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March 7, 2008

New Report on Grid-Connected PV Metering & Interconnection Practices

Offers Ways Utilities Can Help Simplify Solar

By SEPA

Washington, D.C.

A newly released industry report, Residential Photovoltaic Metering & Interconnection Study: Utility Perspectives and Practices, establishes a baseline of utility practices related to residential grid-connected solar photovoltaics (PV). As metering and interconnection issues arise across the country with the increased interest in clean energy, an examination of the nation's most solar-experienced utilities indicates that accommodating these distributed hook ups can and should be simplified. Given predicted industry growth, processes can be streamlined, saving consumers and utilities time and resources.

"With the number of systems growing rapidly in certain areas, streamlining processes will become a necessity to improve the customer experience and lower costs for utilities."
 The new report, released today by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), is based on a national survey of the electric utility industry’s current practices related to grid-connected photovoltaic installations.  The survey was developed and implemented by SEPA in collaboration with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC).  Sixty-three U.S. utilities representing a cross-section of utility types and geographic diversity participated in the survey.  A copy of the study can be downloaded from the SEPA website at www.solarelectricpower.org.  The report is intended to provide a proactive look at lessons learned with a consideration toward developing best practices which will help make solar more practical and profitable in today’s shifting energy landscape.  With rising electricity prices, lower PV system costs, and growing interest in clean energy alternatives, consumer demand for residential grid-connected PV systems is anticipated to increase significantly over the next 3-7 years, especially in markets outside of California.  As the number of consumers interested in hooking up PV systems to the grid increases, current fixes—which often require manual processing or individual attention to accomplish—will be less and less cost effective.  “Several utilities reported thousands of PV systems.  But, the majority of utilities have not yet reached critical mass,” said Mike Taylor, SEPA director of research.  “But with the number of systems growing rapidly in certain areas, streamlining processes will become a necessity to improve the customer experience and lower costs for utilities.” The report suggests ways to reduce costs in time and resources for both utilities and their grid-connected PV customers by anticipating and planning for the increased future demands.  Deploying advanced metering infrastructure and data management changes to avoid retroactive changes is one example of how this study and resulting report can help industry stakeholders prepare low-cost solutions to meet the future needs of the utilities and their customers, and help keep solar simple. About the Solar Electric Power Association: From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. SEPA is comprised of over 250 utilities, electric service providers, manufacturers, installers, government, and research members. Breaking down information overload into business reality, SEPA takes the time and risk out of implementing solar business plans and helps turn new technologies into new opportunities. www.solarelectricpower.org.    
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