What you need to know about Distributed Energy Resources.

What is a Distributed Energy Resource (DER)?

The term “Distribute Energy Resource” refers to all types of generation and energy resources that can be interconnected to the electric Distribution System. DER technologies can include photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, wind turbines, storage batteries or diesel generators, and are not limited to renewable type of technologies.

Nearly all of SPU’s DER interconnections today are PV solar systems.

Learn more about Interconnection Rules in these documents.

SPU is governed by Minnesota state statute 216B.164 regarding interconnection practices.  The following documents contain the rules that must be adhered to when residential or business customers are interconnecting with SPU for net metering purposes (system generation 40kW and under).  Systems larger than 40kW are not considered net metering.  Further questions should be directed to [email protected]

What about Battery Storage?

A new DER system installation may include energy storage –

• If you are installing a PV solar system with energy storage, the NOVA Interconnection Application process below allows both to be completed in the same application (check the appropriate DER System Type and Energy Storage boxes in the Proposed DER System section of the application ).

Or, energy storage may be added after the fact to an existing DER system –

• If you are adding energy storage to an existing PV solar system, you will still need to complete the NOVA Interconnection Application process below, but select only Energy Storage (in the Proposed DER System section of the application) .

Application for Interconnection and/or Energy Storage

All applications for interconnection are completed online*.  SPU utilizes NOVA Power Portal by STAR Energy Services, LLC  for the application process.

NOTE:  Once at the NOVA Power Portal select “Start New Application”.  An application fee of $100 is required.  

Apply for Solar Interconnection

Once SPU has received your signed application and fee, our Engineering staff will be in communication with you/your solar installer throughout the design and installation process.  The last step involves an onsite witness test and final approval by SPU before interconnection can be completed.

*In most cases your solar installer will complete the application on your behalf, but they are not required to.

Lastly, you may qualify for a Solar Rebate

SPU offers a solar rebate up to $500 for installed and witness test approved net metering solar systems according to the following terms.

• Solar rebate funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
• Only qualified solar systems will receive a solar rebate.
• SPU reserves the right to deny the available rebate when –
  • the total system size does not meet a minimum of 2kW, or
  • the system’s annual energy production (kW) exceeds 120% of prior annual usage.
• SPU reserves the right to prorate the available rebate when a system –
  • is shaded permanently by nearby trees, or
  • is not 100% oriented at an azimuth between 120º and 240º
• If the solar system is not installed and witness test approved within 12 months of the approved interconnection application the rebate will be forfeited.
• A production meter must be retained on the home to qualify for a solar rebate.
• SPU cannot guarantee the duration of funding nor assume the rate of submissions received.  Inquiries about the status of funding prior to signing the interconnection agreement should be made to SPU if the rebate is critical to your final decision.  Please contact [email protected] for further information.