Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar PV to Transmission

This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.

In this module, generation interconnection to transmission is introduced. We look at the current state of interconnections, trends, and challenges. We discuss the goals of successful interconnections from the perspectives of generation developers/owners and from transmission owners and ISOs. We go over the important role that FERC plays in generator interconnection to transmission. We briefly look at OATT (Open Access Transmission Tariffs) and their role in generator interconnection. We also have a look at the most significant NERC federal regulations pertaining to generator interconnections.

In this module we take a look at processes for generator interconnection to transmission. We step through typical generator interconnection processes and the steps in the processes. We look at how interconnection queues operate, and and differences between "First Come, First Served" and "First Ready, First Served". We look at the difference between ERIS (Energy Resource Interconnection Service) and NRIS (Network Resource Interconnection Service). We also go through typical Generator Interconnection requirements.

For each proposed generator interconnection, the transmission provider (or designated consultant) performs a series of studies, which are typically called Feasibility Study, System Impact Study, and Facilities Study, which are performed in this order in the interconnection process. We take a look at these studies, data requirements, what they entail, and what their results are. We discuss the different types of studies, including frequency-domain power flow, short-circuit, and transient stability. We also look at the emerging requirements for EMT (Electromagnetic Transient) time-domain simulations, the reasons why they are being requested, and how they impact the generator interconnection process. We look at example reports from actual studies, and discuss their meaning. Affected system studies are described. Finally, we take a brief look at cost allocation for transmission system upgrades driven by generator interconnection.

Connecting a new generating facility to transmission requires a set of equipment that must be highly-engineered with one another, as well as the transmission system. In this module, we look at that interconnection equipment, from the inverters to the transmission POI (Point of Interconnection), including cables, switches, overlines, underground cables, circuit breakers, protective relaying, substation automation, and communications equipment. We also discuss how this equipment is engineered as a system, and the different architectures that can be used to connect a generating facility to transmission.

In this module, we take a look at monitoring, control, and protection of the interconnection. We go over NERC standards that define requirements in this area, and requirements that ISOs/RTOs and Transmission Operators may have. We look at the roles of the power plant controller and the inverter control in the interconnection. We also look at protective relaying and disturbance reporting on transmission systems.

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!