Path-Q Solar

What should I ask the utility before signing a contract for a large solar system?

Answer

Ask the utility to confirm the interconnection process, export capacity, study requirements, likely upgrades, costs, schedule, operating limits, metering, and permission-to-operate conditions before signing an irreversible contract.

Key points

  • Ask whether the proposed size and point of connection are eligible for the intended export arrangement.
  • Confirm application fees, deposits, study requirements, upgrade responsibility, and cost-allocation rules.
  • Ask about curtailment, export limits, protection requirements, telemetry, metering, and outage behavior.
  • Obtain a case number or written pre-application response and identify what remains uncertain.

What it depends on

  • Utility and network configuration
  • System size and export profile
  • Service voltage and connection point
  • Storage and control equipment
  • Commercial contract and financing structure

Risks and trade-offs

  • Large systems may face more extensive studies, upgrades, and schedule uncertainty.
  • Export limits can reduce expected revenue or require controls.
  • A contract signed before utility review may leave the customer responsible for major changes.

Information you may need

  • Utility pre-application materials
  • System one-line diagram and equipment list
  • Expected export and operating profile
  • Upgrade and study cost estimates
  • Contract contingencies

Your next step

What to do next

Complete the utility's pre-application or screening process and make the contract contingent on acceptable interconnection terms.

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