Interconnection
Distribution utilities and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) are struggling to keep up with overflowing interconnection queues. Experts at SI2 are actively working to streamline the interconnection process, so that solar projects can efficiently connect to the grid.
Interconnection
Distribution utilities and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) are struggling to keep up with overflowing interconnection queues. Experts at SI2 are actively working to streamline the interconnection process, so that solar projects can efficiently connect to the grid.
Interconnection
Distribution utilities and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) are struggling to keep up with overflowing interconnection queues. Experts at SI2 are actively working to streamline the interconnection process, so that solar projects can efficiently connect to the grid.
ABOUT —
What is Interconnection?
Interconnection is the process that connects all solar systems—residential, commercial, or utility-scale—to the electrical grid. It is how solar customers access solar power when they need it and how they share excess energy back with the grid. This process involves a formal agreement with a local utility company or the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) or Independent System Operator (ISO).
Depending on the size of the project, the interconnection process should take months to at most a year to finalize. However, delays driven by compliance and regulatory complexities and costs to upgrade the grid so solar projects can connect to the grid, are creating backlogs of solar projects nationwide. To meet growing energy demands needs, this backlog needs to be addressed.
SI2 is focusing on bringing reliability back to the interconnection process, so that all Americans can have access to affordable and dependable solar energy.
FEATURED —
Game Changing Interconnection Reform
This SI2 report 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.
Across the U.S., solar projects face delays due to the high costs of grid upgrades, resulting in higher costs and increased market uncertainty for developers. Recognizing these challenges, SI2, in partnership with the Coalition for Community Solar Access, Smarter Grid Solutions, Solar Energy Industries Association, National Grid, and Nexamp, initiated this study as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Interconnection Innovation Exchange (i2x) Technical Assistance Program.
Interconnection by the Numbers
gigawatts of generation and storage projects are awaiting approval in interconnection queues.
%
of the capacity in queue are either solar or storage projects, with wait times increasing from 2 to 4 years over the last decade.
%
flexible interconnection can boost revenue up to 176% for community solar energy projects.
Our Commitment
SI2 is advocating for interconnection reform and developing innovative solutions to accelerate solar project deployment and reduce uncertainties around projects.
Across the U.S., solar projects face delays due to the high costs of grid upgrades, resulting in higher costs and increased market uncertainty for developers. SI2’s leading research identifies innovative technical approaches like flexible interconnection, regulatory reforms that allow solar projects to connect to the grid faster.
LEARN MORE —
Explore Our Work
Siting and Permitting
The solar and storage industry is growing at an exponential pace. Experts at SI2 are supporting this progress with cutting-edge research focused on addressing existing barriers and opening new pathways for project deployment.
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.
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.
LEARN MORE —
Explore Our Work
Siting and Permitting
The solar and storage industry is growing at an exponential pace. Experts at SI2 are supporting this progress with cutting-edge research focused on addressing existing barriers and opening new pathways for project deployment.
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.
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.
LEARN MORE —
Explore Our Work
Siting and Permitting
The solar and storage industry is growing at an exponential pace. Experts at SI2 are supporting this progress with cutting-edge research focused on addressing existing barriers and opening new pathways for project deployment.
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.
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.