Managing the Permission-to-Operate (PTO) Experience
Application Note | lunarenergy.com
Summary
Permission to Operate (PTO) is the utility approval required before a system can fully operate. Lunar provides a seamless onboarding process managing customer experience before and after PTO. Pre-PTO settings (accessible via Installer App or Gridshare) determine system behavior until PTO is confirmed. After approval, installers can remotely transition the site to post-PTO operation mode.
Pre-PTO Settings (Installer App)
During commissioning, enter PTO settings under Operation Settings:
Setting | Grid Export | Battery Behavior |
Pre-PTO: No grid export (Self-consumption mode) | No | Charges battery from PV only to cover consumption |
Pre-PTO: Operate off-grid only (Backup mode) | No | Only charges when off-grid |
PTO Granted - Full Operation | Yes | Defined by PCS settings |
PTO Experience in the Lunar App
Before PTO: Customers see what PTO is, its impacts, any actions needed, and expected behaviors of their pre-PTO mode.
After receiving PTO: Customers enter their PTO date in the Lunar App, which automatically transitions the system to the post-PTO Operation Mode set during commissioning. Customers then confirm their rate plan. (This feature can be hidden if the installer prefers to manage PTO transitions directly.)
Managing PTO in Gridshare Fleet Portal
To track PTO status: Search for the site → Devices → Lunar Inverter → Manage Interconnection Settings → set or view PTO date. The system transitions to post-PTO mode immediately upon PTO date entry.
Updating Rate Plans
Selecting the correct rate plan enables Lunar AI to optimize battery control and utility bill savings. Rate plans can be assigned in the Gridshare fleet portal if customers don't self-select in the Lunar App.
For NEM3 customers (interconnection submitted in 2025):
PG&E: Import: pacific_gas_and_electric::e-elec | Export: pacific_gas_and_electric::pge_nbt_2025
SCE: Import: southern_california_edison::tou-prime | Export: southern_california_edison::sce_nbt_2025
SDG&E: Import: san_diego_gas_and_electric::ev-tou-5 | Export: san_diego_gas_and_electric::sdge_nbt_2025
FAQs
How do I ensure a great PTO experience? Educate customers about PTO on the day of installation, enter the PTO date in Gridshare as soon as possible after approval, confirm battery mode and rate plans are correctly set.
Rate plan not on Lunar's list? Contact [email protected].
Remove customer access to battery settings? Contact [email protected].