South Dakota solar interconnection

All installations in this tier are to be inverter based. All equipment specifications must be submitted for review by the Company (i.e., nameplate data of the solar panel(s), inverter(s), and disconnect switch). Specifications for battery storage equipment must also be submitted if applicable. Installations will use lab tested equipment only.

The installation must be permanently wired into a suitable load center in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC). A copy of the wiring certificate or permit from the appropriate city or state jurisdiction must be submitted to Black Hills Energy to serve as proof of inspection. A lockable disconnect switch that is readily accessible to the Company’s personnel must be provided. This switch is to be at the metering point unless an alternate location is readily accessible and easily identifiable. The Company must approve the alternate location and a durable map or written sign will need to be provided at the metering or PCC location indicating the location of the switch.  

Fees: Application Fee: $50.00; One Time Bi-Directional Metering Fee: $50.00

Insurance Requirement: Proof of adequate homeowners, general liability, or commercial liability insurance sufficient to insure against all reasonably foreseeable direct liabilities given the size of the small generator facility.

Tier One Application Form

Installations in this class may be subject to Feasibility, Facilities and System Impact Studies at Black Hills Energy request. All equipment specifications must be submitted for review by the Company (i.e., nameplate data of the solar panel(s), generators(s), inverter(s) and disconnect switch). Specifications for battery storage equipment must also be submitted if applicable. Installations may be lab tested or field tested and will interconnect to either a radial distribution circuit or a spot network distribution circuit limited to serving one premise.

Installations must meet all requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC). A copy of a wiring certificate or permit from the appropriate city or state jurisdiction must be submitted to Black Hills Energy to serve as proof of inspection. A lockable disconnect switch that is readily accessible to the Company’s personnel must be provided. This switch is to be at the metering point unless an alternate location is readily accessible and easily identifiable. The Company must approve the alternate location and a durable map or written sign will need to be provided at the metering or PCC location indicating the location of the switch.

Fees: Application Fee: $50.00 plus $1 per kilowatt of rated generation output, up to a maximum of $500.00; One Time Bi-Directional Metering Fee: $50.00

Insurance requirements: Proof of insurance up to a maximum of $500,000 per Black Hills Energy request.

Tier Two Application Form

Tier 3 Installations require low forward power relays or other protection functions that prevent power flow to the Black Hills Energy electric distribution system. Tier 3 installations will not connect to a transmission line.

Tier 3 installations are subject to review and study by Black Hills Energy. Please contact us to discuss the interconnection early in the design process.

Fees: Application Fee: $100.00 plus $2 per kilowatt of rated generation output, up to a maximum of $1000.00.

Insurance requirements: Proof of insurance up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per Black Hills Energy request. 

Tier Three Application Form

Tier 4 installations are subject to review and study by Black Hills Energy, including a scoping meeting. Please contact us to discuss the interconnection early in the design process.

Fees: Application Fee: $100.00 plus $2 per kilowatt of rated generation output, up to a maximum of $1000.00.

Insurance requirements: Proof of insurance up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per Black Hills Energy request. 

Tier Four Application Form