Solar install turning out really bad - looking for some help/advice please.

[HX_Guy]

For "testing" purposes only, of course.

Of course.

[ericf1]

For "testing" purposes only, of course.

I ran my system for one day, for "testing purposes only". I then shut it off, waiting patiently for the city to perform their final (hopefully) inspection. Well, three days later, I received a robo-call from SDG&E telling me to turn off my system until final approval. They're watching me.

[Living Large]

That makes sense. Just be careful the Utility might get pi$$ed off because you have turn on your system before they changed out the meter. The data logging systems today would easily catch the lack of kWh being purchased by you during the day which could be flagged as an issue.

Anyway. I'm glad it is all approved and working for you.

Correct me if I am wrong. Is not the energy that is "disappearing" and you aren't using and aren't getting paid for going into the grid - to be used by your neighbors? Seems like it has to go somewhere...

I can see how the POCO might not be happy but not completely upset.

[HX_Guy]

Correct me if I am wrong. Is not the energy that is "disappearing" and you aren't using and aren't getting paid for going into the grid - to be used by your neighbors? Seems like it has to go somewhere...

I can see how the POCO might not be happy but not completely upset.

That's an interesting point. The POCO should actually be happy with this...Im putting energy back into the grid and getting no credit for it. Heck, not only am I giving them free power, I'm still paying for energy from the grid too...so it's like the POCO is double dipping here. Why would they not like this?

[SunEagle]

That's an interesting point. The POCO should actually be happy with this...Im putting energy back into the grid and getting no credit for it. Heck, not only am I giving them free power, I'm still paying for energy from the grid too...so it's like the POCO is double dipping here. Why would they not like this?

They may like the prospect of getting "free" energy or they may just be anal and not like co-generation without their approval and blessings.

I'm saying just be careful because if should anything happen on their distribution line they may come pointing to you.

[russ]

Why would they not like this?

It is not yet an accepted system by them and it happens to be their grid. The amount you "give" to the grid is meaningless it is so small.

[alienwulf]

I don't claim to know how it works but when my system was done my installers were very clear. Do not energize the system until approval from SCE comes.
When I asked why I was told has to do with power going out over the lines without their knowledge. Could cause injury or death. I wasn't going to argue about it, I just waited.

[russ]

I don't claim to know how it works but when my system was done my installers were very clear. Do not energize the system until approval from SCE comes.
When I asked why I was told has to do with power going out over the lines without their knowledge. Could cause injury or death. I wasn't going to argue about it, I just waited.

Playing it the smart way - a few days or even weeks are meaningless.

[SunEagle]

I don't claim to know how it works but when my system was done my installers were very clear. Do not energize the system until approval from SCE comes.
When I asked why I was told has to do with power going out over the lines without their knowledge. Could cause injury or death. I wasn't going to argue about it, I just waited.

You did right. The grid is POCO's responsibility so if their rules are right or wrong you still have to follow them.

[Alisobob]

I'm saying just be careful because if should anything happen on their distribution line they may come pointing to you.

With all the hassles and B/S this guy as put up with to get this far... it seems like he wants more drama.

You really want your local power provider knocking on your door, or denying your net metering agreement, so your wife can do "free laundry" at 10:00am ??

Go ahead, push your luck... and start another 200 page thread on how your net metering application got thrown in the garbage.

[Ian S]

That's an interesting point. The POCO should actually be happy with this...Im putting energy back into the grid and getting no credit for it. Heck, not only am I giving them free power, I'm still paying for energy from the grid too...so it's like the POCO is double dipping here. Why would they not like this?

I think there is a safety issue. Not only are there the tags on my equipment indicating that there is a solar power system but when the APS inspector came out, she also put an identifying tag on a nearby transformer indicating co generation. That's important for utility workers to be aware of I should think. Here's what our nearby transformer looks like with the co-gen plaque added:

20150212_151239.jpg

[HX_Guy]

Thanks Ian. That is very important safety wise, as an APS worker working on that box could think that power going to the box is all off, not being aware that there is also power coming in from the house side. I'll shut of the system off and wait for APS to give the go ahead. Thanks again.

[dtfischer]

Shutdown when utility power is off

Isn't it true that ALL grid tied systems have to disconnect if it senses that the utility is NOT providing power? I know my SMA inverter senses loss and disconnects the AC side of the inverter. I think the power companies want to ensure it's up to that and other codes before putting their electricians at risk.

I just played it safe and waited for my local POCO to give the final green light. For me (SDGE) it was about a week and a few days. They stated a few times that I had to wait before energizing and didn't want any way they could cry foul by my lack of patience.

However... my inverter has the ability to put power into a 15 amp plug so i was able to hook up my blower and weed eater to use my first bits of converted photons .

[HX_Guy]

Sucky thing here is that it seems it's about 3 weeks out for the POCO to come swap out the meter...quite a long time, but it's been 7 months, what's another 3 weeks.

[russ]

With all the hassles and B/S this guy as put up with to get this far... it seems like he wants more drama.

You really want your local power provider knocking on your door, or denying your net metering agreement, so your wife can do "free laundry" at 10:00am ??

Go ahead, push your luck... and start another 200 page thread on how your net metering application got thrown in the garbage.

You got it!