All solar farms connect to a specific point on the electrical grid, the vast network of wires that connects every power generation plant to every home and business that consumes power. That point is called the “point of interconnection,” or POI. The POI is different for utility-scale versus community solar scale projects.
How does a solar farm connect to the grid?
All solar farms connect to a specific point on the electrical grid, the vast network of wires that connects every power generation plant to every home and business that consumes power. That point is called the “point of interconnection,” or POI.
Do different resources make different contributions to the electricity grid?
In today's electricity generation system, diferent resources make diferent contributions to the electricity grid. This fact sheet illustrates the roles of distributed and centralized renewable energy technologies, particularly solar power, and how they will contribute to the future electricity system.
Why are grid interconnection policies important?
Grid interconnection policies serve as an important backdrop to broader reforms and market factors influencing the integration of renewable energy (renewable energy) on the electric grid.
Modern electrical grids are much more complex. In addition to large utility-scale plants, modern grids also involve variable energy sources like solar and wind, energy storage systems, power electronic devices like inverters, and small-scale energy generation systems like rooftop installations and microgrids.
Are PV systems interconnected to the grid?
While the number of PV systems interconnected to the grid has increased significantly over the last decade, only recently have PV systems been installed in major metropolitan areas and tied to electric distribution secondary network systems (networks).
However, systems like rooftop solar now require the grid to handle two-way electricity flow, as these systems can inject the excess power that they generate back into the grid. Increased solar and DER on the electrical grid means integrating more power electronic devices, which convert energy from one form to another.