Interest among customers in customer-owned renewable generation is growing, and utilities must have policies to address interconnection of these generators. Solar PV generation, in particular, is becoming increasingly more economical due to falling prices combined with state and federal tax incentives.  The resources on this page are designed to help utilities understand the issues associated with distributed generation, and adopt appropriate policies. 

Interconnection Standards and Metering

IAMU Model Interconnection Standards These model standards have been written so that a utility can adopt them into their service rules.  The Interconnection Standards include:

• Overview
• Technical Requirements
• Interconnection Application
• Interconnection Agreement
• Certificate of Completion
• Approval to Energize Generating Facility

These model standards cover small systems (up to 25 kW), but the utility's obligation to interconnect extends to larger systems.  Municipal utilities may consider the interconnection rules contained in Iowa Administrative Code 199 Chapter 14 for more comprehensive standards.

Model Net Metering Standard

Model Bi-Directional Metering Standard

Additional Utility Resources

Utilities' Obligation to Interconnect with Qualifying Facilities  This document outlines municipal utilities to interconnect with customer-owned generation under federal and state law

Guide to IEEE Standard 1547 for Interconnection  Utilities in Iowa are required to follow IEEE Standard 1547 when interconnecting customer-owned generation.  This document provides and overview of the standard.

Iowa Solar Potential  The Iowa Environmental Council, with funding from the Iowa Energy Center, developed a document on the potential for solar PV in Iowa.  The document can be found at the link above.

Community Solar Programs in Iowa

Community Solar in Iowa Report  The DOE's National Renewable Energy Lab's (NREL) Solar Technical Assistance Team wrote a report on community solar programs in Iowa.  The report can be found at the link above.

Community Solar Scenario Tool  The DOE's national Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) developed a spreadsheet based tools to help utilities do an initial analysis of a community solar project.  The tool was designed specifically with small utilities in mind.

Consumer Guides to Distributed Generation

Consumer's Guide to Distributed Generation  A consumer's guide to distributed generation was developed as part of the Iowa Utilities Board's notice of inquiry on distributed generation (NOI-2014-0001).  The guide is technology neutral, and utilities are encouraged to provide the guide to customers interested in installing distributed generation.

Solar Power for Your Home  The Iowa Energy Center published a report to provide consumers a comprehensive guide on distributed solar generation.  It is a good resource for utilities and customers.