What Is PTO and How To Apply for It

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Installing solar panels on your home is a multi-step process. Before you can begin soaking in all that solar energy and reaping the rewards of lower utility bills, you’ll have to research your system needs, find an installer, and go through several stages of planning and setup. 

One of those critical stages involves getting permission to operate, commonly known as PTO. Both your utility company and your local building authority will need to sign off on the solar project before you can activate  your panels. To avoid delays and additional work, it’s important to know what to expect about this critical checkpoint. 

You can apply for PTO through your installer or on your own. Read on to learn more about how solar PTO works and decide which path is best for you. 

What is PTO?

Solar permission to operate is official approval from your building authority and utility company to turn on your solar panels. Without it, you can’t generate or send excess electricity to the grid.

The building authority and the utility company will need to evaluate your solar panel plans for different safety concerns. For instance, the building authority must ensure that your roof can handle the weight of the solar panels you’ve chosen. If there are any concerns, you may have to upgrade your roof or opt for ground-mounted panels.

Your utility company, meanwhile, needs to ensure that your electrical plan is safe and compliant with all relevant codes. You’ll typically have to submit electrical schematics, information about your electrical panels, the proposed number of solar panels and inverters, model information, and more. All of this documentation is required to ensure your system can safely connect to the grid and deliver the solar energy you collect.

It’s worth noting that solar PTO is a separate authorization from your interconnection permit. The latter usually comes early in the process, before installation, while PTO requires a final review from your utility before you can officially turn everything on. According to data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the process of applying for PTO and getting official approval usually takes around 10 days; this timeline is dictated by your local utility and may exceed 10 days. 

How to apply for PTO through your installer

Applying for solar PTO through your solar installer is the easiest way to ensure you cover all your bases and get approved. A PTO application requires a lot of documentation, including photos, and several lengthy, detailed forms. If you make any mistakes, it may reset the process and delay your activation by weeks. 

Your solar installer knows the ropes and can ensure everything gets done efficiently. Of course, this typically involves an additional fee. However, most installers can include this in the installation plan for a fairly reasonable cost.

If you choose to apply through your installer, you’ll simply need to cooperate with their requests, submit any relevant documentation, and sign applications as needed. You may also need to be present for additional inspections. Your installer will guide you through the process.

How to apply for PTO on your own

If you want to save money with your installer and apply for solar permission to operate on your own, it’s important to make sure you’re thorough. Again, any mistakes in the application can delay your approval by weeks, putting off your solar benefits and savings even further.

Requirements vary by utility company and local building authority. Contact both of yours and request a complete checklist of everything they need, along with copies of the applications you’ll need to fill out.

In most cases, you’ll need to provide:

• Photos of your completed installation
• Previous inspection documentation
• Electrical schematics, site maps, and other solar panel planning documents
• Fire safety ratings and engineering certifications
• PV labels and placard placement map
• Completed and signed applications 

Before you submit your paperwork, it’s a good idea to double-check everything to make sure you haven’t left anything out. If you’re detailed, you’ll expedite the process, get your PTO efficiently, and be well on your way to powering your home with solar energy.