I dont care for big government but it would be nice if they the feds would help to standardize the NEM, PG&E have been easy compaired with Hawaii. On Jan 18, 2015 1:51 PM, "Bruce Erickson" <[email protected]> wrote:
> We've just started having problems with PG&E and NEM applications for > somewhat larger residential systems (12 kW). The NEM process is > bass-ackwards in that you install and pay for the system, THEN apply for > the interconnection. Never been a problem before, but with a recent 12 KW > application, PG&E said the transformer was too small. We had to get the > customer to sign a letter that he would only operate 41 of the 44 modules > installed (not that we can disconnect 3 modules in a string system). That > would allow the interconnection to go forward until the utility could > upgrade the transformer at their expense, in a "few months", and only > because it was shared with another customer's service. If it had been a > dedicated transformer to the customer, he would have been responsible for > the cost of an upgrade. (Eventually the utility said "never mind, operate > the whole system".) > > We had another 12 kW system coming up, and to be sure we didn't get into a > deal-killing problem, I tried to find out in advance if the transformer was > adequate. We did step one of the application (the "Agreement and Customer > Authorization" form, which specifies CEC-AC rating and annual usage, but > not specific equipment). Waited several weeks with no word, then with the > job schedule approaching, tried several times to speak to someone. Finally > got someone who said " it will probably work, but it needs to be reviewed > by engineering", so we need to submit step 2 of the forms, which normally > they won't accept unless it's accompanied by the finalled building permit. > Catch 22. He said they would "try to work around that". > > I also asked how a transformer supplying a 200 amp service could not > accept 49 amps maximum backfeed, and was told "just because it's feeding a > 200 amp panel doesn't mean it's rated for 200 amps. The transformer is only > sized to the projected load which could be smaller." I asked how > backfeeding is considered load, and was told about possible problems with > "flicker factor." So, still waiting to see if I have to give my customer > the choice of paying for a $10,000 plus transformer upgrade or downsizing > the system. Downsizing to what size? Seems like we would still need > guidance on the transformer capacity. > > This has NEVER been an issue before. > > > *Bruce Erickson* > Mendocino Solar Service > PO Box 1252 > Mendocino, CA 95460 > 707-937-1701 > 707-937-1741 fax > [email protected] > > *Celebrating 20 Years in Solar!* 1994-2014 > > > > > > On Jan 16, 2015, at 9:38 PM, jay peltz wrote: > > I am just asking about any advice for the paperwork process above 30kW > with pg&e as I've never done one this large for a residence. > > Customer has a standard 400 amp 240v single phase connection. > > Thanks > > Jay > > Peltz power > > > > On Jan 16, 2015, at 5:25 PM, Jerry Shafer <[email protected]> > wrote: > > Well when you get that large the 3 phase makes a difference > On Jan 16, 2015 5:23 PM, "William Miller" <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Friends: >> >> >> >> I would hesitate before offering three phase to a residential >> installation. Well pumps, booster bumps and other appliance, if configured >> for 230 volts do not operate well with 208 volts. They may work but you >> reduce your margin for voltage drop. >> >> >> >> William >> >> >> >> >> >> <image003.jpg> >> Lic 773985 >> millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/> >> 805-438-5600 >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > >
_______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: [email protected] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
