Resource Library

Pacific Gas & Electric's guidance on installing residential EVSE equipment outlines the list of specific requirement for interconnection, including notification of electrical load and metering specifications.

Section 4.0 Network and Distribution Systems discusses standards for interconnection of Secondary Networks. Provides a case study of the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.

Southern California Edison’s interconnection Map provides SCE system data pertinent to DG developers searching for possible interconnection locations on the SCE distribution system. This set of maps includes the locations of SCE distribution circuits, substations, subtransmission systems, and areas of transmission constraints along with the associated circuit/substation/system voltage, available capacity, and current and queued DG interconnections amounts. The first hyperlink below is for a 12MB kmz file that is opened using Google Earth. It was the current map as of April 15, 2014. A more recent version may be available on the SCE website, see the Source section below. The second hyperlink is a screenshot of one portion of the map (for quick reference).

This is SMUD’s Feed-In Tariff Rate Procedure. Though the program is not currently active, this 16 page document has useful information on qualification criteria and how the FIT process is managed and may serve as a useful guide to other entities looking to develop a program. The SMUD website in the Source section below has additional information about the program including the rates, application form, interconnection procedures, and maps showing existing FIT projects and favorable locations for new projects.

The map provides indication of locations that are better for interconnection on the SMUD Distribution System. It is a color coded map of the SMUD service area, with colors indicating the expected capacity of the local substation to receive generation. (file size 11MB, may take a few seconds to download)

The Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs) is a collaborative effort funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of solar PV building codes and standards, utility interconnection procedures, and product standards, reliability, and safety. This 1-page document outlines a model fee structure for PV permits designed to ensure cost recovery on behalf of the jurisdiction while ensuring a reasonable fee for project developers. It is a simple stepped fee structure based on project size. This fee schedule is extracted from a larger report which outlines an expedited permit process for small PV installations applicable nationwide.

SolarABCs sent questionnaires to subject matter experts regarding the relevance and adequacy of the (10) FERC technical screens and compiled the results. Consensus existed that (3) of the screens should be updated. Click File 1 below to see the section of the report summarizing the findings. Follow the URL in the source section below to access the full report.

This is a simplified (1) page interconnection application form for qualifying systems. Qualifying systems are those under 10kW, using UL approved equipment, with a load side connection and no backup generator.

Spot network interconnection best practices and standards

Section 5.4 of the EPA Clean Energy- Environment Guide to Action summarizes the benefits of standard interconnection rules and highlights best practices.

A guide for local governments that gives an overview of the best practices for interconnection Standards. Page 83 addresses eligible customers for interconnection.