How many of you were able to activate your sun power panels on your own?

[bob-n]

Ampster is correct and makes a good point. It may be possible for you to throw the switch without their help.

If you do, be patient. Many systems take a while to figure out the number of panels and get configured. Mine took roughly 5 minutes to fully wake up.

For my system, the power company installed an itron Netmeter. This guide shows you how to read the display of the meter, to know whether your array is generating or not.

https://www.eversource.com/content/docs/default-source/pdfs/net-metering-faq.pdf

[Ampster]

If you have Permission to Operate is there anything that prevents someone from flipping the breaker on? Most systems have a boot sequence that verifies everything so it should be safe. The only "activation" I have ever had to do with DIY systems is to get a user account so the data could be reported. The meter on your home should be able to tell you if the system is generating energy.

I have heard of several solar system owners who have flipped the breaker with no bad results after final inspection by the building department. You should be able to verify that final inspection took place. Since it is a new home it is very likely, at least in California, that escrow could not close until the home was finaled and certificate of occupancy was granted.

[bob-n]

Sorry, I haven't dealt with Sun Power. I'm also sorry to hear that they are not treating you well.

I don't know if you have any legal right to activation in a reasonable amount of time. Check your contract. This may be one of those areas of law where you're at their mercy.

Depending on where you live, we are getting into prime solar production time, so the longer they delay, the less energy you get. In other words, they are costing you money by delaying.

If I were in your position, I would be escalating my request to management in the company...politely, but firmly telling them that over three months for activation is abuse. You can also mention that if they delay longer, they may be forcing you to call the public utility commission.

[Lil12002]

Just like the question says who activated their panels on your own vs having a tech come out to your home to do it?

we purchased a new construction home that came with sun power panel’s. Our home sale went through on 12/30/20. And by 1/23 we had already been approved by the power company with permit to operate but after numerous calls to sun power they could not walk me through getting my system activated and they will have to send someone in person bur until april 7th. Which i find a very absurd amount of time, did everything else have similar issues with sun power?