After Tesla added panels and three batteries to an existing solar system, the owner said output fell when the batteries filled, before utility permission to operate. Commenters said systems awaiting approval can power the home but clip surplus instead of exporting it.
Permission to operate (PTO) is the utility's final approval for a system to export electricity to the grid. Commenters described waits of 13 months and 16 months; the person reporting 16 months attributed the delay to transformer replacement.
Commenters said homes with previously approved solar may keep generating on older equipment while newly added panels connected to batteries are throttled after charging is complete. One user suggested changing the app to show PTO as granted, but another warned that exporting before approval could put utility workers at risk.
