Installing a photovoltaic system at home or in a company requires compliance with some standards defined by ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) to guarantee technical and legal security to users.
In this sense, the solar energy approval process plays a fundamental role, but it can become a problem when deadlines are not met by concessionaires.
Thinking about it, the Canal Solar has prepared this complete article to clarify all doubts about the approval of plants in the Distributed Generation (DG) modality. Check it out and stay informed!
What is solar energy approval?
The approval of solar energy (or any renewable energy source that falls under the DG modality) is a mandatory technical procedure that must be strictly followed by projects that need to connect to the concessionaire's electricity distribution network.
Whenever microgeneration plants (up to 75 kW) and minigeneration plants (above 75 kW up to 5 MW) are installed on rooftops or land, the owner must file a request for connection to the grid (approval) with the local distributor.
This process involves sending a set of registration and technical information about the project, which will be evaluated by the concessionaire before authorizing energy generation.
Generally, the responsibility for completing the form lies with the company that installed the energy system.
The distributor has a deadline established by law to complete the approval process.
However, it is common for some concessionaires to fail to meet this deadline, generating stress and frustration for users who want to start generating their own electricity as soon as possible.
Let's see what the legislation says in the next topic.
What does the legislation say about the installation of a photovoltaic system?
The legislation on the installation of distributed generation systems, including photovoltaic sources, is supported by several standards and rules that protect and guarantee the consumer's right to produce their own energy.
Initially, GD operated based on two resolutions of the ANEEL: Normative Resolution 482/2012, later amended by REN nº 687/2015.
However, the sector felt the need to create a law to provide more legal and regulatory security to the DG market and users.
After several months of discussion in the National Congress, Law No. 6 was published on January 2022, 14.300.
See the main points improved with the Law No. 14.300:
- Created a 6-year transition period to stop offsetting some components of the tariff;
- The maximum power of solar DG was set at up to 3 MW (and up to 5 MW for dispatched sources);
- Regulated the receipt of energy credits;
- It opened up the possibility of sharing power plants;
- It put an end to the duplication of charging minimum fees;
- Regulated local and remote self-consumption;
- It allowed credits to be deducted between licensees and concessionaires.
All consumer rights and system connection processes are included in the REN 1.059/2023 e REN 1.000/2021, and in Module 3 of Prodist (Distribution Procedures).
Furthermore, to ensure electrical and user safety, photovoltaic installations must also comply with the following ABNT technical standards:
- NBR 16690 – Photovoltaic electrical installations;
- NBR 5410 – Low voltage electrical installations;
- NBR 14039 – Medium voltage electrical installations (when delivery to the medium voltage network is required);
- NBR 5419-1:2015 – Protection against electrical discharges;
- NBR 16274:2014 – Minimum requirements for documentation, commissioning testing, inspection and performance evaluation;
- NR-10 – Definitions on facility safety;
- N5-35 – Anticipation of risks when working at height;
In addition to the technical standards, it is necessary to analyze each Technical Specification required by the dealership, where the approval will take place. Each one addresses safety specificities, with differences in electrical and protection installations.
It is also necessary to carry out an in-depth analysis of the specifications of the state fire departments, which will determine the emergency routes, fire prevention points and safety of the plant's employees.
For your technical, legal and regulatory security, make sure that your integrator observed all the rules and technical standards throughout the process of installing your solar system and that you are carrying out the project in accordance with the items mentioned above.
How important is solar energy approval?
Solar energy approval guarantees that your system was installed in accordance with best market practices, respecting legislation and technical standards.
This promotes safety and ensures that the equipment functions properly even after decades of use.
Furthermore, it guarantees that all energy that was not consumed instantly will be converted into energy credits that can be offset on the bill within up to 60 months.
In other words, if you generated 100 kWh and consumed 90 kWh, the remainder (10 kWh) can be used over the next 5 years.
The use of accumulated credits is essential to offset energy consumption on cloudy days or at night, for example.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that solar energy approval is mandatory for on-grid systems, that is, systems that need to be connected to the energy provider's electrical grid.
To off-grid systems, this requirement does not exist, since the off-grid system operates independently.
What are the advantages of having the system approved?
Having a duly approved photovoltaic system at home or in the company requires a series of precautions and compliance with current rules, however, the advantages are clear:
- Investment protection: certification that the system will perform as expected, as planned during the development of the project;
- Credit compensation: guarantee that the surplus energy injected into the grid will be accounted for by the concessionaire for the benefit of the consumer. Without this, the credits will not be computed because they are in disagreement with the laws of distributed generation;
- Technical security: solar energy approval also serves to certify that the system was installed in compliance with best market practices, helping to prevent accidents that could damage properties or put customers' lives at risk;
- Legal and regulatory security: Systems without proper approval may generate penalties for users and loss of legal security due to their non-compliance with current regulations.
In short, the approval of solar energy not only protects the investment made, but also helps to prevent electrical accidents, as well as guaranteeing all rights provided for in laws and regulations of the electrical sector.
What documents are required for this approval?
Developers and installers must complete the connection form for distributed mini and microgeneration systems and send it to the concessionaire according to the standard established by REN ANEEL 3.171/2023.
In this document, information such as:
- Completed standard access request form;
- Inverter certificate of conformity;
- Presentation of ART – Technical Responsibility Note of the person responsible for the electrical project and installation;
- List of consumers participating in the system, among others.
