outdoor mounting. NEMA 1 is for indoor, dry locations only.
  • Main breaker vs. main lug: a main-lug panel needs upstream overcurrent protection sized for the panel and its feeder.
  • Meter main combos must meet your utility's meter-socket requirements. Confirm with the utility before ordering.
  • Use only breakers listed for Eaton Type BR load centers, and size PV or backfed breakers to your inverter output and local code.
  • Full ratings are on each product page and on Eaton's specification sheets. Professional installation is required.

Related: breakers and disconnects, electrical and safety equipment, combiner boxes, and solar batteries.

Load center FAQ

What is a solar-ready meter main combo?

It combines the utility meter socket, a main breaker, and a breaker panel in one outdoor enclosure, with factory provisions for connecting a PV system. The Eaton MBE2040PV200BTS and MBE2040PV200BTF have a 200 A main and a 225 A copper bus that allows up to 70 A of PV input, per Eaton.

What is the difference between a main-breaker and a main-lug load center?

A main-breaker panel has its own main breaker, which protects the whole panel and can act as its disconnect. A main-lug panel, such as the BR816L125RP, has no main breaker. The feeder lands on lugs and must be protected by a breaker upstream, which is why main-lug panels are often used as subpanels.

Can these load centers be installed outdoors?

The two meter main combos, the BRP12B100R, and the BR816L125RP have NEMA 3R (rainproof) enclosures for outdoor mounting. The BRP30B200 has a NEMA 1 enclosure, so it is for indoor, dry locations only.

Which breakers do these panels use?

All five use Eaton Type BR breakers. Use only breakers listed for Type BR load centers, and follow Eaton's installation instructions for hold-down requirements on backfed PV or battery breakers.