Defined term
Grid interconnection
Grid interconnection is the technical and administrative process for connecting a customer energy system to an electric utility distribution system under applicable requirements.
Also known as distributed generation interconnection
grid · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-054 · Last verified August 20, 2026
Definition and boundaries
Definition
Grid interconnection is the technical and administrative process for connecting a customer energy system to an electric utility distribution system under applicable requirements.
Applicable jurisdiction: US; utility and jurisdiction requirements vary
Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026
In plain language
For Grid interconnection, the controlling utility tariff, interconnection document, meter arrangement, and jurisdiction matter more than a generic national description.
What it is not
It is not the same as receiving a building permit, an incentive approval, or a particular export-compensation tariff.
Decision context
Why it matters
Application, study, equipment, protection, metering, inspection, agreement, fees, timelines, and operating limits vary by utility and jurisdiction.
Applicable jurisdiction: US; utility and jurisdiction requirements vary
Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026
Information boundary
This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.
Concept relationships
Affects
- Residential photovoltaic systemPublished conceptGrid interconnection can affect how Residential photovoltaic system is evaluated
- Net meteringPublished conceptGrid interconnection can affect how Net metering is evaluated
- Net billingPublished conceptGrid interconnection can affect how Net billing is evaluated
Primary sources
- U.S. Department of Energy: Distributed Energy Interconnection Checklist
Revision Published 2021-09-07 · Source event as of September 7, 2021 · Ontology accessed August 20, 2026 · Ontology verified August 20, 2026
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