Solar Interconnection Standards & Policies

Interconnection standards define how a distributed generation system, such as solar photovoltaics (PVs), can connect to the grid. In some areas of the United States, the interconnection process lacks consistent parameters and procedures for connecting to the grid or is unnecessarily complex. This drives up costs and causes delays, which can be significant barriers to project development. The ability to interconnect to the grid in a cost-effective and timely manner may determine whether a project moves forward or not. The continued growth of the distributed solar market has prompted electric utilities, regulators, and others to consider improvements to the interconnection processes.

Below are resources to help you understand the interconnection policy landscape and how it may impact your project development.

Connecting to the Grid Guide, 6th Edition

Interconnection policies are an essential piece of a supportive state-level regulatory policy framework addressing how project developers will interconnect distributed generation systems to the grid. This guide, produced by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. (IREC), introduces the issues surrounding policy and technical considerations of grid-integrated renewable energy.

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)

DSIRE, operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in the United States. It includes information on state-level interconnection policies only, so be sure to check with your local electricity provider about its specific interconnection process and timeline.

Model Interconnection Procedures

As costs of renewable energy continue to fall, and more systems connect to the grid, interconnection procedures developed over the last decade are under strain. IREC’s Model Interconnection Procedures summarize a number of best practices for the safe and reliable connection of renewable energy systems to the utility grid.

A State-Level Comparison of Processes and Timelines for Distributed Photovoltaic Interconnection in the United States (pdf)

This report, produced by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), presents results from an analysis of distributed solar interconnection and deployment processes in the United States. In the report, NREL assesses the range in project completion timelines nationally and in five states with active solar markets (Arizona, California, New Jersey, New York, and Colorado). The report also assesses the portion of projects that required one month or more for either the utility interconnection application review and approval or permission-to-operate process, as this may indicate a project or process delay.

Photovoltaic Systems Interconnected onto Secondary Network Distribution Systems – Success Stories (pdf

While the number of PV systems interconnected to the grid has increased significantly over the last decade, only recently have PV systems been installed in major metropolitan areas and tied to electric distribution secondary network systems (networks). Utilities use networks to distribute electricity to customers in areas where there are large concentrations of load and where reliability greater than that of a radial system is needed. This report, prepared by NREL, examines six case studies of PV systems that were successfully integrated into secondary network systems.

Distributed Solar Interconnection Challenges and Best Practices (pdf)

A survey and interviews conducted by Solar Electric Power Association have uncovered utility initiatives to lower the administrative costs of interconnection, making the process of connecting to the grid simpler and more transparent for project developers.