When talking Solar Power, “Interconnection” is the rules about how a solar panel system is connected to the grid and it is an important part of going solar.
As with anything, the rules can make it difficult to go solar and of course, that makes it expensive. So the whole financial picture is changed a bit.
But that is the federal government job right? They have established some interconnection guidelines through the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) which has a lot to say about the workings of interconnection and the rules are greatly varied from coast to coast. Fortunately, the majority of states are doing a decent job of establishing rules that are common sense in regards to interconnection. This makes it much easier for homeowners to get their solar power set up and generating that clean solar power.
The Rules for Solar System
There is some technical talk when it comes to interconnection rules. Basically, they allow homeowners to “plug in” their solar power panels to the electric grid. The main things you need know:
- The sizes of installations for grid interconnection
- outside certification or outside review is needed
- If a smaller system can be fast-tracked approved and exempt from the reviews
- additional insurance is required
- certain technologies are required such as external disconnect switches
- The dispute process between solar power system owners and utility companies
Depending on how wide the categories are, it can get complicated when you look at the rules. It can also delay things and this cost us all money as well as loss of natural resources. But the bad interconnection rules do not have to stop you from reaching your solar dreams.
The first thing you should do when considering having a solar system installed is finding an experienced and respected solar installer. They will have the expertise and know-how to work with the interconnection rules and eliminate a lot of problems for you. They make the process simple and will handle the paperwork as well as schedule any required inspections.