Path-Q Solar

Which project milestones can interconnection delays hold up, and how much schedule contingency should I allow?

Answer

Interconnection delays can affect final design, equipment ordering, permitting, construction, inspection, meter changes, commissioning, financing, and permission to operate. Do not use a fixed contingency without the utility's current process information; obtain a written utility milestone estimate and add contractually defined buffer.

Key points

  • Early installation planning may proceed in parallel, but final design and equipment selection can depend on interconnection approval.
  • Permission to operate and revenue-grade metering may be required before the system can legally or contractually operate.
  • A utility study, redesign, or upgrade can create more delay than the initial application review.
  • Build the schedule around milestones rather than a single promised completion date.

What it depends on

  • Utility review process and queue
  • Project size and complexity
  • Need for grid studies or upgrades
  • Permit and inspection timing
  • Equipment lead times and contract deadlines

Risks and trade-offs

  • A short schedule may reduce cost or financing exposure but increases the risk of missed deadlines.
  • A large contingency improves predictability but may delay construction or financing decisions.
  • Starting dependent work too early can create rework or stranded costs.

Information you may need

  • Utility's current process stages and indicative review times
  • Whether upgrades or studies are anticipated
  • Contract milestones and cancellation rights
  • Permit, rebate, financing, and equipment deadlines

Your next step

What to do next

Ask the utility and installer for a milestone-by-milestone schedule, identify the critical path, and document a contingency based on the longest unresolved utility dependency.

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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

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