Interconnection

Interconnection standards dictate the administrative process and technical specifications a homeowner or installer must follow to install solar electric property (solar panels, solar hot water heater, etc.) and connect that property to the local utility's distribution system. Not only do these standards vary by state, in some cases they vary from utility to utility. Requiring a local solar installer to know and follow many sets of rules and regulations increases the cost to consumers and creates a market barrier, inhibiting widespread adoption of solar technologies.

SEIA's goal is to have a single, national standard for interconnection rules, which will ensure the safe and expedient installation of solar technologies for all consumers.

SEIA Net Metering-Interconnection Fact Sheet

Recent News

Representative Jay Inslee introduced the Americans Making Power Act of 2010 on July 1, 2010. The AMP Act would establish strong national net metering and interconnection standards.

The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee included language requiring the development of a national interconnection standard in the American Clean Energy Leadership Act, which was approved by the committee in June of 2009.

Chris Cook of SunWorks, LLC, a SEIA member, testified before the Senate Energy subcommittee on May 7, 2009.  The purpose of the hearing was to discuss policies that enable the deployment of distributed generation.  Chris testified on netmetering and interconnection standards.

Related Legislation