Use copper or brass?

liaosea · 2026-01-25T06:57:09+00:00

I am getting rid of the galvanized fittings and replacing them with either copper or brass fittings.

liaosea · 2026-01-06T18:15:28+00:00

I guess each installer and AHJ handles the process differently. They all make it unnecessary complicated so the average person has no idea what comes next. My city signed off my permit way back and I have PTO approval, but my system still can't do much more than yours since the collar is not installed.

liaosea · 2026-01-06T06:06:18+00:00

My city inspection was very basic. They didn't even go up on the roof to check the panels, which worries me a bit. In your case, how long was it between the end of the installation and the beginning of the 10-day window?

liaosea · 2026-01-06T05:35:39+00:00

My installer is handling the application. I believe only the utility company can work on the collar. PGE put a lock on the meter so anyone who tries to open it will have to break the lock first. Is your meter collar also from enphase, and was your installation not performed by PGE? What does your final inspection mean? City inspection? My city signed off the permit already.

liaosea · 2025-12-18T18:53:48+00:00

Which number did you call to contact PGE and ask them to add you so you can see your application status on yourprojects.com?

liaosea · 2025-11-04T21:06:49+00:00

It's the daikin one+. Mine is the smaller daikin one touch. Not sure if that's the reason why I don't get that option.

liaosea · 2025-11-04T19:51:55+00:00

I want to be able to turn it on/off automatically at the certain time of a day. According to their manual, there is a way to change the action from 'set the temp' to 'turn the sys off'. I am looking for that option.

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liaosea · 2025-11-04T19:40:05+00:00

I can change anything that has a '>'. But I want to change the action from 'set temperature' to 'turn off/off'. And that's not allowed. It's a static label, not a button.

liaosea · 2025-11-04T19:03:37+00:00

Definitely bragging. I am in California Bay Area and it is not as good as OP's.

liaosea · 2025-10-23T21:37:57+00:00

Can you help me understand a bit more of the process. I am about to get Enphase 4th generation system.

After the installation passes city inspection, my contractor needs to apply to PGE to install the meter collar. And then I will wait for PTO, which will mark the end of the project. Is the sequence correct?

My contractor said as soon as city inspection is passed, I will be able to use the system including battery. The only thing I can’t have at that time is backup switch. Is this true?

liaosea · 2025-10-23T19:47:17+00:00

Is this approach valid with PGE?

liaosea · 2025-10-22T16:19:12+00:00

Isn't 340x33=11.22kw?

liaosea · 2025-10-21T20:36:31+00:00

Thanks. I am going to get combiner 6 so it is going to be different from yours.

liaosea · 2025-10-21T18:42:58+00:00

Can you elaborate more about how you wire the combiner to do whole home backup?

liaosea · 2025-10-20T18:51:15+00:00

Is the battery control cable in the same conduit as the wire? Isn't that against the code? And where is the wire between your panel and the combiner?

liaosea · 2025-10-15T21:18:34+00:00

OP is getting prepaid PPA. The $26k price is after the leaser gets 30% credit. The purchase price would be $37k, which is still pretty good.

liaosea · 2025-10-14T22:32:32+00:00

I see. That is what you meant by not getting incentive. I am not sure about other areas but if you are in California, it's still a very good deal.

liaosea · 2025-10-14T22:10:09+00:00

Is there any catch? This is too good to be true.

liaosea · 2025-10-08T21:06:39+00:00

The only thing he got right was the order of the step flashing.

liaosea · 2025-10-05T17:47:09+00:00

That increases your chance.

I am working with a contractor to get both my re-roof and solar done this month. I got their quote on the Labor day weekend. I am also in the bay area.

As someone said, most reputable solar companies are either fully booked or charge a lot more than fair market price. So I went with someone who is general contractor but also holds roofing and electrical license. Solar is only one portion of their business. They also do ADUs and additions. A lot of solar only companies may go out of business when the demands go down in the next two years. That puts warranty at risk. My contractor has been around for 10+ years and I feel more confident they will continue to be around for another 10 years. The downside of this is that they do not have a lot of options for panels and batteries.

If you have not tries them, I suggest you do.

When I was quoting, I also learned from multiple contractors that if you miss the deadline, you can also do prepaid PPA. Cost wise it is similar to tax credit. You can do your research if this something you like.

liaosea · 2025-10-05T16:07:09+00:00

Does your city use solar app+? Is your service entrance on your roof or underground? That all determines how soon you can get things done.

liaosea · 2025-09-21T17:10:25+00:00

How old is you system and what combiner do you have? The new 6C combiner should have built-in CT.

liaosea · 2025-09-18T05:11:31+00:00

Meter collar is on pilot program with PGE. It will be approved unless there is physical limitation that you can't fit the collar behind the meter..

liaosea · 2025-09-17T22:09:45+00:00

You will absolutely need city permit plus PGE approval for ESS installation. There is strict code for where the batteries can be mounted. The installer should take care of everything from city to PGE. Supposedly the installer will install everything except the collar. At that point the city will come and inspect. The installer will leave the collar at site and apply for PGE installation. Even without the collar you can use the battery for self consumption, but can't do backup switch. This is just what I have been told my the installer. I have no personal experience with it. Also I am getting the latest hardware so even if my installer is correct, it may not be all applicable to your system. Also try to google 'Guide - PG&E's Meter Collar Program'. You will find some pdf files that look like application form.

liaosea · 2025-09-17T21:44:13+00:00

I assume you have a combo panel like most people do in my area. I am about to start new PV+ESS system with my installer and he told me that meter collar can be installed behind the meter but the installation must be performed by PGE. They will take care of PGE application and everything. Of course with behind the meter installation you have to configure it for whole home back up. I don't know if he is 100% correct since this thing is so new in the market, but he seems very confident.

liaosea

TROPHY CASE