That's clearly apples and oranges. I see there being basic requirements such as listed components and equipment build to a standard like UL1741 (I understand that doesnt cover the zero backfeed requirement, just using it as an analogous example). As long as we aren't talking about Chinese junk thats going to fail, what sort of problems could this cause for a grid operator?
So a tap goes down, the system backfeeds, killing not a lineman, but someone out thinking they are going to help the POCO.
Yeah so what? Should we outlaw generators then?
My intuition tells me the PG&E language was developed in response to co-generation plants and dates back well before interactive inverters were a common thing. I'd be surprised if any utility big enough to have co-gen on it's network doesn't have a similar rule somewhere. But it wouldn't be in the 'spec book' most likely. The rule I quoted is on PG&E's 'Tarrifs' webpage.So of course, this is for PG&E......I am still hanging on to my speculation that it is usually not that specific. I'll look thru my utility's spec book when I get a minute and see what their language is like. Also it would be an interesting legal pursuit (for someone with nothing better to do with excess money) to challenge this prohibition in court.
The generator analogy is not apt here, in my opinion. A typical backup generator is not designed to operate in parallel with the utility. And it is not hard to install the appropriate 'protective devices' (transfer switch or interlock) that negate the need for an interconnection agreement. The kinds of systems being discussed here are designed to operate in parallel, usually, but are unlikely to ever energize utility wires from the load side.
They did catch thalidomide. It has made a comeback as an anti-cancer drug.
That's not how it works in some jurisdictions, like Austin, TX, for example. They have it worked out so that energy harvested by PV is worth the same to every residential customer, irrespective of what rate tariff they are operating under. Every customer with a PV system is required to install a PV meter on their system. The utility charges for kWh used, irrespective of where it comes from, and then it reimburses the customer for their PV production at the same fixed rate that everyone gets.
Do you know if the regulations are written in such a way that they prohibit microgrids not connected to the utility? Or does the above only apply to grid-tie power sources?
I don't think that they care about equipment that does not touch their conductors, but I don't know that for sure.
And IMO that is criminal, not allowing me to directly use the power from my PV system.
It's not apples and oranges. It's a clear example of what happens when you shift the burden of proof. The FDA makes drug producers prove they won't harm consumers. Why shouldn't equipment vendors have to prove they won't harm the distribution system? Saying that the party likely to be harmed has the burden of proof is daft.
Your allowed to use any power you produce. You just aren’t allowed to interconnect as you please.
Electrons are fungible. Once your are grid-tied, you can't tag "your" electrons for your personal use. If you use 100 kW-hr and they charge you $0.10/kW-hr, and you produce 100 kW-hr and they pay you $0.10/kW-hr, your net cost is $0, not including any infrastructure fees.
We certainly don’t. Micro grid? Sure. We will stay out
We will not pay retail rate for solar production.
Interesting. So, if I'm a residential customer with a grid-tied array connected to your system, do I get credited the wholesale value of my production or do I get a kilowatthour for kilowatthour offset? Or something in between?
