Solar Generation Systems

Understanding Solar Energy Regulations in Our Area

In Wisconsin, statutes such as § 66.0401 limit municipalities’ authority to regulate solar energy systems. Additionally, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) oversees Electric Utilities and mandates that interconnection agreements between customers and utilities must be completed before connecting to the grid.

While not mandatory, our Village has the authority to issue Solar Access Permits under Wisconsin Statute § 66.0403. These permits empower property owners to prevent the obstruction of solar energy generation caused by structures or vegetation. Once granted, the permit’s existence can be officially recorded against the affected properties, ensuring long-term protection for solar access.

We encourage residents and customers to familiarize themselves with the relevant regulations to facilitate a smooth transition towards installation of their system.

What is PSC 119?

• Administrative rule for interconnecting customer-owned generation of 15 MW or less to the utility grid
• Requires Distributed Generation Application and Interconnection Agreements before installing Solar or Battery Systems

Outlined from PSC 119

1. 1. Access Rules:
      • Request application and utility service rules from the Utility’s website.
      • The Utility must provide these within 5 working days upon request.
   2. Application Submission:
      • Complete the application and pay the review fee.
      • Utility confirms within 10 working days if the application is complete.
   3. Engineering Review Determination:
      • Utility decides within 10 working days if an engineering review is needed.
      • If not needed, applicant can proceed with installation.
      • If required, applicant must notify and pay estimated review cost within 15 working days.
      • Extension up to 15 working days possible upon request.
      • Failure to notify/payment within 30 working days leads to withdrawal.
   4. Distribution System Study:
      • If engineering review approves without a study, installation can proceed.
      • If a study is needed, utility provides cost estimate within the engineering review.
      • Applicant must notify acceptance and pay estimated study cost within 15 working days.
      • Extension up to 15 working days possible upon request.
      • Failure to notify/payment within 30 working days leads to withdrawal.
   5. Study Conduct and Results:
      • Upon payment, utility conducts the study within specified timeframes.
      • Results provided within:
        • 10 working days for Category 1 (20 kW or less)
        • 15 working days for Category 2 (20 kW – 200 kW)
        • 20 working days for Category 3 (200 kW – 1 MW)
        • 60 working days for Category 4 (1 MW – 15 MW).

Application Approval and Upgrades

While the approval process for Distributed Generation (DG) applications is usually straightforward, there are rare instances where approval may not be granted. However, these cases are uncommon, and most residential applications proceed smoothly.

It’s important to note that during the engineering review or distribution system study, it may be determined that upgrades to the utility’s system are necessary to accommodate the new solar generation system. In such cases, the applicant is responsible for covering the costs of these upgrades before proceeding with the installation of their system.

For example, it’s generally not advisable to connect multiple solar generation systems to a single transformer. If an applicant seeks interconnection for a solar system and it would be the second installation on a specific transformer, the utility may require the installation of an additional transformer. In this scenario, the applicant would be required to cover the associated costs.

Solar Access Permit Steps (outlined from ordinance § 520-63)

1. Informal Preapplication Meeting – Preliminary meeting with the plan commission prior to filing an application (Village Administrator will conduct these meetings in office or over the phone)
2. Submit completed permit application along with application fee ($100)
3. Administrator will review application within 30 days after it has been filed and paid for.
4. If application is satisfactory the Administrator will provide notice forms to the applicant for service and signing
5. Applicant delivers by certified mail or by hand to the owner of any property which the applicant proposed to be restricted by the permit.
   1. Return to zoning official signed copy of receipt for every notice delivered
   2. 520-63 C(7)(a-e) details required content of the notice
6. Within 30 days after receipt of the notice any person who received notice may request a hearing. Village Board may determine a hearing is needed even if no request has been made.
   1. Hearing shall be conducted within 90 days after the last notice was delivered.
   2. At least 30 days prior to the public hearing the board shall notify applicant and any person who has requested a hearing
   3. Prior to hearing the plan commission will submit an advisory recommendation to the board.
7. The Board will grant or deny the permit based on conditions listed in the ordinance.