The most effective strategies to reduce interconnection delays for community solar projects focus on thorough planning, proactive communication, regulatory understanding, and leveraging experienced professionals. These strategies include:
Comprehensive Project Planning and Management
- Develop a detailed project plan that includes a realistic schedule accounting for potential delays such as equipment procurement, weather, and permitting processes.
- Hire an experienced project manager skilled in solar installations to coordinate activities and resolve issues promptly.
- Monitor project progress regularly to detect and address bottlenecks early.
- Use pre-approved and compliant solar system designs to avoid redesign or approval delays.
Early and Proactive Permitting and Interconnection Engagement
- Start the permitting and interconnection application processes as early as possible to minimize administrative waiting times.
- Maintain frequent, transparent communication with all stakeholders, including local government agencies, utilities, regulators, suppliers, and contractors.
- Engage earlier and often with utility providers or Independent System Operators (ISOs) to track and accelerate interconnection approval.
Collaboration with Experienced Developers and Contractors
- Partner with solar developers and contractors who have proven track records of meeting schedules and staying within budgets. Their familiarity with interconnection regulations and requirements can expedite approvals.
- Consult with interconnection experts or specialized consultants to identify potential issues and develop mitigation strategies.
Supply Chain and Queue Management
- Establish reliable supplier relationships and consider diversifying suppliers to reduce equipment procurement delays.
- Build flexibility into timelines anticipating possible interconnection queue backlogs or infrastructure upgrade needs.
Utilize Emerging Best Practices and Policy Roadmaps
- Follow evolving Distributed Energy Resource (DER) interconnection roadmaps and policies aimed at reducing wait times, such as those planning median interconnection times under one day for small systems and substantial reductions for larger projects by 2030.
- Advocate for transparent public queue data and collaborative “all hands on deck” approaches among utilities, regulators, and developers to streamline interconnection procedures.
Summary Table of Key Strategies
| Strategy Category | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Project Planning & Management | Detailed scheduling, experienced PM, progress monitoring, pre-approved designs |
| Early Permitting & Communication | Early application, regular utility/regulator engagement, transparent communication |
| Experienced Partners | Work with skilled developers, contractors, and consultants |
| Supply Chain & Queue Management | Reliable suppliers, diversified sources, flexible timelines |
| Policy & Best Practice Alignment | Follow DOE DER roadmaps and support transparent queue data sharing |
By implementing these approaches, community solar projects can significantly reduce interconnection delays, leading to faster, smoother grid integration and more timely project completion.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-most-effective-strategies-to-reduce-interconnection-delays-for-community-solar-projects/
