[RE-wrenches] California wrenches PG&E

[Jerry Shafer]

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" <bruce at mendocinosolar.com> 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
> bruce at mendocinosolar.com
>
> *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 <jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> Well when you get that large the 3 phase makes a difference
> On Jan 16, 2015 5:23 PM, "William Miller" <william at millersolar.com> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
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