[RE-wrenches] California wrenches PG&E

Sun Jan 18 20:43:29 PST 2015

More than you will ever want to know about "flicker factor".

https://www.pacificpower.net/content/dam/pacific_power/doc/Contractors_Suppl
iers/Power_Quality_Standards/1C_5_1.pdf 

Section 4.63 pertains to the quibble by the utility.

enjoy, Dean

Dean T. Newberry

216 F St. #132

Davis, CA 95616

(530) 753-1900

 <mailto:deant at talbottsolar.com> deant at talbottsolar.com

 <http://www.talbottsolar.com> http://www.talbottsolar.com 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Bruce Erickson
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2015 3:51 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] California wrenches PG&E

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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