Puerto Rico - Interconnection Standards
You can interconnect eligible distributed generation systems (like solar or wind) to Puerto Rico's grid through PREPA's standardized process. Systems up to 25 kW (single-phase) or 200 kW (three-phase) that meet technical standards qualify for the Simple Interconnection Process, which streamlines approval; larger systems require a supplemental study at your cost. Residential net-metered customers need general liability insurance or must sign an agreement assuming responsibility for any damages their system causes.
You'll guide customers through PREPA's Evaluation Request to determine Simple Interconnection eligibility based on system size and technical compliance with IEEE Standard 1547. All systems require a manual external disconnect switch and must meet local construction and safety codes; projects exceeding size thresholds will require (and the customer will fund) supplemental studies that may mandate grid improvements or design changes. Once approved and safety-tested, both parties sign a standard interconnection agreement.
PREPA's 2008 interconnection rules establish a two-path framework: Simple Process for systems ≤25 kW single-phase or ≤200 kW three-phase meeting technical requirements, and Supplemental Study for larger or non-compliant projects (applicant-funded). Insurance requirements vary by system size and customer type—residential net-metered customers sign damage-liability agreements instead of traditional policies. A 2014 Energy Commission decision requires reliability studies for generators 500 kW–1 MW; PREPA must adopt separate regulations for generators under 1 MW and between 1–5 MW. All interconnected systems must comply with IEEE 1547 and local codes, with formal agreements and dispute resolution procedures outlined in PREPA's rules.
Program details
- Program ID
- 3181
- Last updated
- 5/30/2024
Eligibility
- Sectors
- commercial industrial local government nonprofit residential schools state government agricultural multifamily residential institutional
- Technologies
- solar thermal electric solar photovoltaics wind (all) biomass hydroelectric combined heat & power fuel cells using non-renewable fuels landfill gas wind (small) hydroelectric (small) anaerobic digestion fuel cells using renewable fuels other distributed generation technologies microturbines
Program summary
In 2007, the Autoridad de Energía Electrica de Puerto Rico (PREPA*) adopted interconnection standards based on the standard contained in the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. PREPA promulgated interconnection rules in August 2008 that apply to all distributed generation (DG) projects that interconnect to PREPA’s electric distribution system. Interconnected systems must meet all safety and performance standards established by IEEE Standard 1547 as well as local construction and safety codes. A manual external disconnect switch is required for all interconnected systems.
Customer-generators seeking to interconnect first submit a standardized "Evaluation Request" to PREPA to determine whether or not the system will qualify for the "Simple Interconnection Process." The Simple Interconnection Process applies to inverter-based systems no more than 25 kW in capacity for single-phase systems, and no more than 200 kW for three-phase systems, and which meet additional technical requirements. If the system does not qualify for the Simple Process, PREPA requires a "Supplemental Study," which will determine if improvements are required to PREPA’s electric distribution system or if changes to the DG design are needed in order to safely connect the DG. The applicant will pay for related costs.
Once approved for interconnection and after all safety tests have been conducted and certified, PREPA and the customer-generator sign a standard interconnection agreement. The regulations state that the customer-generator must also secure general liability insurance ($100,000 in coverage for systems 10 kW or less, and $1 million in coverage for systems over 10 kW) and that PREPA must be endorsed as an additional insured on the policy; however, according to PREPA, it does not require this for residential, net-metered customers. Instead, these customers must sign an agreement stating that they assume responsibility for any possible damages their systems might cause to PREPA's.
On May 27, 2014 it was decided that, the Energy Commission may require reliability studies for the interconnection of generators with a generating capacity greater than 500 kW but less than 1 MW. PREPA is required to adopt regulations for the interconnection of distributed generators with a generating capacity of less than one (1) MW, as well as regulations for the interconnection of distributed generators with a generating capacity between 1 MW and 5 MW.
The rules provide specific guidance on time lines for application and review processes, as well as specific processes for dispute resolution. See the forms page on PREPA's web site for all forms and applications related to interconnection.
Puerto Rico has published Minimum Technical Requirements for Interconnection of photovoltaic, wind, and battery storage systems.
*PREPA, the only electric utility in Puerto Rico, is a government-owned corporation. It is governed by a board of directors that are nominated by the governor and confirmed by the state legislative assembly. The board, via resolution and after following established procedures that include a public comment period, approved PREPA's interconnection rules on July 15, 2008.
Contact & resources
- Contact email
- servicios@prepa.com
- Additional resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.
