3/18/2024
We've reviewed this list of smart inverter manufacturers and model numbers and determined that these inverters satisfy the requirements for interconnection to our electric distribution system. If you’re using the Google Chrome browser, you may need to clear your cached images and files to view the latest smart inverter list.
Inverter Requirements for Interconnection
Requirement for Communication Networking Diagram
We want to ensure accurate system installations to support the highest level of reliability of service to our customers. Effective June 1, 2021, PPL requires a communication network diagram showing communication and networking details to be included with the interconnection application for review. You can either:
- Include the communication details on your existing electrical one-line diagram; or,
- Provide a standalone communication networking diagram.
We will review this information as part of the application process. The inverter, including model number, must also be shown on the one-line diagram. Examples of communication networking diagram requirements are below.
Requirement for Available Inverter Port
Inverter-based DER, like solar, installed within PPL Electric’s service territory requires an open and available RS-485 or Ethernet communication interface (also called a port) for PPL Electric’s use. The port allows for installation of the Company-owned DER Management Device, which facilitates required communications between the customer inverter and PPL's DER management System (DERMS).
The requirement for an available port must be taken into consideration when designing these systems for customers. Additional information can be found by visiting the links above and in the notes section of the sketches found on PPL’s - Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Sketch Table and in the FAQs.
Requirement for Networking Multiple Inverters
Inverter-based DER installations where more than one inverter is installed at a premise require that the inverters are networked together as part of the installation. Inverters shall be networked together such that all applicable inverters can accept commands from the Company-owned DER Management Device connected to a port earmarked and labeled for use by PPL. These inverters shall be networked together using instructions or best practices provided by the inverter manufacturer, or a multi-drop networking solution. Example communication networking diagrams can be found above.
Submit your interconnection request application via the Renewable Energy Connection web page. You must submit complete information on the equipment, connection of facilities, and installation of equipment for review for each project.
The list consists of inverters that are both:
- Certified to UL 1741 Supplement B (rev. August 2020) and complies with IEEE 1547-2018
and
- Have been reviewed and verified by PPL Electric for communications compatibility with our DER Management System (DERMS), to ensure all necessary monitoring/management functionality can be administered in a reliable and expected fashion.
- For inverters where an additional module or kit is required to make the communication interface/port available, as indicated on the approved solar inverter list, the module or kit must be included as part of the installed system.
Requirement for Configuration of Ethernet Communication Protocols
Modbus TCP (Modbus-over-Ethernet) inverters:
Inverters or inverter control modules using Modbus TCP communications shall set inverters to have static IP address(es). These static address(es) shall be maintained to ensure continued compliance with interconnection requirements. Customer shall provide PPL with the inverters’ static IP address(es), gateway IP address, and subnet mask IP address.
IEEE 2030.5 inverters:
Inverters or inverter control modules using IEEE 2030.5 communications shall set inverters to accept dynamically assigned IP addresses (DHCP mode).
Approval of New Inverters: Review and Verification Process
We follow a streamlined process for review and verification of new inverters requesting approval. The steps are as follows:
- The inverter manufacturer shall provide proof that the inverter is UL 1741SB certified.
- The inverter manufacturer shall provide technical information on its inverter model, including but not limited to its communication protocol, data models and configuration profiles. PPL will also work with the inverter manufacturer to obtain a sample model for verification and communication in its lab.
- Once all requested information has been submitted to PPL Electric and after the sample model has been made available, inverter communications verification would begin in the following sequence:
- Following the completion of communications verification, PPL Electric DER Lab personnel will present their findings and recommendation to technical and management personnel. Any potential issues identified must be resolved prior to granting final approval.
- After final approval, PPL Electric will add the inverter model to its Approved-Smart Inverter List. At that time, the inverter will appear in the Renewable Energy Connection DG web portal for selection when completing an interconnection application.
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