What Does It Take to Get Permission to Operate (PTO)?

If you’re a homeowner in Southern California and planning (or in the process of) installing a solar energy system, understanding the “Permission to Operate” (PTO) stage is vital. Without this final approval, your solar system may be physically installed, but cannot legally or safely feed energy into the grid. This article walks you through the PTO journey—what it means, why it matters, and how it works in the service territories of Southern California Edison (SCE), Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) in 2025.

Let’s break this down step-by-step.

What is PTO and why it matters

Permission to Operate (PTO) is the formal utility-company approval allowing your solar system to connect to the electrical grid and begin generating or exporting electricity.

Why PTO matters

• Without PTO your system may be installed, but cannot legally send electricity or participate in net-metering or the new Solar-Billing-Plan programs.
• Utilities require PTO to confirm your system meets safety, interconnection and grid-compliance standards.
• Insurance, equipment warranties and the financial viability of your solar investment often depend on full approval and activation.
• In Southern California especially, the interconnection rules and timelines are driven by both state-wide mandates plus specific utility practices.

The PTO process in Southern California: What you can expect

Although the general flow is similar across the region, small differences apply to jurisdictions and utilities. Here’s how it typically plays out for a homeowner in the SCE, LADWP or SDG&E service area.

Step A: System design and permit application

Before PTO can happen, your solar project must go through permit review by your local city or county building authority. Registration, structural plans, electrical drawings, and other documentation are submitted.

Step B: Local inspection(s)

Once installation is complete, local inspectors from your city or county verify that the work matches the approved permit, meets building and fire code, and is safe.

Step C: Utility interconnection application & documentation

Your installer (or you) must submit the interconnection application to the utility. This includes:

• The signed permit or inspection approval from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
• One-line diagrams, system specs (inverter, panels, battery if applicable)
• Any required interconnection agreements (depending on utility)

Step D: Utility review & possibly utility field inspection

The utility reviews your application, the system specs, and ensures your installation won’t adversely affect the grid. Some utilities may perform their own on-site inspection or meter upgrade. For example, SCE states that standard systems with all documentation may receive PTO in about 10 business days if everything’s clean.

Step E: PTO issued → System activation

Once the utility is satisfied, they issue PTO. Only then can your system be turned on, start generating electricity, and (if eligible) export excess power back to the grid.

Step F: Billing & Net-metering or Solar Billing Plan

After PTO, your utility transitions your account into whatever solar export/credit program applies (for example, under SCE it could be the Solar Billing Plan rather than the older NEM 2.0).

Timeline and typical delays in 2025

Standard timeline

• Permit review: Typically 1–3 weeks in many Southern California jurisdictions.
• Local inspection after install: Usually within a few days to 2 weeks after scheduling.
• Utility interconnection review & PTO: Ranges widely, but for standard residential installs in SCE territory with everything in order: about 10 business days.
• Altogether, from permit submittal to PTO activation, many homeowners see 6 – 16 weeks in Southern California.

What leads to delays?

• Incomplete documentation (missing permit approvals, missing diagrams)
• Changes in system size, addition of batteries or non-typical equipment
• Local inspection backlog or seasonal demand spikes
• Utility grid-upgrade requirements (rare for small residential, but possible)
• Metering or panel upgrades required by utility
  Being aware of these helps you plan accordingly.

Utility-specific notes and key requirements

Southern California Edison (SCE)

• Under SCE’s Solar Billing Plan (SBP) for new systems post-2023, the interconnection process and PTO still apply.
• For SCE: “Once you receive your Permission to Operate (PTO), we will enroll your account in the Solar Billing Plan within a few billing cycles.”
• Complex interconnections (storage, non-standard meter, large size) will take longer.
• Even though net-metering (NEM 2.0) ended for new applicants as of April 15, 2023, PTO is still essential for current interconnection.

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP)

• In LADWP territory, the process is similar: you must have the jurisdiction permit, inspection, then application to LADWP, and finally PTO from LADWP. While I didn’t find a publicly published specific timeline unique to LADWP in my research, the same steps apply.
• Because LADWP is a municipal utility, check local requirements for meter upgrades, generation agreements or export credits.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

• For SDG&E the permit + inspection + interconnection + PTO model remains. Some reports in Southern California indicate the utility interconnection step (PTO) often takes 1-2 weeks if documentation is complete.
• In coastal and suburban areas there may be additional review when paired with batteries or larger systems for grid-impact.

