THE SHORT ANSWER
LCEC’s application asks for a clear, unedited photo showing the AC disconnect and utility meter together and says the disconnect must be on the same wall within five feet left or right of the meter with unobstructed access. [1]
Plan the location before installation
Take a wide exterior photo of the meter wall and note gates, fences, gas equipment, landscaping and walking paths. Do not open covers. Give the image to the designer so the proposed location is deliberate rather than a field decision after permitting.
Measure the utility relationship
Ask the project professional to show the left-or-right distance and same-wall relationship on the elevation. A disconnect around a corner may be physically close but fail the published presentation. Confirm clearances and code requirements separately.
Protect access
The LCEC form calls for no fence, wall or other obstruction between meter and disconnect. Consider existing gates and planned screens or shrubs. A compliant installation at inspection can become hard to reach later if landscaping hides the equipment.
Create the required evidence
Frame the final photo so the meter, disconnect, labels and relationship are visible in one original image. Avoid collages or edits. Keep the original file date and attach the application reference so a later reviewer knows which property it documents.
Do not operate equipment for a photo
Photograph from a safe standing location and leave switching to authorized people following the installed procedure. If a label is missing, equipment is damaged or access seems unsafe, stop and arrange correction rather than touching the enclosure.
Before your next conversation
- Show meter and disconnect on the same wall.
- Verify the five-foot left-or-right placement.
- Remove access obstructions.
- Keep one clear, unedited final image.
Primary sources
- LCEC: Customer-Owned Renewable Generation Application and Compliance Form
Primary reference checked September 9, 2026. Confirm the current form, tariff, account process and equipment instructions for your address and system.
Planning examples and questions are Origin’s editorial guidance, not a property-specific diagnosis, engineering design, tax determination or promise of savings. Manufacturer and utility references do not imply an affiliation with Origin.
Make the decision specific to your home.
Have Origin review the meter-wall layout before equipment is installed.
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