Interconnection Process Overview

If you are interested in purchasing your own Distributed Energy Resource (DER) to add to your home or business, such as solar panels, check out the necessary steps to start the process to interconnect a DER system to the distribution grid. Read the full details on our Distributed Generation Policy (PDF) for interconnection. 

This Interconnection Process uses the term DER to address all types of generation and energy resources that can be interconnected to the electric Distribution System. DER technologies can include photovoltaic solar systems, wind turbines, storage batteries or diesel generators and are not limited to renewable types of technologies.

How To Get Started

Complete these steps to request installation of a DER system from your home or business to the distribution grid.  A hired company to install the system usually acts as an Application Agent and usually will help with these steps and throughout the interconnection process.

1. Determine the Process Track based on DER technology and size limitations of the project.
   Interconnection Process Qualifications

   DER Technology	Size Limitations	Required Process Track
   Certified Inverter Only	Up to 20 kW AC	Simplified Process *
   All types	Up to 40 kW AC	Fast Track Process
   All types	Up to 10 MW AC	Study Process

   *Simplified Process eligibility does not imply or indicate the Interconnection Application will pass the initial review screens.  If engineering screens are failed during the application process, a proposed DER interconnection may be moved into a different track. Failure to pass the screens will usually route the Interconnection Application to the Fast Track Process. When a proposed DER interconnection is moved into a different track, additional information may be requested and additional fees may apply. 
   
   
2. Determine the Interconnection Application to use based on the Process Track determined in step 1.
   Interconnection Application Requirements

   Process Track	Required  Application	Application Processing Fee
   Simplified Process	Simplified Interconnection Application	$100
   Fast Track Process	Standard Interconnection Application	$100
   Study Process*	Standard Interconnection Application	$1,000 + $2/kW down payment. Additional study fees may apply.
   Optional before any Process	Pre-Application Report Request	$300

   *Study Process may require a Power Agreement with Minnesota Municipal Power Association (MMPA). Please contact AMU's master electrician before starting the interconnection project.
   
   
3. Complete the instructions for the applicable Interconnection Application determined in step 2,  submit payment of the non-refundable application processing fee(s), then submit required documentation using our interconnection submission forms. 
   Interconnection Submission Forms
   

   Application Type	Application Submission Forms (one form to upload all required documents)
   Simplified Interconnection Application	Simplified Interconnection Application Submission Form
   Standard Interconnection Application	Standard Interconnection Application Submission Form
   Pre-Application Report Request	Pre-Application Report Request Submission Form

Additional Questions

Additional information can be found on our Distributed Generation Policy (PDF). Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  page or email DER Coordinators for further questions.