Interconnection screening determines whether the grid in a given area will be able to accommodate a community solar project with little to no upgrade costs. “Hosting capacity” is the term used to refer to the amount of generation that can be accommodated at a given point on the distribution system without requiring significant grid upgrades. You will need to work with your local utility or a consultant to understand the interconnection costs at the sites you are considering. Eventually, you will execute an interconnection agreement, but you should first check to see if your local utility has an online hosting capacity map and view the hosting capacity of the power lines nearest to the sites you are considering.

You can then reach out to an interconnection specialist to carry out an interconnection screening (try searching the SEIA Member Directory). Also read about executing an interconnection agreement once you determine there is capacity for the community solar project.