What is interconnection?

Interconnection in electricity is the process of connecting new energy sources to the electric grid. This includes energy generators like solar, wind, energy storage, backup generators, etc. Interconnection agreements are established to ensure that these connections are safe, reliable, and efficient. These agreements specify the technical standards, operational procedures, and financial responsibilities involved in connecting systems, helping to prevent disruptions, enhance system coordination, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Net Metering

The Lewes Board of Public Works offers net metering service to all customers. Below are some of the guides for system sizing:

· Residential distributed systems cannot exceed a size of 25kW

· Commercial and Industrial distributed systems cannot exceed 500kW

· Farm distributed systems cannot exceed 100kW

Should the system being proposed require downstream or upstream upgrades, the customer is fully responsible for those costs as outlined in the Lewes BPW Electric Tariff.

Recent Legislation regarding Net Metering

Senate Bill 298 regarding Net-Energy Metering, was signed into law in July of 2022. The amended provisions provided by Bill 298 to Title 26 of the Delaware State Code, Section 1014 will impact the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW), as well as all of Delaware, current and future solar customers.
Some of the amendments of Senate Bill 298 are as follows:

  • The net-metering cap was increased to 8%.
  • The utility shall not reimburse or credit net-metering customers for “excess kWh credits”, at the end of the annualized billing period. The “excess kWh credits” shall revert to the utility at the end of the annualized billing period.
  • Considerations were granted to utilities when reviewing applications. Utilities can consider the reliability, safety, and capacity of the distribution system when reviewing interconnection applications and net-metering requests.
  • Residential customers are responsible for paying no more than $200 toward the cost of any new, replacement, or modified meter(s).

System Size and Eligibility

It is important to carefully design your renewable energy system so that it closely matches your energy needs to minimize any wasted excess generation. Sizing is based on the customers’ most recent two-year average electric consumption (last 24 months). The system production must be less than 110% of that 2-year average consumption. If there is no history or if this is a new build, the customer or installer must provide an estimate based on fixture count and usage, considering the customer’s residency of the property. The BPW won’t approve a system that is oversized.

Interconnection application

Before construction can begin on a solar, wind or other type of distributed generation system the customer or installer must completely fill out and submit an interconnection application and pay the associated $200 application fee. The City of Lewes also requires a business license and building permit. Please send applications to kkeller@lewesbpwde.gov or call (302) 645-6228 with questions.

The interconnection application is submitted in 2 parts.

Part 1 must be filled out and submitted first with the following additional documentation as well as confirmation of payment of the $200 application fee.

1. Cut sheet (specification) for all hardware used in the project. This includes solar panels, inverters, microcontrollers, disconnects, racks etc.

2. A PV watts estimate (see pvwatts.nrel.gov) and all information necessary to duplicate the estimate.

3. A one-line diagram showing the main connections and arrangement of the system components including the utility meter and system disconnect locations.

4. An aerial view showing the locations of the main components of the system on the property.

5. The application must be signed by the account holder.

6. Once all documents are submitted, the Lewes BPW will review the application. If all requirements are met, a signed part 1 will be returned to the customer/installer approving installation.

7. Installations in the City of Lewes also require a building permit and business license submitted through the building department at buildingpermits@ci.lewes.de.us.

Interconnection application can be found here.

Construction

Construction of the generation system can begin after the customer receives a signed part 1 application from the Lewes BPW, approving the installation, and approval is given from the City of Lewes Building Department.

System Disconnect

The Lewes BPW requires a system disconnect device be installed adjacent to the electric meter. This disconnect device must be clearly marked and accessible to the Lewes BPW at all times.

Permission to Operate – Part 2 of Interconnection Application

The customer/installer should not operate the system, even to test, until Lewes BPW has granted permission to operate.

When installation is complete the customer will fill out and submit Part 2 of the interconnection application along with proof of an electrical inspection per the NEC.

The BPW will inspect the installation to see that all is in order, change the customers billing status to net metering, and program/install the net meter to accept the returned energy. All meter locations must follow the BPW standards/specs and the BPW electric tariff.

If all requirements are met the Lewes BPW will sign off on part 2 of the application and return it to the customer/installer giving permission to operate the system.

Generators

For generators, utilize the application found here. Please have the installing contractor contact the BPW to schedule the disconnect/reconnect prior to the day of installation.

Questions

We know this process might be overwhelming and you may have questions. That being said, please call our office and our staff will try and help with any questions you may have about the most up to date solar policies, legislation and/or process. We’re here to assist you with all your utility needs. Our office line is 302-645-6228 and we are open M-F from 8am to 4pm.