Whether you are planning to install solar yourself or work with a professional, there are several steps to take. First, you must gain approval from your local utility before you or anyone else installs any solar on your property. Most people work with a licensed, professional solar installer as the installation process can be complicated and must follow Minnesota laws and technical standards. The laws ensure safety, which includes making sure that utility systems are able to handle everyone who is generating their own energy. For help getting started with installing solar, check out the Clean Energy Resource Team for tips.
Minnesota law regulates statewide standards for the interconnection of distributed generation/distributed energy resources 10 MW and under which interconnect to the electric grid at the distribution level. The Commission and a Distributed Generation Work Group comprised of utilities, developers, and public stakeholders are in the process of updating these standards.
Minnesota has statewide interconnection standards for distributed energy resources (DER) under 10 MW that operate in parallel with the grid; for example, solar, storage -- this does not apply to back up generators, electric vehicles or off grid systems.
* Did you know? The MN DIP has live links to help you navigate sections. Just hover over the sections noted in the text for an opportunity to click directly to that part of the MN DIP. *
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
Utilities may offer additional services if you’re considering installing your own DER. At a minimum, they offer:
1)Electronic submission of your interconnection application and pre-application report requests;
2)The option to list an “Application agent” to help fill out and submit your application; however, as the customer/DER owner you are responsible for application completion;
3)Identified Utility Interconnection Coordinator and webpage for interconnection information;
4)A pre-application report (at a cost of up to $300) which will provide you with available information about the utility grid where you are looking to interconnect (where the property/home connects with the utility grid, often at the utility meter, i.e. point of common coupling). [NOTE: this information is more commonly used for larger projects, and is similar to the Capacity Screen previously offered in Xcel’s Community Solar Garden program.]; and,
5)The utility’s interconnection queue for projects (may be available online or by calling the interconnection coordinator).
Once you’ve decided you want to apply, you’ll want to figure out what type of application you should submit:
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
1.An eligible customer completes a Simplified Process Application and submits it with the appropriate processing fee (up to $100.)
2.The utility will notify the applicant that the application has been received and if it is complete. If the application is missing information, the utility will identify errors or omissions to the applicant who then must resubmit the application with corrected or completed information.
3.Once the application is deemed complete, the utility will apply initial review screens to ensure the project can interconnect as planned. If the application passes the screens, it moves to the next step. If the application fails, the customer will be given the option to continue to the Fast Track Supplemental Review at additional cost.
4.Customers with Simplified-eligible projects that are also eligible for net metering must sign theUniform Statewide Contract. The Uniform Statewide Contract along with the terms and conditions on the Simplified Application (MN DIP Attachment 2) serves as the customer’s net metering contract and interconnection agreement, including a cost estimate for any utility equipment (for example interconnection facilities or distribution upgrades) required for the project. Customers may request to sign a full Minnesota Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Agreement if they wish.
5.Once the utility receives the signed interconnection agreement and payment, the DER is ready to be installed and any utility construction needed to serve the DER may begin.
6.After a customer has DER installed, inspected by an electrical inspector, and has returned the Certificate of Completion to the utility, the utility may complete or waive a witness test/inspection and update metering. The utility will provide a written notice to the customer that they are approved to operate the DER.
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
1.An eligible customer submits an Interconnection Application (MN DIP Attachment 3)to the utility.
2.Once the application is deemed complete, the application is added to the utility queue, based on the application submission time stamp, and assigned the capacity requested. Then, the utility does an initial review screen of the application similar to the Simplified Process (MN DIP 3.2).
3.If the applicationpassesthe initial review screens and requiresno construction of facilities, the utility will provide an executed Interconnection Agreement (MN DIP 3.2.2.1)
4.If the applicationrequires construction of any utility facilities, the utility will notify the customer and provide the Initial Review results and copies of the analyses and data underlying the determination; the utility will also provide either a good faith cost estimate or require the application continue to a facilities study. (MN DIP 3.2.2.2)
5.If the utility determines an Interconnection Applicationcannot be approved without a supplemental review or other study; the utility will notify the customer and offer a Customer Options Meeting. The Customer Option Meeting will review possible facility modifications, the screen analysis and results, a cost estimate to proceed with supplemental review, or the option to move to the full Study Process.
