When Can I Turn On My Solar Panels?
What happens between solar installation and “going live” in Spokane? It surprises many of our East Washington customers to find out they cannot immediately use their solar panels after they’re installed. Just a few more steps are required before you can start generating electricity. Learn what to expect with these tips from our local solar installers.
Why can’t I use my solar panels after installation?
You must complete the solar interconnection process before operation, including:
· Passing city and county building and electrical inspections
· Making necessary meter and electrical equipment upgrades
· Obtaining solar permission to operate (PTO) from your utility
How long does solar interconnection take?
Completing the process takes about 3-5 weeks after solar panel installation
What Happens Between Solar Installation and "Going Live" in Spokane?
Installing solar panels in East Washington can be accomplished in days. However, you cannot legally operate your system before completing these essential steps of solar installation:
Local building and electrical inspections
A county or city inspector must verify permitting and inspect structural and electrical components, including residential solar panels, wiring, inverter and disconnect switches, to ensure code compliance.
Utility inspection
Our Spokane solar installers will submit your utility interconnection application to Avista Utilities, including your signed electrical permit and building inspection approval.
Equipment upgrades
Your utility provider will install a net metering-compliant meter, a visible, knife-style electrical disconnect for maintenance worker safety in systems over 25 kW AC, if necessary, and confirm that your solar system can be safely connected to the grid.
Solar permission to operate (PTO) approval
Once all equipment upgrades and inspections are complete, Avista will issue a PTO certification, and you can begin using your solar energy system.
How long does it take to get permission to operate for solar from start to finish? City and county permit and electrical inspections usually take 3-7 business days. Utility inspections and PTO approval typically take 3-4 weeks. For homes requiring a new meter or upgrades to electrical equipment, additional time may be needed.
What to Do While Waiting for Solar PTO in Spokane
We understand the PTO process may feel long; however, it’s essential to your safety and that of local utility workers. While you wait, we recommend registering and learning to use solar monitoring software so that you can start tracking solar energy production and usage immediately after activating your new solar power system. Our solar installers in Spokane can also instruct you on how to operate your battery backup system and what to expect on your first utility bill regarding solar production and net metering credits during this time.
When Batteries May Not Be Worth It
Though battery storage offers peace of mind and security in a variety of situations, Washington State’s comparatively low energy rates and less aggressive time-of-use pricing may not make sense if you have a limited budget. In these situations, we recommend installing solar panels first, but designing your system for battery integration later, when technology becomes more widely available, and prices fall, or when outages become more common and investing in solar battery storage becomes a priority for your family.
Ensure a Seamless Solar Interconnection Process
Begin your project with clear expectations on what happens between solar installation and “going live” in Spokane with service from PacWest Solar, East Washington’s trusted solar installation company. Contact us at 509-929-2728 to schedule a solar energy assessment and system design consultation today.