I'm located in the bay area - PG&E territory. I have a Federal Pacific panel that needs to be replaced but it is within 3 feet of a gas line. My wires are underground so it'd require trenchwork and a length and $$$ project to move it.
I'm also trying to install solar panels and some vendors are requiring me to replace the main panel. They want to charge $3K+ to do a like-for-like.
I've talked to many electricians and they all say, it will not get approval by PG&E to do a like for like and does not want to touch the job.
Based on my research, I should be exempt via Greenbook 1.16.2. But then there are threads on Reddit and Tesla forums in which when it is time for inspection, PG&E gives pushback.
I have someone from PG&E Express Connections Department who says it is not an issue but then another PGE rep who works w my solar panel vendor stated otherwise.
I really do not want to put up money for a solar panel to fail during an inspection. Will I face issues?
Panel image: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zGovHsnN88ZmVKzp6