Learn
Connecting Small PV Systems with Wisconsin's Utility
Grid
What You Must Do For The Utility
Working With Utility Representatives
Common Interconnection Issues
Information Resources
Working With Utility Representatives
Your relationship with the utility should be friendly and business-like.
Utilities have their own interests such as protecting the safety of
their line workers and managing their distribution grid. Put yourself
in their shoes.
Photo 4 A PV system controller at Channel Islands
National Park, California.
Utility personnel may need more information about distributed generation systems (particularly wind and solar systems). Please take the time required to explain your system.
System testing by utility representatives
The public utility may want to perform an anti-islanding test. The test
ensures that the system shuts off when grid power is shut off. If you have
a UL listed inverter or paralleling equipment this test should not be a
problem.
Because utility representatives generally do not know DG systems as well as your DG system installer, have your installer show them around. For example, show the utility representative that:
- The utility's interconnection requirements are incorporated into the system.
- That the appropriate components are UL listed.
- That the electrical work (for example, disconnects) meets code (NEC 690, as well as Wisconsin's electric code, Comm 16).
- All electrical work was completed in a high quality manner.
Photo Credits
Photo 4. Photograph by Kent Ballard and the National Park Service
copyright © 2000-2003 WisconSUN
