Thinking about installing solar on your home (or other form of a Distributed Energy Resource)? We can help.
Let’s start with –
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 ( i.e., SPU). 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 SPU residential DER interconnections today are PV solar systems.
What about Battery Storage?
A battery storage device (often referred to as an Energy Storage System – ESS) reserves energy for later consumption after having been charged by a DER (most commonly PV solar). The stored electricity can be consumed after sundown, during energy demand peaks or during a power outage. An example of this is the Tesla Powerwall, but there are other battery storage options. Do your homework and/or work with an experienced and trusted installer to know what is best for you.
A DER system installation may also include energy storage or energy storage may be added independently.
Depending on the situation –
- 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 ).
- 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) .
Still with us? Learn even 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. Further questions should be directed to [email protected]
Looking for an installer, but don’t know where to start?
If you’re just getting started and have questions about choosing the right installer, information from the MN Department of Commerce is available at “Tips For Hiring a Qualified Installer”. We stress doing upfront research, including cost per watt comparisons and customer reviews, before selecting an installer.
Tips for hiring a qualified installerLet’s keep moving forward….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 InterconnectionOnce 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.
Solar Grid Access Charge
As a solar customer generating power on the distribution grid, a monthly Solar Grid Access Charge will be assessed on system sizes exceeding 5kW ac. For every kW above 5kW (or a fraction there of), the solar grid access charge is calculated at $4.00/kW. (There is is no access fee charged for the first 5kW – only the portion above 5kW.) This will be billed monthly as a separate line item on your SPU billing statement. It is in addition to SPU’s standard monthly service fee.
Examples:
System size = 5kW or smaller; solar grid access charge = $0.00/month
System size = 5.8kw; solar grid access charge = $3.20/month
System size = 6.7kW; solar grid access charge = $10.80/month
System size = 14.4kW; solar grid access charge = $37.60/month
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.
How often can you expect to receive a credit on your utility bill with solar generation?
That’s a question with no guaranteed answer. So many variables affect your system – system size, your usage patterns, weather, position of solar system, system performance, etc. Based on six years of data (2018-2023) the following graph depicts the percentage of residential customers with solar systems that received a credit for solar generation in a given month (on average). The balance of customers may have offset their energy consumption billing but not to the point of receiving a credit. They are still using more energy than they are generating.
These are the most common questions AFTER solar installation
