Can I test run my system before PTO from SCE?

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  • samotlietuvis
    Member
    • Oct 2014
    • 53
    #1

    Can I test run my system before PTO from SCE?

    Guys,

    Got my system inspected and signed off today . Pictures and install details coming. I just submitted Southern California Edison NEM application paperwork today. Based on what I read on SCE website receiving PTO will be a while.

    My system has been sitting with DC Disconnect Off, AC Disconnect Off, and my Main C/B off for a week. The only confirmation I know it is working is me measuring 500VDC coming from my panels. I have 8x Sunpower E20 327 with Voc at 65V.

    Question – can I test run my system before PTO from SCE? Is there a chance I will damage my meter and be liable for it before SCE issues PTO? Does Edison do anything to the meter when they issue the PTO? I do have a smart meter, and I will only be pushing 12A at 240VAC max.

    Tomas
    17xE20-327+SMA 5000
    6xSuniva 325+ABB micros
    Tags: None
    • sensij
      Solar Fanatic
      • Sep 2014
      • 5074
      #2
      Congratulations! I would not advise turning it on. If you do turn it on for testing, it might be a good idea to make sure you have lots of lights on and maybe an electric oven. As long as the load from your house is more than what the PV system will supply, you will not feed back through the meter into the grid. With the weather lately, that condition probably won't be too hard to meet.
      CS6P-260P/SE3000 - http://tiny.cc/ed5ozx

        Comment

        • samotlietuvis
          Member
          • Oct 2014
          • 53
          #3
          Thanks. Test rode the system - it hit 2kw production peak that's not bad coming from 2.62kw DC system. I do not expect irradiance to be high 8 days before winter solstice - probably no more than 700 W/m^2. The OpenWay CENTRON digital meter does read backwards and tell you how many kw it is turning backwards (like -0.9kw) before PTO from SCE.
          17xE20-327+SMA 5000
          6xSuniva 325+ABB micros

            Comment

            • Alisobob
              Banned
              • Sep 2014
              • 605
              #4
              All SCE does when the "authorize" you to operate is send you this tag.,..

              10413435_10204065395527807_5245989752542835156_n.jpg

              And "ok" the meter to measure in reverse.

              No one comes out and checks anything...

              My installer told be to wait 10 business days after submitting the application, then call this number, and be very, very polite.

              1-866-600-6290.

              This is the direct line to the SCE Net Metering Desk.

              They pulled up and approved my application while I was on the phone, and mailed my tag the following day.

              Easy-Peasy....

              16 days from final city inspection to tag in hand.

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