Adding 2nd solar array, does Tesla install additional meter (NGOM)

[brian.c]

I am in the beginning process of installing a second solar array to our existing system. First system is under NEM 1, installed in 2011. According to PG&E I have 2 options, move both systems to NEM 2.0 and keep my original grandfather date. This is not ideal, since I only have 10 years left. Second option is to install a Net Generation Output Meter keeping the first system on NEM 1, second system goes to NEM 2 with new grandfather date. I prefer the 2nd option, but have received mixed information from Tesla. I called PG&E, and they were also no help at all, other then sending me to an order form to have a meter installed. I spoke with two different people at Tesla, one said yes, they take care of all that, another said I had to coordinate with PG&E. PG&E would not give me any pricing on installing a meter, and kept referring to it as an EV meter even after I explained what I was doing. Hoping someone here has gone through a similar process and can give me some pointers. Both systems are PV only, no Powerwalls or batteries etc.

Thanks for any input,
Brian

 

[MJ_CA_2019]

What size of PV do you currently have and how much are you adding?

 

[brian.c]

What size of PV do you currently have and how much are you adding?

Existing system was 3.2KW. and the new system is 9.5KW.

Brian

 

[h2ofun]

I am in the beginning process of installing a second solar array to our existing system. First system is under NEM 1, installed in 2011. According to PG&E I have 2 options, move both systems to NEM 2.0 and keep my original grandfather date. This is not ideal, since I only have 10 years left. Second option is to install a Net Generation Output Meter keeping the first system on NEM 1, second system goes to NEM 2 with new grandfather date. I prefer the 2nd option, but have received mixed information from Tesla. I called PG&E, and they were also no help at all, other then sending me to an order form to have a meter installed. I spoke with two different people at Tesla, one said yes, they take care of all that, another said I had to coordinate with PG&E. PG&E would not give me any pricing on installing a meter, and kept referring to it as an EV meter even after I explained what I was doing. Hoping someone here has gone through a similar process and can give me some pointers. Both systems are PV only, no Powerwalls or batteries etc.

Thanks for any input,
Brian

I would just go to NEM2. And since who knows what will happen in the future, I would not assume NEM2, or even NEM1 will stick around to the end of the 20 year dates

 

[BABF]

Issue is that you lose the 20 years grandfathering on the new unit.

 

[brian.c]

Issue is that you lose the 20 years grandfathering on the new unit.

Yes... I could not get a straight answer from anyone so decided to forget about the NGOM. PG&E directed me to create some sort of request... The fine print on the request mentioned being charged for even evaluating the situation. I can't remember for sure, but I thought I found some pricing that mentioned $5000 for the NGOM installation. I have 10 years left on my grandfathering, and not sure I will be in the same house that long. So ultimately was not worth the time to push the issue.

 

[ElDoradoHills]

Yes... I could not get a straight answer from anyone so decided to forget about the NGOM. PG&E directed me to create some sort of request... The fine print on the request mentioned being charged for even evaluating the situation. I can't remember for sure, but I thought I found some pricing that mentioned $5000 for the NGOM installation. I have 10 years left on my grandfathering, and not sure I will be in the same house that long. So ultimately was not worth the time to push the issue.

what did you ultimately do? I am in the same situation now. PGE is saying the new NGOM is between $1800-$6000 but wont give me a quote unless we start a work order which requires a $1500 deposit. System 1 is from 2011 3.4kw, new system is 13.5kw. same exact options as you got; switch both to NEM2 and keep 2011 grandfather date or pay for new NGOM on new system. ug...

 

[h2ofun]

what did you ultimately do? I am in the same situation now. PGE is saying the new NGOM is between $1800-$6000 but wont give me a quote unless we start a work order which requires a $1500 deposit. System 1 is from 2011 3.4kw, new system is 13.5kw. same exact options as you got; switch both to NEM2 and keep 2011 grandfather date or pay for new NGOM on new system. ug...

Nothing wrong with NEM2

 

[yblaser]

Nothing wrong with NEM2

Except when your newly installed system has the same grandfathered expiration date as your system installed 10+ years ago.

 

[getakey]

what did you ultimately do? I am in the same situation now. PGE is saying the new NGOM is between $1800-$6000 but wont give me a quote unless we start a work order which requires a $1500 deposit. System 1 is from 2011 3.4kw, new system is 13.5kw. same exact options as you got; switch both to NEM2 and keep 2011 grandfather date or pay for new NGOM on new system. ug...

what? $1800 to $6K for NGOM? I had to install NGOM, but I don't think it was anywhere near that and I'm in EDH too. Let me see if it is itemized on my bill

 

[brian.c]

what did you ultimately do? I am in the same situation now. PGE is saying the new NGOM is between $1800-$6000 but wont give me a quote unless we start a work order which requires a $1500 deposit. System 1 is from 2011 3.4kw, new system is 13.5kw. same exact options as you got; switch both to NEM2 and keep 2011 grandfather date or pay for new NGOM on new system. ug...

I ended up not doing the NGOM... My thinking was that I had about 10 years left of grandfathering, and have no idea if I will still be in this home that long. Now that CPUC is planning to reduce grandfathering, and the wacky fees they want to impose, $5k does not sound too bad for the meter and the fresh 15 years on the new system. I think I would be more worried if I could get it all installed before NEM 3 takes effect.