Solar Energy Net
Some of the technical requirements for interconnection to the electrical grid are:
- Effective grounding – Your generation system must be effectively grounded. Most utility distribution systems in North America, including most of our utility distribution lines, are multi-grounded systems. This means there is a separation of your grounding system and our grounding system in the event of faults on either utility or customer generation equipment. Effectively grounded generation sources are required on multi-grounded systems in order to prevent dangerous over voltages during short circuit events, which serves to protect both customer and utility equipment.
- Protection against islanding – You will be required to provide an “anti-islanding” scheme. Islanding is a condition in which a portion of Rocky Mountain Power’s system can stay energized and operate by itself even when our sources are de-energized. If warranted, you will be required to pay for protection against islanding.
- Disconnect switch with visible break –Your distributed energy resource facility must include a UL listed AC disconnect switch that provides a visible break, is lockable in the open position, and is located between the production meter and the sub-panel or other connection to the generating facility. Your disconnect switch must be accessible to Rocky Mountain Power personnel at any time of the day. Specific requirements may vary by state and system size.
- Protection system meets the latest IEEE 1547 standard – For non-net-metered generation, it must also meet Policy 138 - Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Interconnection Policy (PDF). If your protection, if the system does not meet the necessary standards, you will be responsible for purchasing and installing additional protection equipment.
A full scope of the interconnection requirements for your installation will be sent to you after your interconnection request is received. Please provide your application to Rocky Mountain Power prior to any installation activity to ensure inclusion of the full scope of requirements in your detailed designs.
Source: www.rockymountainpower.net
