Developer & Contractor FAQs
Along with the fully completed Parallel Generation Application, the installer will need to provide the specification sheets for all of the equipment that is to be used on this system (inverters, panels, turbines, etc.) along with a site diagram, a one-line diagram, and proof of insurance in the member’s name. See the SAMPLE DOCUMENT, as an example.
The required proof of insurance must be for the member’s policy. Policy limits shall be a minimum of $500,000 per occurrence for generating facilities 10 kilowatts (kW) or less; or $1,000,000 for generating facilities between 11 kW and 100 kW; or $3,000,000 for generating facilities greater than 100 kW. Rock Energy must also be listed as additionally insured on said policy. Any variance from the above must be approved by the Cooperative in writing.
The site diagram must clearly indicate the location of the panels on site as well as the location of the AC disconnect and inverters in relation to the Cooperative-owned meter socket.
The one-line diagram must display the location where the distributed generation system will interconnect into the main service infrastructure as well as the sequence in which the equipment will be wired. Technical information such as the specifications of the AC disconnect and the amount of generation on each circuit should be displayed as well.
Rock Energy requires a disconnect switch on all distributed generation throughout its distribution system. That disconnect is required to be capable of being locked in the off position, must provide a visible disconnect (an on/off blade on the side is sufficient), and must be within 10 feet or clearly visible from the Cooperative’s meter. The disconnect must also be accessible to Rock Energy’s crews or first responders at all times.
Line side taps within the member’s service panel are allowed. Load side taps within the Cooperative-owned meter enclosure are not. In the event that Rock Energy would find a cut meter seal or any alterations having been made to Rock Energy’s equipment by anyone other than Rock Energy crews, a tampering charge will be applied to the member’s bill.
Should the installing contractor need to disconnect the electrical service during any part of the installation, the installer must contact Rock Energy to schedule a time for Rock Energy crews to perform the disconnect.
Rock Energy does not require, nor do we optionally install a separate production meter.
No. The existing smart meter will just need to be reprogrammed to accurately track the amount of reverse energy that flows through it. Should the meter detect reverse power flow prior to Rock Energy authorization, a meter technician will be dispatched to the property, the system will be disconnected, and a trip charge will be assessed.
Yes. The AC Disconnect will need to be labeled, as will additional signage indicating that a second power source is in place at this location. Those signs may contain verbiage such as, “Solar PV System Equipped with Rapid Shutdown”, “Caution: Solar Electric System”, and/or, “Caution: Contains Multiple Power Sources.” These labels must be clearly legible stickers or placards located at the meter socket and on the neighboring equipment. Placards are preferred, as they hold up better over time, but stickers are allowable as well.
Yes. It is entirely up to the member if they would like to attend the on-site witness test, but a representative for the installation company is required to be there in case any issues arise and adjustments to the system are found to be necessary.
This system is only permitted to begin production once the on-site witness test has been completed and a fully executed Interconnection Agreement has been returned to the installer. Should the meter detect reverse power flow prior to Rock Energy authorization, a meter technician will be dispatched to the property, the system will be disconnected, and a trip charge will be assessed.