Utility Interconnection Process
This document is typically submitted to a utility to initiate the interconnection process for a new solar project.
What is an Interconnection Application?
This party is typically responsible for submitting the interconnection application.
What is the solar installer?
This device converts DC electricity from solar panels into grid-compatible AC.
What is an Inverter?
This jurisdiction-issued document is typically required before submitting a PTO request.
What is the final electrical permit approval or FIC?
This acronym refers to the technology used to convert sunlight into electricity in solar installations.
What is PV (Photovoltaic)?
This approval from the utility gives the system owner permission to energize the PV System.
What is permission to operate (PTO)?
Common required attachments to the interconnection application include a site plan, a one-line diagram, and this.
What is the equipment specification sheet (cut sheet)?
This term describes when a utility limits the output of a PV System to avoid grid instability or overload.
What is curtailment?
This technical drawing must show conductor sizes, breaker ratings, inverter AC output, and all disconnects.
What is the single-line diagram (SLD)?
This acronym refers to the utility company’s program that allows for the tracking of energy usage and generation separately in a solar installation.
What is NEM (Net Energy Metering)?
The maximum export capacity of a PV system allowed by the utility, usually stated in the interconnection agreement.
What is the Maximum Export Limit - or, Max Offset
If your application is marked incomplete, the utility usually does this.
What is issues a deficiency notice or requests corrections?
This type of upgrade is often required when high PV Systems penetrate grid infrastructure.
What is a transformer upgrade?
This document outlines terms such as liability, system specs, metering, and utility access rights.
What is the Interconnection Agreement?
This acronym refers to a type of agreement that formalizes the connection of a solar system to the utility grid.
What is an IA (Interconnection Agreement)?
This city or county process must usually be completed before permission to operate is granted.
What is the building/electrical inspection or final sign-off?
This box on the application determines whether the project is evaluated as non-export, limited-export, or full-export.
What is the mode of operation?
A customer wants backup power during an outage, but only for their fridge and WiFi. What system type do they need?
What is a partial-load backup system w/ storage?
To comply with UL 1741 SA requirements, this form may be submitted with the application to verify inverter grid support capabilities.
What is the Inverter Certification Form (or Specification Sheet)?
This acronym refers to the protection function that prevents a solar system from supplying power to the grid during a blackout.
What is Anti-Islanding?
A 500 kW AC PV system exports 0 kW to the grid. What classification might the utility assign it?
What is a non-exporting system?
Utilities often require this value—representing the maximum power the system can export—to be listed in the application.
This type of metering is required to track generation and export separately.
What is a Net Generation Output Meter (NGOM)?
This individual must sign the application, certifying that the information provided is accurate and complete.
Who is the Utility Bill Holder/System Owner?
This acronym refers to the standards that solar inverters must meet in terms of grid compliance and safety.
What is UL 1741?