What homeowners can do to prepare for PTO and minimize delays

Here are best practices to help you stay ahead of the PTO step:

• Select an experienced installer: Preferably one who has handled numerous homes in your service area and knows the local city/county + utility requirements.
• Get all permits approved before schedule of install; verify the city/county inspector has signed off.
• Ensure system design is complete: The one-line diagram, equipment specs, inverter settings, and module list should all match what’s submitted to the utility.
• Submit interconnection application promptly once permit is approved and equipment is installed.
• Follow up proactively: Test with your installer or utility portal to check status of the application and any needed changes. Utility portals (like SCE’s) will often notify of deficiencies.
• Don’t activate your system early: Wait for the utility PTO to avoid warranty/insurance issues or risk of non-compliance.
• Prepare for meter or panel upgrade: Especially for older homes, your service panel or meter may need an upgrade for interconnection — ask ahead of time.
• Keep records: Permits, inspection reports, interconnection application numbers, PTO approval are all good to keep for future reference or sale of home.

Common PTO issues and how to handle them

Issue A: PTO denied or delayed due to missing paperwork

If the utility finds missing or incorrect documents, that will hold up PTO. Ask your installer to verify package completeness and get status updates from the utility.

Issue B: System configuration not matching submitted design

If what was installed differs from the approved design (e.g., different inverter model, panel layout changed), the utility may require a revised application or inspection. Always install exactly what was submitted.

Issue C: Added equipment (batteries, EV charger, panel upgrade) mid-project

Any modifications may trigger a new interconnection review or shift into a different application category with longer approval. If you plan storage or EV integration, flag that early.

Issue D: Grid-upgrade required

Rare for small residential in dense service territories, but if your system causes issues to the utility’s infrastructure, additional review or upgrades may be required. This extends PTO timeline.

Issue E: Operating before PTO

Activating your system before PTO could void warranties, insurance coverage and lead to penalties. Wait for the official utility PTO letter.

What homeowners in 2025 should know about export credits and billing after PTO

Since PTO enables your system to connect and export, it’s important to understand how billing works post-PTO.

• For SCE customers: After PTO you’re enrolled in the Solar Billing Plan (SBP) if you’re a new applicant. The export credits (Energy Export Credits, or EECs) roll over monthly during your “Relevant Period” (typically 12 months) and at the end of that period any unused credits may be forfeited or settled.
• Even with PTO, you must ensure your system size and configuration match what the utility approved to maximize credit benefits.
• If you expand your system after PTO, you may need a new interconnection application and PTO, which could mean new rate treatments.

Quick Checklist Before You Flip the Switch

StepStatusNotesPermits submitted and approved☐City/county building permit and electrical permitInstallation completed☐Panels, inverter, wiring, mounting all doneBuilding inspector signed off☐Local inspection passedInterconnection application submitted to utility☐One-line, specs, agreement (if needed)Utility review complete☐Engineer/technical review donePTO issued by utility☐You have the official PTO documentSystem activation☐Only after PTO — system turned on and generatingBilling plan activated☐Export credits/billing set up for your account

Securing PTO is the final unlock on your solar investment. You’ve designed the system, obtained permits, passed inspections, and now with PTO you are free to generate clean energy, reduce your utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future. For homeowners in Southern California—under SCE, LADWP or SDG&E—it’s a predictable process, but one that demands attention and coordination.

By working with a certified installer, ensuring all documents match, and staying proactive through the utility application process, you’ll reduce the chance of delays and be enjoying solar power sooner.

If you’re at the stage of choosing your solar system and want to ensure you meet all the steps toward PTO with minimal stress, it’s wise to work with a partner who knows the local rules inside-out.

Feel free to schedule an apointment with our Solar Consultants.

We’ll guide you through the entire process—from design to permit to PTO—ensuring you’re set up for success and can start generating power the moment your system goes live.