Installing an AC Disconnect Switch
If you install an inverter-based generator, consider also installing an AC Disconnect Switch, which only isolates your generator, not your load. Your inverter, PV arrays and other equipment are maintained. The AC Disconnect Switch allows us to isolate your generator from our distribution system without interrupting service to your facility or residence.
You are not required to include an AC Disconnect Switch when your facility has a single-phase, self-contained electric revenue meter. A 0-320-amp panel is an example of this type of meter, which is used by 98 percent of our customers.
If you chose not to install an AC Disconnect Switch, we may remove your revenue meter to isolate your generator from the electric distribution system. Removing the revenue meter helps us meet our operating needs, respond to emergencies and maintain our system. If we remove the revenue meter, your facility or residence loses electrical service.
Our AC Disconnect Requirement for Distributed Energy Resources or Distributed Generation policy applies to:
- Inverter-based interconnections that have a transformer-rated meter. Examples of transformer-rated meters include all meter panels or switchboards that use potential or current transformers.
- Inverter-based interconnections that have a three-phase, self-contained meter or a transformer-rated meter. Examples of transformer-rated meters include all meter panels or switchboards that use potential or current transformers.
- Non-inverter-based generators, including rotating or machine-based generators, regardless of whether the service-meter configuration is transformer-rated or self-contained.
- Inverter and non-inverter-based generators that do not have overcurrent protection at the point of interconnection.
- Special situations in which generators affect our service to our customers.
Animals, locked gates or other obstacles must not block access to the meter area. The meter must remain accessible at all times. You can arrange to provide our personnel with secure access.
Updates to PG&E AC Disconnect policy
Our policy was revised to help answer your requests and support the California Solar Initiative. The policy includes photovoltaic (PV) fuel cell and inverter-based rotating machine technologies.
Check with your local government to determine if an AC Disconnect Switch is required to obtain a final electric permit for an installed photo voltaic fuel cell system or other inverter-based rotating machine technologies.
If you have any questions, call our Solar Customer Service Center at 1-877-743-4112 to speak with a representative.
More resources for interconnection
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