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·· INSTALL
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 Connecting
to the Grid
Why
do it?
Connecting your
system to the utility grid allows you to sell excess power that
you generate to the utility, as well as to buy electricity from
the utility when your needs exceed your wind-powered generation.
Interconnected systems do not require batteries. If your utility
offers a net
metering or billing arrangement, you can even sell your excess
power at the same price you pay for electricity you purchase, thereby
increasing the value of your wind energy system investment.
How
do I connect to the grid?
Most
utilities and other electricity providers require that you enter
into a formal agreement with them before you interconnect with the
grid.
- Non-technical
issues. Interconnection agreements usually address
two sets of non-technical issues: the terms and conditions for
installing and operating your wind turbine; and the terms and
conditions for the exchange or purchase of power from your facility.
- Technical
issues. If your wind turbine is connected to
the local utility grid so that any of the power produced by
your wind turbine is delivered to the grid, then your utility
also has legitimate concerns about safety and power quality
that need to be addressed.
How does interconnection
affect my system's economics?
Federal law (PURPA) requires utilities to
purchase power from independent providers at the utility's "avoided
cost" - usually much less than the retail price you pay for
the electricity you buy. However, a number of states require some
or all utilities to offer net
metering to customers with qualifying interconnected energy
generation systems. In this case, all the electricity you generate
is valued at the same (retail) price; excess generation can be
"banked" with the utility for a month or even up to
a year. Standard electricity meters can spin both forward and
backward, simplifying accounting for both you and the utility.
Whether or not you can obtain a net metering arrangement, interconnection
means that you will not need to install batteries. However, net
metering increases the value of the electricity you generate,
thereby improving system economics.
Grid-connected systems
Small wind energy turbines may be installed
as stand-alone systems, or they may be connected to the utility
grid. Connecting
to the grid requires the approval of the utility. Technical
and insurance requirements for interconnection vary, as do metering
arrangements. AWEA has state-by-state
information for several states.
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