Bob,
I would say (bear in mind I am on the other side of the world from you), go and have a talk to the local utility office about your plans, you'd be amazed at how much you can pick up, just with an informal talk with say, one of their planning staff (or similar).
It would be best to do this now, before wires get pulled.
Electricians should never fear the utlities, after all, it is a team effort.
Others will no doubt reply to this thread, they will have a lot better idea of what you have in mind, than myself.
I can't help but think though that an ATS installed on the exterior of a building, may not fly.
