Simplified Interconnection Process

Before You Begin

Before starting the process, make sure you are using the correct Interconnection Application using the first two tables in the "How To Get Started" section of the Interconnecting Distributed Energy Resources (DER) page.  

Simplified Interconnection Application (Most typical)

Instructions and Submission Form

After it has been determined to go with the Simplified Process, and to use the Simplified Interconnection Application,  complete the following steps to continue your solar panel installation request.  

The Interconnection Customer may designate an Application Agent to serve as a single point of contact to coordinate with the DER Interconnection Coordinator(s) on their behalf. Designation of an Application Agent does not absolve the Interconnection Customer from signing application documents and the responsibilities outlined in the Interconnection Process or in the interconnection agreements. DER vendors/contractors, project managers or electricians are common entities that the Interconnection Customer may designate to perform this role. 

  1.  Send $100  non-refundable application fee payable to City of Anoka along with the customer's name and installation address for reference. Pay one of two ways: 
    1. Mail to the address of:

      Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU)
      Attn:  DER Coordinator
      501 Pierce Street
      Anoka, MN 55303

    2. Call the city's Finance Receptionist to make a "Solar Fee Payment" with reference to the customer name and installation address.  Please note, that making a payment over the phone will be subject to a $3.25 credit card convenience fee.
  2. Complete the Simplified Interconnection Application (PDF).
  3.  Create a One-line Diagram (PDF).  This is a  diagram of the proposed Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system showing the point of common coupling, PCC, to the Area EPS Operator’s Distribution System. See the Information Required on the One-line Diagram (PDF) . 
  4. Obtain Manufacturer's Specs/Specification sheets. 
  5. Create a Site Layout of the proposed DER system. 
  6. Obtain a copy of current Homeowner's Insurance, scan and save a digital copy. (follow Insurance Requirements (PDF).
  7. Obtain a copy of the Electrical Permit from the proper jurisdiction. 
  8. Obtain a copy of the Building Permit from the proper jurisdiction. 
  9. Scan or save all items from steps two (2) through eight (8) electronically.  Submit them using the Simplified Interconnection Application Submission Form.  Applications submitted via email will not be accepted.
  10. Wait for approval. Simplified Process eligibility does not guarantee the Interconnection Application will pass the initial review screens. Failure to pass the screens will route the Interconnection Application to the Fast Track Process.  After the Application Fee and all required documents are received, the review process will begin at AMU.  Expect one of three outcomes:
    1. If any documents  are missing or need correction, notice will be given within ten (10) business days of submission.  Application Agent /Interconnection Customer will have five (5) business days to provide the missing/corrected documentation unless additional five (5) days are requested via email with valid reasons. Failure to submit the requested information within the stated timeline will result in the Interconnection Application being withdrawn, and re-application with application fee would be required.
    2. If/when all items are complete and acceptable, allow twenty (20) business days for review and master electrician's approval. Within an additional five (5) days, a Contract will be prepared and emailed to the designated Application Agent (or Interconnection Customer if no agent is involved) for Customer's signature. Preview our Sample Uniform Contract (PDF), pricing may change at anytime. The Interconnection Customer shall have thirty (30) Business Days to sign and return the Interconnection Agreement via email.  After a contract is signed and submitted, an executed contract will be returned via email within five (5) business days and installation may begin at that time. Failure to submit the requested information within the stated timeline will result in the Interconnection Application being withdrawn, and re-application with application fee would be required. 
    3. The proposed DER system requires additional engineering studies  and/or project should be re-routed to another Process Track.
  11. Upon approval, customer will be informed of current fee amounts and should submit payment for:
    1.  Meter/programming fee (calculated at programming fee plus 75% of the meter cost at today's rate and updated as prices change), and
    2.  Monthly grid access fee (starting in June 2025, this applies to all applications).  See the current Utility Rate Sheet (PDF).
    3.  Production meter fee is required.
      Request a current price for the meter(s) using our Meter Cost-Estimate Request Form. The type of meter will be based on the type and size of meter required for the specific interconnection project.  Please note that there is a $6 monthly fee for the Production Meter. 
  12. Schedule a time to disconnect power at the project site in order to install the new interconnection meter(s) using our Disconnection of Power Scheduling Form. 

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Meter seals are NOT to be cut by contractors or by homeowner(s) and MUST be scheduled through our DER Coordinators. Use our Disconnection of Power Scheduling Form to schedule during AMU business hours. 
  • Our DER System Limitation Device Agreement (PDF) is for systems that include devices that can produce more than the max kW stated in each individual contract, but have limiter devices installed to limit the max kW AC production. All Simplified Interconnection applications have a maximum of 20kW.  Any additional kW generation violates our contract and puts the interconnection customer into default. This agreement is required for any limiter device installed on the interconnection system and should be submitted during step 10 of the application process. Read more in the Policy for Limited Capacity (PDF) and the Policy for Default of Interconnection Contract (PDF).

After installation is complete, follow these steps before commissioning.

  1.  Complete the Certificate of Completion (PDF). This must be signed by the Electrical Inspector. 
  2. Submit the completed Certificate of Completion using the Certificate of Completion Submission Form.
  3. Schedule the Anti-islanding Test appointment required to commission the interconnection using our Anti-islanding Scheduling Form.

Additional Questions

Additional information can be found on our Distributed Generation Policy (PDF). Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  page or email DER Coordinators for further questions.