Work with PG&E and your contractor


Your contractor handles most of the steps necessary to install and connect a solar or renewable energy system to PG&E's electric grid. However, as a property owner or business manager, it’s wise to play an active role. Understanding the key steps helps you set expectations and communicate effectively with your contractor:

STEP 1Prepare your property and find a contractor

Key Roles: You

  • Start with the PG&E Business Energy Checkup. This energy-efficiency audit provides key information about your current energy usage and helps you make choices that reduce your overall electricity. By increasing you home’s energy efficiency, you can install a smaller renewable energy system and save money.Visit Business Energy Checkup.
  • Find a contractor who meets your needs and budget requirements. PG&E can help you locate experienced contractors in your area and choose from competing bids. Find a contractor.

STEP 2Prepare the Interconnection Agreement

Key Role: Your contractor
After you and your contractor choose the appropriate renewable energy system to match your business’s needs, the contractor fills out an application to connect your system to the PG&E electric grid. Your contractor processes the application paperwork and you must sign the Interconnection Agreement. Here’s what to do next:

  • Decide on a rate schedule. When applying, you can keep your current rate schedule or select a new one. Talk to your contractor or PG&E about the best option for your business. Learn about rate options.
  • Check on rebates. Find out about PG&E incentive programs and ask your contractor whether you qualify for rebates. Learn about clean-energy incentives .


Timeline

Ensure that your contractor fills out the Interconnection Agreement application early so that you can start generating energy shortly after your system passes local city or county inspections.

STEP 3Have your system installed

Key Roles: Your contractor
Before installation, talk to your contractor to choose a delivery date and get a time estimate for completion. Your contractor ensures the delivery of the energy system and completes the installation at your property.

Timeline

Installation generally takes a few days to a few weeks to complete, depending on any unique conditions of your property or system.

STEP 4Get your system inspected by the city or county

Key Roles: Your contractor and city or county inspectors
To obtain a final building permit, your renewable energy system must pass city or county inspections for safety and code compliance.

For safety reasons, don’t turn on your system until PG&E gives you official written permission to operate it.

Timeline

The timeframe depends on the city or county requirements. Help avoid delays by ensuring that your contractor has arranged for the building permit and scheduled the inspections.

STEP 5Get permission to operate your system

Key Roles: Your contractor and PG&E
To get permission to operate your system, your contractor submits all required paperwork to PG&E. The paperwork includes the Interconnection Application, a line diagram of the system and a copy of the final building permit. After PG&E approves the documents, we’ll upgrade your meter and send you official written permission to operate.

TIP: Include your email address on the Interconnection Agreement application to receive faster approval.

Timeline

After PG&E receives the required paperwork from your contractor, getting permission to operate your system typically takes 5 to 10 business days, up to a maximum of 30 days.

PLEASE NOTE: During the PG&E engineering system review, we may determine that upgrades are needed to support your renewable system. These upgrades may incur a cost and cause delay.