Comparing Germany's and California's interconnection processes for PV systems

Establishing interconnection to the grid is a recognized barrier to the deployment of distributed energy generation. This report compares interconnection processes for photovoltaic projects in California and Germany. This report summarizes the steps of the interconnection process for developers and utilities, the average length of time utilities take to process applications, and paperwork required of project developers. Based on a review of the available literature, this report finds that while the interconnection procedures and timelines are similar in California and Germany, differences in the legal and regulatory frameworks are substantial. Note that this paper is literature-based and is not a primary research endeavor, and thus the information provided herein is limited by the available literature. Primary research could help better inform understanding of the barriers associated with the interconnection of PV systems.