Renewable Generation Interconnection Process

If you’re interested in learning more about renewable energy generation, such as solar power, and how distributed renewable generation can benefit our community, please visit the CDE Lightband Renewable Energy Resource Information Center.

 

If you are ready to start the process of interconnecting your own distributed renewable generation system to the CDE Lightband distribution system, then please follow this step-by-step guide.
Please remember that no distributed generation system can be operated in connection with the CDE Lightband distribution system until all of these steps have been completed.

  1. First, you will need to find a qualified contractor who can provide consultation about your proposed project. We suggest learning more and connecting with contractors through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Green Connect program.
  2. Next, you can talk to a CDE Lightband Energy Pro about the scope of your project and the optimal system size for your home.
  3. Once you have selected a contractor, the contractor can complete the CDE Lightband Application for Interconnection of Distributed Generation on your behalf.
    1. This document will help CDE Lightband understand the technical specifications of your proposed project. 
  4. After submitting the CDE Lightband Application for interconnection you (or your contractor) will be instructed to pay an application fee.
    1. To pay application fees make checks payable to Clarksville Department of Electricity, mailed or delivered to 2021 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville TN 37040 ATTN: Energy Services Department. Please write “Application for Interconnection” and the project address, if different from address on check, in the note field.Application fees are:
      $250.00 for Systems less than 50kW DC (partial kW will be rounded)
      $500.00 for Systems greater than or equal to 50kW DC (partial kW will be rounded)
  5. Now you can complete the CDE Lightband Interconnection and Parallel Operations Agreement for Distributed Generation.
    1. This is a simple but important document outlining CDE’s policies for interconnecting distributed generation to the CDE Lightband distribution system.
  6. Once steps one through five have been completed, and CDE Lightband has provided written approval to proceed, your contractor can install your proposed system.
  7. Of course, your contractor will need an electrical permit for the installation of your system, and upon completion of system installation, the work will need to pass an inspection. Electrical permitting and inspections are handled by the City of Clarksville Building and Codes Department.
  8. Finally, your contractor will contact CDE Lightband and schedule a System Acceptance Test, and when your system passes this test you will be provided a System Acceptance Form.
    1. Remember your system cannot be energized until this final step is complete and you have received the System Acceptance Form from CDE Lightband.
  9. CDE Lightband is offering a first-of-its-kind opportunity for customers to sell excess power generation. This program is easy to sign up for. If you’re interested in selling excess generation to CDE Lightband please complete the Power Partner Agreement form.

Be a Power Partner

Sign up to partner with CDE Lightband and use electric power efficiently.


To sign up to be a Power Partner, simply Text PARTNERS to 85700.


You must text from a number associated with your CDE Lightband account to qualify. Maximum 5 messages per month. Message and data rates may apply. Text "STOP" any time to cancel.