Full Title: Comparing Utility Interconnection Timelines for Small-Scale Solar PV
Author(s): Chelsea Barnes
Publisher(s): EQ Research
Publication Date: July 1, 2015
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Interconnection standards and procedures are designed to allow electric customers to safely connect distributed generation (DG) systems to the grid. Even as distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems become more common, the interconnection process can be lengthy and problematic for solar customers and installers, increasing overall system installation costs and delaying the benefits of PV generation. As DG penetration levels increase, utilities are more likely to deny DG system interconnection by raising safety and grid reliability concerns, further complicating and delaying the interconnection process. However, many utilities – even some with high levels of DG penetration – process and approve customer interconnection through quick, streamlined processes, illustrating
that solutions to existing challenges are within reach.