Although the approval process may seem complex, qualified professionals with experience in the distributed generation market are competent to carry out this step without major complications.
Data that does not comply with the standards may result in a refusal by the distributor.
The concessionaire is obliged to point out any nonconformities so that the person requesting the connection can correct the problems.
Eventually, distributors may also request additional documents, which is not permitted by the regulations.
What is the deadline for solar energy approval?
The total time for solar energy approval may vary depending on the type of installation (micro or mini generation) or the need for works on the electrical grid.
See the deadlines established in REN 1000/2021:
Article 71: The distributor has a period of up to 5 business days, counting from the request, to verify the delivery of the necessary information and documents and adopt one of the following measures:
- Communicate to the consumer and other users that the information and documentation received are in accordance with the regulations and that studies, project and budget preparation will be carried out;
- Reject the request and inform the consumer and other users of any non-conformities.
Article 64: The distributor must prepare and provide the consumer and other users with a free connection quote, with the conditions, costs and deadlines for connection to the distribution system, within the following timeframes, counted from the request:
- 15 days: for connection of consumer units with distributed microgeneration or without generation, at voltage lower than 69kV, where there is no need to carry out work on the distribution or transmission system, only, when necessary, the installation of the connection branch ;
- 30 days: for connection of consumer units with distributed microgeneration or without generation, at a voltage lower than 69 kV, where there is a need to carry out works on the distribution or transmission system.
Article 91: The distributor must inspect and install measuring equipment at the consumer's and other users' facilities within the following timeframes:
- Within 5 business days: for connection at voltage lower than 2,3 kV;
- Within 10 business days: for connection at voltage greater than or equal to 2,3 kV and less than 69 kV;
- Within 15 business days: for connection at voltage greater than or equal to 69 kV.
However, if it is necessary to carry out works, the new inspection request must be made “up to the longest period between the deadline for completion of works indicated in the connection budget and the period of up to 120 days from the approval of the connection budget.”
How much does solar energy approval cost?
Solar energy approval involves different costs and will depend on aspects such as the size and complexity of the photovoltaic system, the geographic location, government fees and, above all, the cost of the professional's service to prepare the ART (Technical Responsibility Note).
Lack of standardization or capacity of the electrical grid can also generate additional expenses.
Therefore, it is very difficult to establish a reference value for the solar energy approval process, as there are several variables involved.
Our recommendation is to always look for serious companies and professionals, with a good reputation and experience in the distributed generation market.
This care is the guarantee that you will receive a fair quote, without unnecessary costs.
How does the solar energy approval process work?
Request system connection: Correctly fill out the standard form requesting access to the distributor's network, attach the inverter's certificate of conformity, the list of consumers participating in the system and the ART (Technical Responsibility Note) signed by a qualified professional.
Send the project to the dealership: The distributor must make an environment available on its website so that the consumer can send the documentation digitally and at no additional cost.
Wait for the project analysis and approval: The distributor has 5 business days from the date of the request to verify the delivery of the necessary information and documents. In the case of microgeneration, the concessionaire has 15 days to present the access report when no works are necessary; and 30 days when works are necessary.
Install the system: With the access report in hand, the integrator must install the solar generator respecting the technical parameters informed in the access request.
Request a technical inspection: Once the system is installed, contact the dealership to request a technical inspection of the installations. The distributor must carry out the inspection within the following timeframes:
- Within 5 business days: for connection at voltage lower than 2,3 kV;
- Within 10 business days: for connection at voltage greater than or equal to 2,3 kV and less than 69 kV;
- Within 15 business days: for connection at voltage greater than or equal to 69 kV.
Follow the inspection and receive the report: Monitoring the inspection is a great opportunity to clarify any doubts about the quality of the installation. At the end, you will receive a technical report approving or rejecting the project.
Make the requested adaptations: If your project is rejected, the technician's report must include all nonconformities found. Make the necessary adjustments and request a new inspection.
Request a replacement meter: After the project is approved, the concessionaire arranges for the electricity meter to be replaced with a bidirectional model, which is essential for measuring both the energy consumed and the energy injected into the grid.
Receive confirmation of approval for use: Finally, the distributor will provide you with a document confirming the approval of your solar system. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of your investment without any worries.
And if the system is not approved, what happens?
As we have already mentioned, solar energy approval is a mandatory procedure for on-grid plants. This ensures that the project was executed in accordance with best market practices and in accordance with current legislation.
Failure to obtain approval may result in legal and administrative penalties, such as the payment of fines for failing to comply with the rules of the electricity sector, and may also expose users to electrical risks, since the installation is not in accordance with technical standards.
Furthermore, the lack of approval means that the concessionaire does not account for the credits generated by the injected energy, since the meter does not comply with the standard for distributed generation.
If you are considering installing solar energy or want to know more about companies specializing in this market, check out our list of solar energy companies and find the best option for your project!
Conclusion
The approval of solar energy systems is a crucial process to ensure that your investment is protected, that the installation was carried out in accordance with the standards and that you will be able to enjoy all the benefits offered by distributed generation.
Complying with all steps and regulations is essential to avoid future problems and ensure maximum efficiency of your photovoltaic system.
It is also essential to stay up to date with the latest trends in solar energy. So, take the opportunity to download the Magazine Canal Solar now and find out more about the latest developments in the sector.
