Flexible Interconnection
Interconnecting solar energy and battery storage to the electric grid has become an increasingly complex process as clean energy deployment expands across in the United States. The growing number of interconnection applications has resulted in expanding backlogs, longer wait times, and rising grid upgrade costs. New approaches are being explored to make it easier to connect projects to the electric grid while maintaining grid reliability.
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What is Flexible Interconnection?
As the electric grid reaches capacity for new power sources, some projects may face longer timelines, additional grid upgrade costs, reduced project sizes, or operational limits. Flexible Interconnection allows solar and storage projects to connect to the grid faster and at lower cost by agreeing to manage their output during grid-constrained periods—maximizing the use of existing grid infrastructure while maintaining reliability.
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Several states have adopted flexible interconnection rules or launched pilots, however regulations, definitions and structure vary by state and utility territory. SI2 and GridCo are developing a flexible interconnection framework that balances standardization and state-level flexibility, including:
- A curtailment framework with standardized definitions and methodologies.
- Model regulatory and tariff language for easy adoption and adaptation.
- Common standards for measurement, verification, and data sharing.
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Flexible Interconnection Landscape Assessment
Explore SI2’s assessment of current flexible interconnection programs, stakeholder needs, and opportunities to develop a standardized framework for broader adoption.
Flexible Interconnection Can Boost Revenue for Solar Projects
A report released by the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2), shows that flexible interconnection, which adjusts solar output based on grid conditions, offers significant economic benefits to community solar developers. The findings show that for some community solar projects flexible interconnection provides 176% more revenue over the lifetime of the project than under other scenarios.
A New Solution for Meeting U.S. Energy Demand
For the first time in more than two decades, utilities and regulators across the country are facing a new dilemma: how to meet soaring electricity demand driven by the growing digital AI economy and increased consumption, contributing significantly to the rise in energy demand.
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Explore Our Work
Agrivoltaics
As solar continues to expand, farmland has become an attractive option for project siting. By integrating solar with agriculture, farms across the country demonstrate how agrivoltaics benefit their operations and local economies.
Model Policy
SI2 is at the forefront of identifying evidence-based policy solutions to address the systemic challenges facing the solar and storage industry and that reflect individual communities’ and stakeholders’ needs.
Siting and Permitting
The solar and storage industry is growing quickly. Experts at SI2 are supporting this progress with cutting-edge research focused on addressing existing barriers and opening new pathways for project deployment.
Grid Interconnection
The ability to connect solar and storage systems to the grid quickly and efficiently is essential to scaling solar projects across the nation. SI2 is actively working to streamline the interconnection process.