CA C-46 License reworking [RE-wrenches]

[graham at solarexpert.com]

Bill,

Thanks for the informative update.  I will try my best to include good 
questions that pertain to PV in the C46 exam development.  C46 
contractors also need to be equally knowledgeable with respect to 
thermal applications since this half of the industry is not affected by 
fluctuating incentives.   This technology has also survived in the 
residential market place without incentives for over 15 years now.  

Here is the latest from Los Angeles.  LADWP has been locking down 
systems since April 19th.  From my meeting with the LADWP they have 
their hands tied at the moment by the IBEW.  The IBEW and LADWP meeting 
a couple of weeks ago did not provide any quick solutions to the 
lockdown.  Hopefully this issue will be focused on at the next meeting 
in June.

This lockdown has stopped my PV installation activities for the time 
being in LADWP territory.  I truly believe this is not utility 
obfuscation instead it is the efforts of a union to gain a measure of 
control and influence in the PV industry.  I hope this is all handled 
very delicately considering the tenuous position of the solar industry 
at this time. As of today there is no clear indication as to a date 
certain this issue will be resolved

Below I have re-typed the letter that LADWP gives to homeowners when 
they lock out the PV.



April 25, 2002

Dear Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Solar Power Customer:

Thank you for your participation in the LADWP Solar Power Incentive 
Program.  By installing a solar electric system at your home, you’re 
helping to reduce air pollution and global warming, and pave the way for 
a future based on renewable energy.

The Department is in the process of enhancing its internal procedures 
pertaining to the interconnection of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to 
our utility grid, in order to insure the safety of our field workers.  
As a result of this process, your PV system has been temporarily 
disconnected (the PV system disconnect switch has been turned on and the 
breaker box has been padlocked).

We anticipate that it will require approximately two to three weeks to 
complete this process, at which time the padlock will be removed.  
Typically, we ask customers to turn on the disconnected switch, rather 
than having our employees do so. Most disconnect switches are of two 
types: a switch or a fuse system, but all disconnect switches are 
located within eight feet of your LADWP electrical meter.  If you 
prefer, you can request that a department employee turn on the switch 
rather than doing it yourself, by calling Mr. Darryl Gordon at (213) 
367-3250.  Please leave a daytime phone number.

The Department will automatically credit your electric bill to 
compensate for the PV system-generated electricity that was not fed into 
your home and the grid.  At a minimum, you will receive a $50 credit, or 
a credit equal to the actual output of your PV system, whichever is 
higher. (The latter is calculated by taking the total output of your PV 
system x 5.5 hours/day x total number of days the system was 
disconnected x your electricity rate).

We appreciate your patience and support of solar power.  Should you have 
any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Gordon 
at the number above.

The LADWP Solar Power Group

End of quote:

Bill I have a question for you.  If a branch of a utility grid that 
serves a couple of hundred homes, each of which are PV powered and 
back-feeding, can the inverters continue to stay hot and synchronizing, 
due to the combined output of so many inverters energizing that section 
of grid, even if the grid drops out?

Graham

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