If the utility is PG&E in my experience here is what happens
They say yes or no to the interconnection. If no you have the option to request an engineering study to determine how much solar. That study is at your expense, paid in advance and the exact cost isn’t known until the study is done. Could be $500 to $15,000 or more.
I’ll be curious to know what happens
Jay
On Dec 26, 2022, at 9:07 AM, Drake Chamberlin via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
William,
I ran into this once on an old transformer, which fortunately they changed at no cost. It was a 10 kW transformer on a 200 A (48 kW) service. They had some dimming of lights on heavy loads, and the transformer was changed out on that basis, at no charge.
My questions for the utility would be?
- Are there any other PV systems feeding the transformer?
- If so, what is their maximum production.
- What size is the transformer?
- What percentage of transformer capacity is allowed to be back-fed.
If the math comes out in your favor, you will have a good case to escalate to the next level.
Good Luck,
Drake
Drake Chamberlin
Athens Electric LLC
Ohio Electrical Contractor’s License 44810
CO Master Electrician’s License 4526
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
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On 2022-12-25 13:58, William Miller via RE-wrenches wrote:
Wrenched:
Merry Christmas to those of you that observe such traditions, or substitute the winter festivity of your choice.
I helped a previous employee install an Enphase IQ8 system on his home. He applied for the utility approval concurrently with his building permit The day he got his final inspection the utility contacted him and claimed "The aggregate generation exceeds the identified transformer rating" and refused him a Permission to Operate letter.
Adding up the service ratings of the homes on his secondary we get about 336 kW of potential consumption. Adding the grid-tied systems on his secondary we get about 16.5 kW. How is it that the back-feed exceeds the transformer rating?
I would appreciate any insight on how to consider this situation and how to fight it.
Sincerely,
William Miller
Miller Solar
17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
805-438-5600
www.millersolar.com
CA Lic. 773985
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