Information for residential solar electric contractors
The following information will help you better serve your residential customers with their solar electric project. The major steps that you need to take to safely interconnect your customers' solar systems to SRP's electric grid are outlined below. SRP does not limit the size of a residential customer's solar system.
Step 1 - Review program requirements
To ensure that your customer's home meets the criteria for a solar electric system, before starting the application process, please see the following:
- Distributed Energy Resource Program Requirements
- Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Process Flow
- Application Checklist
- Site Plan Checklist
- Three-line Diagram Checklist
Current fee amount for re-inspections is under Step 8.
Step 2 - Technical interconnection requirements
It is important to understand and comply with SRP's interconnection requirements to ensure the solar electric system is safely interconnected with the electrical grid. The technical resources below will help you understand SRP's requirements.
- Electric Service Specifications
- Section 1 for general configuration
- Section 5 for clearances
- Section 9 for metering
- Section 11 for labeling
- Generator guidelines
- Rules and regulations
- SRP Interconnection Handbook
- Approved equipment list (energy.gov ):
Step 3 - Application submittal
Contractors must submit a complete application package to SRP on behalf of their customer prior to system installation in order to ensure the system configuration is approved by SRP. The application package must include:
- Completed Distributed Energy Resource Application
including all necessary signatures. This application should also be used for expansions or changes to systems already commissioned. SRP bill account number and meter number are required on the application.
- A site plan diagram that includes everything required on the Site Plan Checklist.
- A three-line electrical diagram that includes everything required on the
Three-line Diagram Checklist.
- An installation contract from the listed dealer or installer that includes:
- Customer name;
- Installation address;
- Module manufacturer, model number and quantity;
- Inverter manufacturer, model number and quantity; and
- Cost.
- A copy of the executed lease agreement signed by the SRP customer of record or property owner if a rental, which contains all information as outlined in the program requirements (if applicable).
Application packages can be submitted to SRP in two ways:
- Email DER@srpnet.com
- Mail to:
- SRP Distributed Energy Programs
ISB 197
P.O. Box 52025
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2025
- SRP Distributed Energy Programs
SRP will review the application package for completeness. If additional information is needed, SRP will notify the installer and customer. If everything is in order, an email will be sent notifying them that the project has been approved.
If changes to any portion of the application package are made after the approval, the customer or their contractor must submit a Distributed Energy Resource Application Addendum
, along with copies of all applicable documents described above that must be revised as a result of the changes. Please note that the application may move back in the process depending on the changes, resulting in a lengthier application processing time.
Step 4 - Complete necessary paperwork
The following document must be submitted to SRP prior to commissioning:
-
Distribution Interconnection Agreement
for Inverter Based Generators (One copy must signed by SRP's customer of record, or homeowner if a rental)
- SRP facilitates the use of electronic signature technology and sends the Interconnection Agreement via DocuSign to the email address on the application.
- Customers that are eligible for a demand management system rebate or battery storage incentive, must provide a valid IRS W-9 form Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. W-9 must be received and verified by SRP within 30 business days after commissioning to avoid forfeit of the rebate or incentive.
Step 5 - Design review
SRP will create an order on the Customer's account to track the design review phase of the process. After the order is created, the project will be assigned to an SRP design consultant who will check the proposed electrical design to ensure it meets SRP's interconnection requirements. The Customer and Installer will be notified if there are any issues or if any additional information is needed.
- If any work will be performed on the service entrance section (SES), upgrade or de-rate, the order with SRP to pull the meter must be in place, before the diagrams will be reviewed. Click here for the Meter Pull Form
. If the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) does not permit the work at the SES prior to DER installation, Installer must provide a Certificate In-lieu of Electrical Clearance
. This document is required before SRP inspection and re-energization.
- If the application covers modifications to a commissioned DER system, three-line electrical diagram and site plan must include as-builts from existing system.
- If revised diagrams are requested, Installer must submit them to SRP at DER@srpnet.com with the Subject Line: REVISION, INSTALLATION, ADDRESS before the application will continue through the process.
Note: Design must be approved before SRP will accept City Clearance or a Certificate In-lieu of Clearance documents.
Step 6 - Installation
Upon receiving SRP design approval to proceed and obtaining all applicable building permits as required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), the contractor can then install the equipment according to the specifications approved by SRP and the AHJ.
Step 7 - AHJ inspection
After installation, the contractor will need to request an inspection from the AHJ. The AHJ is responsible for submitting their system clearance to SRP. SRP will not accept clearance notification from any entity other than the AHJ.
If the applicable AHJ does not require building permits or inspections, the contractor must submit an SRP Certificate In-Lieu of Electrical Clearance for Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Projects
to SRP. Both the customer and contractor must sign the CILC.
Step 8 - SRP final inspection and commissioning
Once the DER system has received CC/CILC and SRP has received the IA signed by the Customer, an email from no-reply@sharepointonline.com will be sent to the Installer with a link to the SRP Contractor website. Download Inspection Checklist
- Installer will see all pending inspections.
- Installer will schedule the customer's final inspection/commissioning appointment. (If any revisions need to be made to site plan or three-line documents, the revised documents must be received by SRP at least 5 business days before inspection/commissioning appointment.)
- Installer will receive email notification that Customer has been scheduled.
- It is Installer's duty to inform Customer of the scheduled appointment.
- If the system fails inspection, an email will be sent to Installer with a description of the reasons for the failure.
- If Installer fails to show up for scheduled appointment they will be charged a $203 rescheduling fee which must be paid before rescheduling. Likewise, failing an inspection for the same reason is also subject to the $203 rescheduling fee.
Note: If SRP must perform additional inspections, a fee will be assessed for each one (currently $203). If you install the system before SRP has given design approval, this will count as your first inspection.
* If your PV meter is left in the PV socket at the time of inspection you will be assessed the $203, which must be paid before the site will be re-inspected.
Step 9 - Permission to operate and rebate incentive checks
- Upon successful completion of the final inspection and commissioning, the DER Facility may be energized.
- After commissioning, if application included a qualifying demand management system and/or a qualifying battery storage facility, an incentive/rebate check will be processed by SRP and mailed to customer as long as SRP has a valid W9 form. Allow us up to 6 weeks for check processing.
- A "permission to operate" letter will be sent to installer after commissioning.
Contact Us
If you have questions about SRP's Distributed Energy Resource Program, please contact a representative at (602) 236-4448 or email DER@srpnet.com