PowerPointPresentation
Photovoltaic Systems
Solar Utility Interconnection
Distributed Generation Generators Inverters
Interconnection Codes and Standards
Interconnection Concerns Point of Connection
Metering Utility Interconnection Policies Public
Utilities Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA)
Interconnection Agreements
Arizona Solar Power Society
[Link]/arizona-solar-power-society/
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
With distributed generation, utility customers are
served by both the centralized power plants and the
power exported from interconnected distributed
generators.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Most power is generated
by rotating generators,
which require precise
interconnection
procedures to avoid
damage to the equipment
and the utility.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Inverters must be
identified as interactive
and listed to required
standards before being
interconnected.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Interactive-only systems are the simplest way to
interconnect a PV system with the utility.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
The inverters in bimodal systems can continue to
supply power to certain loads in the event of a utility
outage.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Several codes and
standards address
specific interconnection
issues with PV systems.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
During a utility outage, an islanding inverter can
energize the utility lines around the PV system,
potentially damaging equipment and creating a
serious safety hazard.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
When a single-phase
inverter is added to a
system with more than
one ungrounded (hot)
conductor, the neutral
conductor can become
overloaded.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Adding single-phase
output from an interactive
inverter to a three-phase
power system can result
in unbalanced voltages
between the phases.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Interactive inverters can
be connected to either
the load side or the
supply side of the main
service disconnect.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Interconnection on the
load side of the service
disconnect is done
through back-fed circuit
breakers.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Back-fed circuit breakers
are circuit breakers on
the load side of the main
service disconnect that
supply PV power to the
busbar.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Interconnection on the
supply side of the service
disconnect must include
a separate service-rated
fused disconnect or
circuit breaker.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Interconnected PV
systems must include
labeling that clearly
identifies the disconnects
and point of
interconnection.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
With a net metering
arrangement, exported
power makes the electric
meter run backward,
crediting the PV system
owner for power supplied
to the utility grid at the
retail rate.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Dual metering can be
accomplished with two
separate meters or with
one meter that can
measure and record
energy flow in both
directions separately
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
PURPA defines the
entities that can
contribute to the
collective energy supply.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Utility interconnection
agreements commonly
require outside
disconnects for PV
systems so that the
system can be isolated in
the event of an outage or
emergency.
Chapter12UtilityInterconnection
Net metering policies vary by state and sometimes
also by utility.
