Islanding, Interconnection & Standards
Your central hub for safe, compliant, utility-approved solar + storage deployment.
Whether you're designing a residential battery backup system or deploying a multi-site commercial solar project, interconnection rules and anti-islanding standards can make or break your approval timeline. This hub simplifies the requirements, translates technical standards into clear action steps, and helps you build systems that meet utility and state compliance from day one.
Explore standards. Understand requirements. Get approved faster.
Islanding, Interconnection & Standards (Hub)
Your central hub for safe, compliant, utility-approved solar + storage deployment. Translate technical standards into clear action steps and reduce approval delays from day one.
Intro / What This Hub Covers
Interconnection and islanding requirements can vary by region, utility provider, and system type—but the goal is always the same: protect the grid, protect people, and protect your investment.
What You’ll Find Here
This hub brings together the most essential standards, planning tools, and real-world design guidance for:
- Utility interconnection compliance
- Anti-islanding protection and safe shutdown requirements
- State-by-state interconnection rules and permitting considerations
- Fault protection layouts and protection device placement
- Utility coordination best practices (documentation, timelines, approvals)
Section 1: Standards & Frameworks
Interconnection standards exist to ensure distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar PV and energy storage systems (ESS) operate safely, reliably, and in harmony with the grid.
Key Standards That Shape Interconnection
Simplified explanations, design implications, and practical compliance tips for major standards, including:
- IEEE 2030.7–2020 – Microgrid Controller functional requirements
- IEEE 1547 / 1547.1 – Interconnection and interoperability of DERs
- UL 1741 (SB/SA) – Inverter certification and grid support functionality
- NFPA 70 (NEC) – Electrical safety, wiring, and equipment installation requirements
How to Use This Section
Use the standards library to confirm which requirements apply to your system type (PV-only, PV+ESS, microgrid), and align your protection settings, diagrams, and test documentation before submitting to the utility.
- Match inverter certifications to utility requirements
- Confirm anti-islanding settings and trip thresholds
- Build single-line diagrams that reflect code + utility expectations
Section 2: State-by-State Requirements
Every state—and often every utility—has different interconnection requirements. Some allow streamlined approvals for small systems, while others require detailed studies and multi-stage utility reviews.
State Rules Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
- Interconnection pathways (fast track vs. full study)
- Typical documentation requirements
- Timelines and utility review stages
- Special requirements for batteries and export control
- Net metering / compensation considerations (where applicable)
Pro Tip
If your project spans multiple utilities, use the strictest/common-denominator approach for protection and documentation. It typically reduces rework and shortens approval cycles.
- Standardize diagram symbols and labeling
- Keep a single “source of truth” packet per site
- Track utility feedback and resubmissions
Section 3: Fault Protection Layouts
Proper placement of disconnects, relays, breakers, and protective devices ensures systems isolate correctly during faults, prevent equipment damage, and comply with utility protection requirements.
Protection Design That Keeps Systems Safe
- Typical single-line diagram examples
- Common protection device configurations
- Placement best practices for PV + ESS systems
- Utility-required disconnect and isolation considerations
- Field-proven layouts and coordination notes
Common Layout Checks
Before submitting, confirm these items to reduce utility revisions:
- Visible, lockable AC disconnect (where required)
- Correct labeling for service, DER, and ESS points of connection
- Breaker sizing matches conductor ratings and code requirements
Section 4: Utility Coordination
Utilities aren’t trying to block solar—they’re trying to ensure grid stability and public safety. The best way to reduce delays is to submit complete documentation and design systems that align with requirements from the start.
Work With Utilities—Not Against Them
- Utility coordination timelines (what to expect)
- Common approval bottlenecks (and how to avoid them)
- Interconnection application checklist
- Commissioning and testing requirements
- Best practices for communication and documentation
Submission Quality = Approval Speed
Utilities move faster when packets are complete, diagrams are consistent, and settings/test plans are clearly stated. Keep a revision log and resubmit with highlighted changes when requested.
- Use a consistent naming convention across docs
- Attach certifications and datasheets up front
- Provide clear commissioning steps + pass/fail checks
Featured Tools / Downloadables
Ready-to-use resources designed for installers, developers, engineers, and project managers.
Templates & Tools
- Interconnection Application Checklist (PDF)
- Utility Documentation Packet Template
- Islanding & Protection Verification Checklist
- Sample Single-Line Diagram Pack
- Commissioning & Testing Worksheet
