Utility Interconnection for Ground-Mount Solar
Last verified: September 2026
Before your ground array can send power anywhere, your electric utility has to approve connecting it to the grid — an approval called interconnection. Here's what that involves, plus net metering and why grid-tied solar goes dark in an outage. Terms vary and change; no rates guessed. Questions? Call (330) 200-8042.
Interconnection, at a Glance
Before your ground array can go live, your electric utility must approve connecting it to the grid — an approval called interconnection, and a step separate from your building permit. It involves an application, an agreement you sign, and a two-way meter that measures power flowing both in and out. Net metering credits you for the extra power you send back — but in Ohio, only investor-owned utilities are required to offer it; rural co-ops and municipal utilities may not, so verify with your utility and PUCO, and remember the rules change. One truth surprises everyone: a plain grid-tied system, without a battery, shuts off in an outage (anti-islanding), to protect line crews. And you cannot switch on until the utility gives written approval. There's a printable 29-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 What is interconnection, really?
It's your utility's formal approval to connect your array to the grid — an application, an agreement, and a meter change. It's separate from your building permit, and you need both before you can switch on.
2 Will solar keep my lights on during an outage?
Not by itself. A plain grid-tied system shuts off in an outage to protect line crews — that's anti-islanding. Only a battery keeps chosen circuits running when the grid is down.
3 Am I guaranteed net metering?
No. In Ohio, investor-owned utilities must offer it up to a size limit, but co-ops and municipal utilities aren't required to. Confirm your utility's current terms in writing, and check with PUCO — the rules change.
4 Why can't I just switch it on once it's built?
Because connecting to the grid without the utility's approval is unsafe for line crews and against the rules. You must wait for the utility's written permission to operate, which comes after your building inspection.
5 What is that meter change for?
Solar can send power back to the grid, so the utility installs a meter that reads both ways — counting what you draw and what you contribute. That's what makes crediting your extra solar possible.
6 How long does the utility side take?
It varies by utility and workload, and it's a common reason the gap between 'built' and 'switched on' feels long. Ask your installer for an honest range, and plan for a little patience at the finish line.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
Puzzled by interconnection, net metering, or why solar goes dark in an outage? That's just the sort of thing I help make plain — calmly, in everyday English, with nothing to sell you. I'll help you figure out what your utility offers and what to ask. $99 flat for an in-home visit, 30-day come-back-free.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).