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Meter Inspections / Meter Spots

Understanding Purpose, Process, Timelines & Responsibilities

A meter spot—also known as a meter inspection—is an on-site visit performed by a utility representative to verify that a solar + battery interconnection project can safely connect to the utility’s electrical grid. In California, this step is common across major IOUs (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E) and some municipal utilities before they approve Permission to Operate (PTO).

A meter spot is typically required when the customer’s existing meter panel or service equipment must be evaluated for:

  • Adequate capacity to support the new solar or battery system

  • Safety and code compliance (clearances, labeling, grounding, etc.)

  • Required upgrades (e.g., service panel upgrade, conductor changes, relocation)

It is one of the earliest utility-driven checkpoints in the interconnection process.

Purpose of a Meter Spot

A meter spot ensures:

1. Grid and Customer Safety

The utility confirms that connecting the new system will not overload the service, create backfeed hazards, or violate electrical code or utility standards.

2. Panel Condition & Suitability

The utility checks whether the existing meter/main panel:

  • Has enough busbar capacity (often tied to Rule 21 requirements)

  • Requires derating or relocation

  • Meets clearance and working space requirements

  • Is suitable for meter swap or upgrade if needed

3. Confirmation for Engineering Review

Utilities use meter spot results to finalize system approval, interconnection review, and whether additional upgrades (customer-funded or utility-funded) are required.

Who Conducts a Meter Spot?

Utility Personnel

Meter spots in California must be performed by the customer’s local utility, not by Haven or an EPC. The utility dispatches either:

  • A field technician

  • A qualified inspector

  • A metering department representative

Customers cannot schedule meter spots independently—the request must flow through the installer’s interconnection application.

Major California Utilities

  • PG&E – Often called a “Pre-Inspection” or “Field Verification”

  • SCE – Referred to as a “Meter Spot” or “Service Assessment”

  • SDG&E – Frequently required when upgrades or relocation are involved

  • Municipal Utilities (LADWP, SMUD, etc.) – May use varying terminology but follow a similar process

How Long Does a Meter Spot Take?

On-Site Visit Duration

A typical meter spot takes 15–30 minutes on site.
The utility tech will:

  1. Inspect the meter panel

  2. Take photos/notes

  3. Confirm equipment ratings and wiring paths

  4. Communicate next steps internally

Scheduling Timeline

California utilities vary, but typical scheduling windows are:

Utility Typical Scheduling Window
PG&E 5–15 business days after request
SCE 5–20 business days (often slower if upgrades are needed)
SDG&E 5–15 business days
LADWP / SMUD Varies widely; can be 10–30 days

Important: The meter spot timeline is almost always on the critical path of project installation.
Delays are common during:

  • High-volume seasons (May–October)

  • Storm events or emergency utility work

  • Utility staffing shortages

Do I Need to Be Home?

Usually no, as long as:

  • The meter is accessible

  • No locked gates block access

  • Dogs or safety hazards are not present

However, some municipal utilities prefer homeowner presence, and Haven may request it if access is uncertain.

What Happens After the Meter Spot?

1. Utility Provides Assessment

Utility sends findings (sometimes internally only) indicating:

  • “Approved / No upgrade needed”

  • “Existing panel requires upgrade”

  • “Relocation / clearance issues”

  • “Utility-owned upgrade required” (e.g., transformer change)

2. Haven Adjusts Plans if Needed

Depending on utility findings, Haven and our EPC partner may adjust:

  • System design

  • Panel upgrade scope

  • Permit plans

3. Interconnection Review Proceeds

For most California IOUs, interconnection review does not fully complete until meter spot results are recorded.

When Is a Meter Spot Required?

Meter spots are commonly required when:

  • The home has a 100A or 125A service panel (common in CA)

  • The meter panel is older or appears noncompliant

  • A service panel upgrade is part of the project

  • The system includes battery storage, which utilities increasingly scrutinize

  • The panel location may violate clearance (common in tight CA side yards)

Common CA-Specific Issues Found During Meter Spots

  • Insufficient working clearance (30"x36" rule)

  • Meter too close to windows/gas lines

  • Split-bus or Zinsco panel flagged as unsafe

  • Corroded or damaged meter socket

  • Service conductors undersized per Rule 21

  • Utility requesting panel relocation to an exterior wall

These findings can add time but are standard in California’s aging housing stock.