Purchasing Solar Panels

Interconnection Process

If you are interested in purchasing your own solar equipment, check out the necessary steps for adding solar panels to your home or business. Read the full details on our Distributed Generation Policy (PDF) for interconnection.

How To Get Started

Complete these steps to request installation for solar panels on your home or business.

  1. Determine the Process Track based on DER technology and size limitations of the solar project.
    Interconnection Process Qualifications
    DER TechnologySize LimitationsRequired Process Track 
    Certified Inverter OnlyUp to 20 kW ACSimplified Process *
    All typesUp to 40 kW ACFast Track Process
    All typesUp to 10 MW ACStudy Process
    *Simplified Process eligibility does not imply or indicate the Interconnection Application will pass the initial review screens.  If engineering screens are failed during the application process, a proposed DER interconnection may be moved into a different track. Failure to pass the screens will usually route the Interconnection Application to the Fast Track Process. When a proposed DER interconnection is moved into a different track, additional information may be requested and additional fees may apply. 

  2. Determine the Interconnection Application to use based on the Process Track determined in step 1.
    Interconnection Application Requirements
    Process TrackRequired  Application
    Simplified Process Simplified Interconnection Application
    Fast Track ProcessStandard Interconnection Application
    Study Process*Standard Interconnection Application - with MMPA Power Agreement
    *Study Process requires a Power Agreement with Minnesota Municipal Power Association (MMPA). Please contact AMU's master electrician before starting the interconnection project.

  3. Complete the instructions for the applicable Interconnection Application determined in step 2, and submit required documentation.

Interconnection Applications

Determine the applicable application using the "How To Get Started" section.

Simplified Interconnection Application (Most typical)

Instructions and Submission Form

After it has been determined to go with the Simplified Process, and to use the Simplified Interconnection Application,  complete the following steps to continue your solar panel installation request. 

  1. Complete the Simplified Interconnection Application (PDF) (page 100 to 104 in the Distributed Generation Policy).
  2.  Complete the Uniform Contract for Cogeneration and Small Power Production Facilities (PDF) (page 150 to 157 in the Distributed Generation Policy).
  3.  Create a One-line Diagram (PDF).  This is a  diagram of the proposed Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system showing the point of common coupling, PCC, to the Area EPS Operator’s Distribution System. See the Information Required on the One-line Diagram (PDF) . 
  4. Obtain Manufacturer's Specs/Specification sheets. 
  5. Create a Site Layout of the proposed DER system. 
  6. Obtain a copy of current Homeowner's Insurance, scan and save a digital copy. (follow Insurance Requirements (PDF)  on page 44 of Distributed Generation Policy).
  7. Obtain a copy of the Electrical Permit from the proper jurisdiction. 
  8. Obtain a copy of the Building Permit from the proper jurisdiction. 
  9. Scan or save all items from steps one through eight electronically.  Submit them using the Simplified Interconnection Application Submission Form.
  10. Wait for approval. Simplified Process eligibility does not guarantee the Interconnection Application will pass the initial review screens. Failure to pass the screens will route the Interconnection Application to the Fast Track Process. Upon receiving a pre-application report from the utility,  send in the following:
    1. $100 application fee
    2. $300 meter fee, which is 75% of the meter cost at today's rate (updated as prices change)
    3. The installation address for reference 

      Pay in one of two ways: 
      1. Mail check payable to AMU to the address of:

        Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU)
        Attn:  Admin - Solar Fees
        501 Pierce Street
        Anoka, MN 55303

      2. Pay over the phone for a small phone fee. See our Rate Sheet for current Convenience fee on non-present payment charges. Call Anoka city's Finance Department to make a "Solar Fee Payment" for $400 with reference to the installation address.

After the application fee is received, you will be notified, and with approval installation may begin.

Standard Interconnection Application

Instructions and Submission Forms

After it has been determined to go with the Fast Track Process, and to use the Standard Interconnection Application,  complete the following steps to continue your solar panel installation request. 

  1. Complete the Pre-Application Report Request (PDF) (page 95 of the Distributed Generation Policy), then scan or save the file electronically and submit to AMU using the Pre-Application Report Request Submission Form.
  2.  Send $300 pre-application fee  payable to City of Anoka along with the installation address for reference. Pay one of two ways: 
    1. Mail to the address of:

      Anoka Municipal Utility (AMU)
      Attn: CD Admin - Solar Fees
      501 Pierce Street
      Anoka, MN 55303

    2. Pay over the phone for a small phone fee. See our Rate Sheet for current Convenience fee on non-present payment charges. Call the city's Finance Department to make a "Solar Fee Payment" with reference to the installation address.
  3.  Wait for approval. The Utility will provide the applicant with a Pre-Application Report within 15 business days once the completed Pre-Application Report Request and a $300 fee is submitted to the Utility.
  4.  After approval, contact AMU for current rate of required meter, of which customer will pay 75% of meter cost.  See step 2 for payment methods.
  5. Complete the Standard Interconnection Application (PDF), scan or save it electronically, then submit using the Standard Interconnection Application Submission Form.

After information from steps 1 through 4 above are received, the review process will start at AMU, and installation may begin.

Steps Upon Completion of Work and Submission Form

After installation, complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the Certification of Completion (PDF) (page 199 of the Distributed Generation Policy).
  2. Obtain Electrical Inspection Report from proper jurisdiction.
  3. Scan or save items from steps 1 and 2 electronically. Submit them using the Completion of Work Submission Form. (This  must include location and contact person, and should be singular in content. Do not include multiple locations).
  4.  Wait for AMU's master electrician to contact you to schedule Anti-Island testing .

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Meter seals are NOT to be cut by contractors or by homeowner(s) and MUST be scheduled through our AMU office. Contact us at the Anoka Municipal Shop. 
  • If you wish to have a production meter installed, which is not required,  we can provide one for $40.00 . Please let our Master Electrician know in advance. Thank you!

Additional Questions

Additional information can be found on our Distributed Generation Policy (PDF). Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  page or contact us at Anoka Municipal Shop for further questions.