What is PTO?
Permission to Operate (PTO) is the official approval from your utility company that allows you to turn on your solar system and start generating power. Think of it as the green light — until you have PTO, your system should remain off.
Why Do You Need PTO?
PTO exists for two important reasons:
Safety: Your utility needs to verify your system is properly connected to the grid
Billing: Your utility needs to set up your new net metering or net billing account so you get credit for the energy your panels produce
What Happens Before PTO?
After your solar installation is complete, there are several steps before PTO is granted:
Final Inspection: Your local city or county inspector verifies the installation meets code requirements
Utility Application: Better Earth submits your interconnection application to your utility
Utility Review: Your utility reviews the application and may inspect your meter
Meter Swap: If needed, your utility installs a new bi-directional meter that tracks energy going both ways
PTO Granted: Your utility sends official approval — your system is cleared to operate
Activation: Better Earth activates your system and monitoring
How Long Does PTO Take?
PTO timelines vary by utility. Here are typical ranges after your installation passes final inspection:
Utility | Typical PTO Timeline |
PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) | 2-4 weeks |
SCE (Southern California Edison) | 2-3 weeks |
SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) | 1-2 weeks |
APS (Arizona Public Service) | 1-3 weeks |
SRP (Salt River Project) | 1-3 weeks |
FPL (Florida Power & Light) | 1-3 weeks |
Duke Energy | 1-3 weeks |
These are estimates and can vary. Some utilities are faster, some have longer backlogs.
What Better Earth Does During This Time
We handle the entire PTO process for you:
Submit all required paperwork to your utility
Follow up with the utility on your behalf
Coordinate any meter swap or additional inspections
Notify you as soon as PTO is received
You don't need to contact your utility — we take care of everything.
What Should You Do While Waiting?
Do not turn on your solar system before PTO is granted. Operating your system without PTO can create safety issues and may result in penalties from your utility. We know the wait is hard, but this is the final step.
How to Check Your PTO Status
You can check on your PTO status anytime:
Log in to your Better Earth Customer Portal
Phone: (888) 373-9379
Email: [email protected]
What Happens After PTO?
Once PTO is received:
We activate your solar system
Your monitoring app goes live so you can track production
You start generating clean energy and saving money!
Your new utility billing arrangement (net metering or net billing) begins
PTO is the last step in your solar journey. Once it's done, you're officially a solar homeowner!