Out of sequence events?

[whydontwe]

1. I submitted order
2. Tesla completed site assessment
3. I adjusted system size from 4 kw to 102% offset
4. Tesla made mistake with main panel upgrade price because they didn't talk to sub.
5. Tesla submitted permits for installation from City
6. I signed interconnection and system size acknowledgement forms.
7. I pushed back to Tesla on the CPUC 'whatever' form because it had the main panel upgrade in the total cost (which was wrong).
8. Tesla said I don't need to sign CPUC form.

Is it normal to have Tesla proceed with installation permitting even though I haven't signed the CPUC form. Plus, the system design/customer layout is pending - I didn't sign it yet, because Tesla I don't need to yet. I asked about this just in case I want to go bigger or smaller. Should I sign this anyways to not slow the process?

I call my Project Advisor on a weekly basis to 'pull' updates and she doesn't seem on top of things.

 

[holeydonut]

What is this "CPUC Whatever" form?

 

[whydontwe]

What is this "CPUC Whatever" form?

It's a form required by CPUC, which is a state regulator of utilities in CA. I wish I can get more details, but it disappeared from my account. This form has the overall system cost in it. If I can recall correctly, I had to check a box as to whether my system size is based on historical usage or an estimate (lack of 12 months), and that I will implement a system that is not oversized.

 

[holeydonut]

It's a form required by CPUC, which is a state regulator of utilities in CA. I wish I can get more details, but it disappeared from my account. This form has the overall system cost in it. If I can recall correctly, I had to check a box as to whether my system size is based on historical usage or an estimate (lack of 12 months), and that I will implement a system that is not oversized.

Oh you mean the Solar Rights thing or "Solar Consumer Protection Guide" thing that basically came out of some customers getting sold a system that wasn't in their best interest. I don't think that CPUC form is a legally binding contract

But, there is a separate SEIA form called a "solar purchase disclosure". I think this one is part of the enforceable contract, so hopefully they got the dollars right on there.

 

[SaveOurPlanet]

The CPUC whatever is a solar consumer guide and I believe you are supposed to e-Sign it, but I think the only e-Sign that matters is the purchase agreement. Just talk to your project advisor to get that form back into your account. How many items you see in the to do list? If you want to go bigger or smaller you need to let your project advisor know right away, permitting is the key milestone to your project. First there is a long delay in submitting your permit request, second if you change your mind after permit is issued then you start from the beginning. If you don't want your solar then cancel it now, if you want your solar then decide what you want and call your project advisor and make the final decision on size. You can do at least 110% of your current usage without issue, but if you need to oversize more than 110% then tell your project advisor what your estimated usage is for.

 

[whydontwe]

In my To Do list, I see "Customer Layout". I haven't accepted this yet just in case I want to do a system resize. In terms of Completed, I see "System Size Acknowledgement" and "Interconnection Agreement". Even though I haven't accepted the "Customer Layout", my Project Advisor told me that Tesla submitted city permits. My layout is 102% offset.

 

[Ampster]

I haven't accepted this yet just in case I want to do a system resize.

This may be an unusual case where Tesla is moving rapidly. Unless you want to delay things by making Tesla resubmit to your building department I would suggest you make up your mind. However it may be possible to make an over the counter increase in size if it does not change much. To keep things moving in any process between homeowner and contractor it is essential that the homeowner make timely decisions. There are many steps in planning construction projects where ordering materials, getting approvals and scheduling work depends on decisions to be made in a timely manner.

This process is not like going to the grocery store.

 

[Ampster]

Another question to ponder if you want to question the size. Is 102% offset based on kWhrs or dollars? Some rate plans and consumption patterns can result in big differences, especially if an EV is involved.

 

[whydontwe]

This may be an unusual case where Tesla is moving rapidly. Unless you want to delay things by making Tesla resubmit to your building department I would suggest you make up your mind. However it may be possible to make an over the counter increase in size if it does not change much. To keep things moving in any process between homeowner and contractor it is essential that the homeowner make timely decisions. There are many steps in planning construction projects where ordering materials, getting approvals and scheduling work depends on decisions to be made in a timely manner.

This process is not like going to the grocery store.

I went ahead and accepted the system design. I am comfortable with it and I was never really prompted to sign it, and plus it doesn't have any dollar figures in it. I would be okay with 7.8 kw for our home.

 

[whydontwe]

Another question to ponder if you want to question the size. Is 102% offset based on kWhrs or dollars? Some rate plans and consumption patterns can result in big differences, especially if an EV is involved.

It's based on an estimate because I have only lived in our home for 3 months. But looking at previous home usage, it's about right.