Installer Roles & Responsibilities

Just as UniSource is responsible for reviewing and approving solar projects in a timely fashion, installers also can ensure a smooth application and installation process for our shared customer by meeting their obligations to advance the project.

Installers are responsible for completing and submitting the Interconnection Application and required documents to UniSource on the customer's behalf using the online PowerClerk portal. They also need to secure the necessary permits, schedule inspections and obtain the required approvals and clearances. Construction of solar projects may only begin after approval from UniSource .

Installers also must comply with UniSource's Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements and our Electrical Service Requirements and notify us if there are any major modifications to a project once approved.

If a power kill is needed for the installation of a PV system, the installer can schedule this in PowerClerk after the Renewables Department has approved the project. The installer must call in before 7:30 a.m. and confirm the morning of their appointment. The installer is also responsible for informing the customer of this appointment and the scope of work.

When installation is complete, the installer must submit the requested photos of the installed PV system and the Installer System Commissioning Form through PowerClerk. The Renewable's Department will schedule for a meter technician to come out and install a new billing meter, if required, and set the production meter. The technician will leave a door hanger at that time granting permission to operate (PTO) the system. The installer can now safely energize the system. Installers shall not operate the system until receiving PTO from UniSource.

UniSource Service Requirements

All PV solar systems in UniSource's service territory must meet our Electric Service Requirements. This protects the integrity of our electrical grid as well as the customer's equipment.  Current technical requirements are found in our Service Requirements (SR), but here are some important requirements:

• A system must include a dedicated performance meter (supplied by UniSource for Level 1 residential projects that are grid-tied systems) to allow for monitoring of the amount of electricity produced.
• Photovoltaic (PV) modules must be covered by a manufacturer's warranty of at least 20 years.
• All PV modules must be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory as meeting the requirements of UL Standard 1703.
• All other electrical components must be listed by an OSHA approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). NRTLs include, but are not limited to, UL, CSA, Intertek, MET Labs, NSF, SGS and TUV.
• Inverters must be certified as meeting the requirements of IEEE-1547 (Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic Systems) and be UL 1741 certified.
• The utility meter, inverter and utility disconnect must be installed in compliance with our Electrical Service Requirements and in a location readily accessible.

If additional modules, inverters or other equipment is added to expand capacity of an existing system, all must be tied into a dedicated production meter.

Solar installers should pay special attention to these requirements:

• SR-452 - Approved Metering and Service Equipment
• SR-702 - Electric Service Requirements for Small Interconnected Distributed Generation Sources
• SR-710 - Interconnection Requirements - Distributed Energy Storage Systems, Single-Phase

Interconnection Agreements

Interconnection Agreements with UniSource are required for all projects in our service area. Level 1 Agreements are sent electronically via email to customers for their signature using DocuSign. Level 2 and 3 agreements are emailed to the customer to sign and return. It is important for customers to sign and submit the agreement promptly to advance their project.

Below are the most current agreements, based on the customer's project size:

• Exporting System Interconnection Agreement for Projects Greater than 20 kWac Effective Nov. 16, 2020
• Exporting System Agreement for Projects 20 kWac or Less Effective Jan. 27, 2021

UniSource provides a DocuSign Guide to assist customers with signing the Level I Interconnection Agreement.

Diagrams & Technical Training Materials

Interconnection Manual for Distributed Generation Projects

Provided Materials

UniSource partners with Independent Electric Supply (IES) to provide material kits to installers for approved residential Level 1 and 2 distributed generation projects in our service area. These kits include:

• Meter Socket
• AC Disconnect (30 or 60 amp)
• Embossed Label Sets

Failure to install any component in the kit may result in a meter set rejection. UniSource will not reimburse customers or installers if these kits are purchased at any other electric supply store. You may request equipment through PowerClerk once the application has been approved.

Electrical Clearance Requirements

UniSource requires an electrical inspection release or clearance from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) prior to re-energizing primary or secondary service, which has been de-energized to permit homeowners or their installers to replace or add wiring or equipment.

Power Kills

Installers who need a power kill for the installation of a PV system can schedule a power kill through PowerClerk. It is important that the installer calls in before 7:30 a.m. and confirms the morning of their appointment. It is the sole responsibility of the installer to inform the customer of this appointment and the scope of work.

Customers are responsible for contacting UniSource in advance if there are any access issues — such as locked gates or pets in the yard — that might prevent our crews from accessing the residence.  Projects can be delayed if power kill appointments must be rescheduled due to access issues or failure to call in and confirm appointments.

Project Modifications

While we understand an unforeseen change can occur with a project, changes can result in project delays for additional reviews and approvals.

If the modification is minor and doesn't affect the system size you can upload new revised plans with the changes made when you fill out the Installer System Commissioning Form in PowerClerk.

If a variance is needed it is the installers responsibility to request the variance by emailing the reason for the variance and the proposed plans to Renewables@uesaz.com.

If a modification is made to an approved job that affects the system size the installer shall not proceed until the new plans are approved. Installers should email Renewables@uesaz.com and request us to move the project so you may make the necessary changes to the application. Our Technicians will review the new proposed plans and move the project accordingly.

Pricing Plans & Rates

TOU Pricing Plans

Installers should be aware that residential and small commercial solar customers are required to select either the Time-Of-Use or the Demand Time-of-Use pricing plan.  These plans offer lower rates when customers reduce their energy usage during times of peak energy demand and shift their usage to off-peak times.

RCP Rate

New interconnection applications submitted before October 1 each year will receive the Resource Comparison Proxy (RCP) Export Rate in effect at that time. Applications received after Oct. 1 will receive the new RCP rate, which is adjusted annually.

Customer's bill credits for exported energy are calculated based on their RCP rate. Our Statement of Charges is available for review and explains all customer charges.

Installers should be aware that a customer's RCP rate may change if they expand their PV system. Existing net energy metering customers will keep their same rate for the duration of their 20-year contract if the addition to a grandfathered system does not require utility distribution upgrades.

Customers with an RCP rate can find more information about expanding their system and retaining their original rate. Questions about our TOU plans and RCP rates should be directed to UniSource Customer Care at 877-837-4968.

Helpful Links & Resources

• Interconnection Manual for Distributed Generation Projects
• Distributed Generation Interconnection Requirements (DGIR)
• UniSource Electric Service Requirements for Small Interconnected DG Sources (SR-702)
• Installer Drawing Checklist
• Additions to Net Metering Systems
• Top 15 Reasons for Interconnection Project Delays