6.Supplemental review includes: Minimum Load Screen, Voltage and Power Quality Screen, and Safety and Reliability Screen. The customer must submit a deposit and pay the actual cost for supplemental review, and the utility will have 30 business days to complete the supplemental review and provide the customer with the results and copies of the analysis and data underlying the utility’s determination. (MN DIP 3.4)
7.If the application is approved, it proceeds to Approved to Energized.If the project requires construction of utility facilities or cannot be approved, the utility will provide the customer with the option to proceed to the Study Process.
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
See MN DIP Section 4 for more information. NOTE: Most smaller projects will not require this step.
1.The customer submits an Interconnection Application to the utility. Once the application is deemed complete, the application is added to the utility queue and assigned the capacity requested.
2.To begin the process, there is a Scoping Meeting with the customer and the utility (after the Interconnection Application has been deemed complete or if there is a mutual agreement to move to the Study Process).
a.The Scoping Meeting should review the Interconnection Application, any existing study results, and then there will be discussion about what next steps to take and what studies to do (for example, a System Impact Study and/or a Facilities Study.)
3.After the meeting (or if the meeting is omitted by mutual agreement), the utility will provide a study agreement outlining the scope of work and a good faith cost estimate to perform the study. See System Impact Study Agreement (MN DIP Attachment 6) and Facilities Study Agreement (MN DIP Attachment 7).
4.To continue, the customer must respond with a signed agreement and the required deposit within 20 business days for the System Impact Study or within 15 business days for the Facilities Study.
5.ASystem Impact Studywill identify and detail the impacts of the project on the electrical system without modifications; and may, as necessary, include: a distribution load flow study, an analysis of equipment interrupting ratings, a short circuit analysis, a stability analysis, a power flow analysis, a voltage drop and flicker studies, a protection and set point coordination studies, and grounding reviews.
a.If the System Impact Study shows the potential for adverse impacts to the transmission system, the utility will work with the transmission provider (for example, MISO or SPP) to have needed studies completed to determine adverse effects.
6.AFacilities Studymay be necessary if it is determined that a project will require that utility facilities be constructed. This study will specify and estimate the cost of the equipment, engineering, procurement and construction work needed; and will identify the electrical switching configuration of the equipment and an estimate of the time required for the utility to complete the work.
7.Once the Facilities Study is complete, the utility will provide a draft report to the customer. The utility will provide supporting documentation and workpapers (subject to confidentiality arrangements) upon request.There are options for meeting to discuss the draft study report, provide written feedback for the utility to address in the final study report. (MN DIP 4.4.8-4.4.11)
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
After your utility reviews your application and the portion of the grid where you want to interconnect, they will provide you with an interconnection agreement which includes terms and conditions and a cost estimate for any interconnection equipment, metering or distribution upgrades required to complete your project. For instance, when you install a solar panel for net metering, you will need meter(s) that measure the energy you use and the energy you deliver to the grid. You may also need a production meter that measures the output of your DER before energy is used on site (e.g. for production-based incentives and larger DER for grid planning.)
The customer has 30 business days to return the Interconnection Agreement or request a timeline extension (MN DIP 2.3.1 and 5.1.2). Failure to do so will result in the project being withdrawn (requiring the customer to start over with a new application.) (MN DIP 5.2)
Utilities may offer a monthly metering fee as an alternative to paying for the metering up front and future replacement meters, if required. Distribution upgrades can be costly if required (e.g. a larger transformer or reconductoring of the utility distribution lines). Customers should wait to commit to installing a DER until you understand the full anticipated costs.
During the construction period, you and the utility will have milestones to assist with planning and coordination; including timing when the utility has the option to witness testing of your DER before approving energization. The customer is responsible to submit a Certificate of Completion (see MN DIP Exhibit C) to the utility letting them know your DER has been installed and inspected in compliance with the local electrical permitting authority and is ready to be energized (after an optional witness test and metering replacement.)
