Contractor FAQs & Interconnection Checklist

RPU requires a customer-signed site plan to show the location of the revenue meter, production meter, utility disconnect, inverters, point of interconnection, and main disconnect.

RPU requires all labeling that complies with the National Electric Codes (NEC) be shown on the solar plan sets. Signage also must be included identifying location of remote Generator Disconnect(s), if located other than within 10ft of main meter or within sight.

The line side tap must meet NEC requirements. The load side taps in the meter socket are allowed if using a tap connector rated for the socket.

RPU always requires a utility AC disconnect for all generation interconnections designed to operate in parallel to our system.

RPU requires a production meter at all generation interconnections of a qualifying facility. For all installations the customer must provide the meter socket and RPU will supply the meter. RPU will require a ringless, heavy-duty, lever-bypass meter socket on all generation output service, 240 volts or less and 320 continuous amps or less. If the generation output is greater than 240 volts or 320 continuous amps, instrument-rated metering is required. Please contact the DER team at der@rpu.org or 507-292-1200 for more information regarding instrument-rated metering installations.

The production meter is electrically closer to the utility revenue meter than the AC disconnect. Systems that are 480 volts may require alternate configurations. Please contact the DER team at der@rpu.org or 507-292-1200 for more information.

Yes. In most cases RPU replaces the existing revenue meter with a bi-directional meter. In addition, RPU requires a meter socket that meets the service requirements as part of this work. The bi-directional meter will be installed at the witness test.

Please contact the DER team at der@rpu.org or 507-292-1200.

• The application and payment have been submitted to Nova Power Portal. Customer's email must be used in interconnection customer's email block for routing of interconnection agreement.
• The project has been approved by Rochester Community Development along with any applicable permits.
• Project approval notification has been received from RPU.
• The customer has signed the RPU interconnection agreement and customer/contractor pays the interconnection fee (routed by NOVA first and then RPU signs a copy which will be in the documents section of the application).
• Schedule disconnects ahead of performing work.
• Installation of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) has been completed.
• Permits have been completed with Rochester Community Development.
• The contractor has uploaded the Certificate of Completion to customer’s Nova Portal.
• The contractor uploads the inverter settings file and RPU reviews the settings and sends notification to the contractor to schedule a witness test.
• Witness testing has been scheduled with RPU by emailing newsvcvmail@rpu.org.
• The project has passed RPU witness testing and meters have been installed.
• RPU has authorized interconnection of DER system and “approval to operate” email has been received by customer.