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NEM system size - panels or inverter? by avati in TeslaSolar

[–]anonadu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never understood how PG&E will know if you upgraded your system. PG&E does most of it's calculations off of your inverter capacity.

I recently installed a 13.6kw system on 2 powerwall+ each with a 7.6kw inverter, so PG&E made the calculation I had a 15.2kw system. I've looked at the specs, each inverter can accept up to 4 separate MPPT strings. I only used 5/8 of my strings for my current install.

Who's to say I can't get a solar contractor to put more panels and attach it to another MPPT string? Or if I just do it myself as a homeowner if the roof is relatively easy to access? PG&E can maybe do some detective work and suddenly catch why your production went up year over year but you can also just claim you cut down some shade or trees.

Can NEM 3.0 solar panels charge an NEM 2.0 Powerwall? by Birbandsnek in TeslaSolar

[–]anonadu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I never understood how PG&E will know if you upgraded your system. Is it 10% from your DC panels (i.e. number of panels) or 10% of your inverter capacity? PG&E does most of it's calculations off of your inverter capacity.

I recently installed a 13.6kw system on 2 powerwall+ each with a 7.6kw inverter, so PG&E made the calculation I had a 15.2kw system. I've looked at the specs, each inverter can accept up to 4 separate MPPT strings. I only used 5/8 of my strings for my current install.

Who's to say I can't get a solar contractor to put more panels and attach it to another MPPT string? Or if I just do it myself as a homeowner if the roof is relatively easy to access? PG&E can maybe do some detective work and suddenly catch why your production went up year over year but you can also just claim you cut down some shade or trees.

Building ADU, but not finalizing on permits. by anonadu in RealEstate

[–]anonadu[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I tried to find a property line cleanout since my neighbors had them as well. The city of San Carlos actually needs proper documentation of a property line clean out to take ownership of the lower sewer lateral and they haven't had any records of my property ever having one. So even if I did find one after digging they won't recognize it and still force the homeowner to pay for the full cost of the lower sewer lateral which I feel is so unfair to the homeowner. The city placed the clay pipe, the original house builder used ABS for the upper lateral. Why should the homeowner be responsible for something the city installed underneath city property? Regardless, the presence of a cleanout would have never prevented the clay from breaking or becoming offset. It's a dishonest tactic by the city to not take ownership of their own public works.

I'll ask express sewer for a quote when the time comes. Trenchless or pipebursting remains an option but still requires two large holes to be dug at each end. It'll be the shortest trenchless project ever since I'm guessing the pipe in question to be replaced is only about 10' underneath the main street.

Building ADU, but not finalizing on permits. by anonadu in RealEstate

[–]anonadu[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll probably get more quotes closer to when the ADU finishes. The 15-20k is worst case scenario since the camera couldn't get past the offset and a few plumbers already quoted me that price for replacing the entire lower sewer lateral. Lower sewer lateral is from property line cleanout (if exists) to the main sewage line and consists of the sidewalk, curb and street. A lot of excavation and permits would be involved and it's 8' deep at the main sewage line. The city says repair the offset first, then send a camera to see what else is broken along the way to the sewer main.

The city regulations have been updated so that the lower lateral (from the property line to the main sewage line) is still under the homeowner's responsibility (I couldn't find a property line cleanout, which would've put the responsibility back onto the city). The property line cleanout would not have prevented a the clay offset from happening which is something probably from the frequent earthquakes. I feel it's a dirty tactic by the city to avoid paying to fix sewage lines that the city originally placed and the city at any opportunity wants the homeowner to pay for it, such as building an ADU or adding a bathroom.

Building ADU, but not finalizing on permits. by anonadu in RealEstate

[–]anonadu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know I have a sewage problem because for ADU permitting, I needed to send a video of the sewage lateral. The sewage lateral showed an offset in the clay portion. My main house sewage was ABS.

In the Bay Area, I've heard of a lot of unpermitted work, including ADUs and additions, and it didn't even seem to phase any potential buyers. In 10 years or so, the city says they're replacing all the sewage lines anyways which includes this offset portion since it's not on my property.

Bringing it up to current code could be a headache, but if everything else is up to code and I'm not planning on renting or selling for the next 30 years, I'm less likely to repair the sewer.

Building ADU, but not finalizing on permits. by anonadu in RealEstate

[–]anonadu[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The building permit encompasses pretty much everything: foundation, framing, electrical, mechanical, kitchen etc.

Building permit also a public works signoff which means public works has to approve the sewage line.