A Qualifying Facility (QF) is a special kind of renewable energy interconnection. There is no limit to the size of QF system, but its overall system capacity may not exceed the load at the location where it is installed.
QF systems are a bit different from net metering systems in that with a QF there is no “banking” of excess energy your system generates. You are either using the energy at your location or sending it back to the grid.
Compensation for QF systems is handled through our power supplier, Prairie Power, Inc (PPI). If your system is 100 kW or smaller, you will have the ability to choose whether you want to sell back energy to PPI. If the system is larger than 100 kW, you must agree to sell back your excess energy. To do that, PPI will install special metering equipment (estimated cost of $8,600), and charge a monthly monitoring fee of around $80.
The following steps will guide you through the approval process for a QF installation.
STEP 1
Contact us at 800-824-5102 or renewables@eiec.coop to let us know you’re interested in a system.
STEP 2
Provide us with the following information:
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One-line diagram of your system (QF one-line sample)
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Specification sheets for both your panels and inverter
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A copy of the sales agreement for the system
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Proof of $1 million insurance policy coverage (sample)
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$500 application fee (non-refundable)
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Engineering study fee (varies based on the size of your system)
STEP 3
We will study your application materials to determine its impact on our system. Based on the size, there may be additional engineering study fees, and other utilities may have to determine impact as well. Once the potential system is approved, we will let you know so your contractor/installer can begin the installation.
STEP 4
For QF systems under 100 kW, you’ll choose whether you want to sell back excess generation to PPI, or waive that right.
STEP 5
Once installed, but before the system is actually turned on and energized, please let us know.
STEP 6
We’ll inspect your system and install some special metering equipment. We’ll also have you sign our interconnection agreement, and the QF agreement with PPI. Your installer can then fully energize the system.