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
The flow charts in the Simplified, Fast Track and Study Process outline maximum allowable timeframes customers and utilities are required to meet (stated in business days; so 5 days = 1 calendar week if no holidays).
If the customer fails to meet a deadline or request an extension the project is withdrawn and a new application required. Extensions are allowed once per timeframe for half the original timeframe. If the missed deadline is due to a dispute, the customer must file a dispute per MN DIP 5.3.
If a utility fails to meet a deadline, they must notify the customer in writing within 3 business days of the missed deadline with a reason for the missed deadline and estimated completion time.
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
1)How much will a utility charge me to interconnect a distributed energy resource at my home/business?
It depends on a number of factors; including: 1) size of the project; 2) whether or not the equipment is certified; 3) metering, communication and other technical requirements; and 4) if upgrades are needed on your property (Local EPS) or to the utility grid (Area EPS) to accommodate your DER.
Larger DER may wish to use a pre-application report (see MN DIP 1.4) or other utility offerings to better estimate if that size project can be accommodated without upgrades. Only engineering review of a specific application can confirm what size DER can interconnection without upgrades and what upgrades are needed to the utility system to accommodate a specific DER. As the penetration of DER grow in an area, even smaller projects may require utility upgrades. Xcel Energy is required by Minn. Stat. §216B.2425 and Commission Orders to provide a hosting capacity analysis to inform customers of the potential minimum and maximum capacity that can be supported without upgrades.
See Getting Started for the cost to submit an application for interconnection review.
2)How do I know how much I will get paid for electricity I generate and deliver to the grid?
4)I don’t understand or agree with what my utility is requiring. What do I do?
Contact your utility’s interconnection coordinator is a good first step to troubleshoot issues. If that doesn’t work, see Disputes and Inquiries and MN DIP 5.3.
5)Do I need to tell my utility if I replace or modify my distributed energy resource?
It is a good idea to let your utility know when you make changes to the DER, and they can tell you if a new application is required. Notification to the utility, and possibly a new application, is required when you make a Major Modification to ensure the utility grid can still safely and reliably accommodate your DER. Some changes you may make do not require modification (See MN DIP Glossary of Terms).
6)How much distributed energy exists in Minnesota?
7)What insurance is required when you own a distributed energy resource?
See MN DIP 5.10. Note: General liability home insurance policies differ on what is required to insure your solar system. Contact your insurance company for more information.
8)What options do I have if I am having issues with my distributed energy resource?
See MN DIP 5.5. If the issues you’re having are related to your utility service or bill, contact your utility or the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office for assistance. If the issue is related to the performance, maintenance, removal, or replacement of the DER or concerns with the structure, equipment, or wiring, that is the customer’s responsibility. Review your contract with your installer and the warranty on the DER equipment to understand what should happen in these instances.
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
The Commission (Docket No. E999/CI-16-521) is now in Phase 2 updating Minnesota’s Technical Requirements for DER, and has approved further proceedings to evaluate a potential update to the guidance for the financial relationship between a utility and a DER customer. Until these two proceedings are concluded, the technical requirements (Attachment 2) and the rates guidance (Attachment 6) of the2004 Minnesota Interconnection Standardsremain in effect as described in the MN DIP. You can subscribe to or view the docket in e-dockets (Year: 16; Docket No.: 521).
Disclaimer: This webpage is intended as an informational-only, general overview of the updated statewide interconnection standards. Minn. Stat. 216B.1611 requires Cooperative and Municipal Utilities “to address the concerns” in the MN DIP/MN DIA, so customers should check with their local utility for specific details. The information on this page does not represent a Commission interpretation.
Minnesota law regulates statewide standards for the interconnection of distributed generation/distributed energy resources 10 MW and under which interconnect to the electric grid at the distribution level. The Commission and a Distributed Generation Work Group comprised of utilities, developers, and public stakeholders are in the process of updating these standards.
