Solar Interconnection for New York Solar Power Projects
As the demand for solar energy soars, the industry is booming in New York. Solar clients expect prompt interconnection, but this isn’t always the case. The State of New York and utility companies, such as Con Edison, both have interconnection requirements. Sometimes, guidelines are unclear, or these policies can change, so it is important to understand the current regulations. For many solar projects, interconnection is another hurdle that can boost the total project costs and create expensive delays.
Creating an effective interconnection strategy can boost customer satisfaction, help your solar company scale up as demand increases, and meet regulatory requirements. Many solar installers are encountering challenges to meet soaring demand. Thus, an efficient solar interconnection process is essential. At Sologistics, we help streamline the grid interconnection process, which can get quite complicated for certain commercial projects.
Our team of solar power experts knows New York interconnection requirements for distributed generation and battery storage. We understand how long the process takes and how to best time the interconnection with the solar installation process. Our goal is to put your projects in a position to succeed.
New York utilities offer net energy billing, which allows customers with eligible renewable energy systems to offset the cost of their electrical usage with the power they import to the grid. In order for your solar PV projects to be connected to the utility grid, interconnection approval is essential. This process involves proving that the solar system meets certain electrical safety standards and determining that the grid has the equipment capacity to handle this renewable energy load.
The vast majority of solar installers apply for interconnection on behalf of their residential and commercial clients. For larger commercial solar projects, the interconnection application and approval process with Con Edison and other utility companies can get quite complicated.
Many solar installers are particularly challenged by interconnection with solar-plus-storage because their impacts on the grid are much more complex. This is because batteries can be both a load and a generator, depending on how the system is operating. In some cases, interconnection approval can take considerably longer for commercial systems with large storage capacity.
Unfortunately, some solar companies get bogged down in the interconnection process. Glitches in the process can create delays and increase costs. This is where our solar PV experts can help overcome hurdles.
Why is Solar Interconnection Important?
What is the Solar Interconnection Process?
The Sologistics team can simplify utility interconnection from start to finish. We have experience connecting to the electric distribution system in many service areas including Con Edison, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, New York State Gas & Electric, and Keyspan Long Island. Our team works on solar interconnection projects, both with and without battery storage. We first determine if there are any concerns with interconnection.
In some cases, the building’s existing electrical service is not adequate for the solar energy system. In other instances, transmission upgrades of the local power distribution system are needed to ensure proper voltage, reliability, and power quality. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in distribution upgrade costs for items, including transformer and service conductor upgrades. Whenever possible, we help minimize costs through planning or identifying what should be shared and not individual costs.
The interconnection process with Con Edison and other companies begins by reviewing the project to ensure it complies with regulations. Then, the Sologistics team prepares the application paperwork with all the required documentation. After the application has been reviewed and got the green light, an inspection is necessary. Then, the project receives final
How can I reduce interconnection time in New York?
One of the best ways to streamline the process is to submit a well-prepared application. This involves compiling accurate solar project information that complies with technical requirements. Our team of interconnection specialists includes engineers and NABCEP-certified solar professionals that are dedicated to helping clients reduce project timelines and interconnection upgrade costs.
Bring the Sologistics team to your next project to help grow your solar business.