At RLC Engineering, our commitment to innovation and excellence drives every project we undertake. Recently, a developer sought our expertise as a thirdparty reviewer for a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) System Impact Study (SIS) for a 5 MW Photovoltaic (PV) interconnection.

We conducted an in-depth analysis of the System Impact Study to assess the proposed interconnection solution. We discovered that the proposed solution was overbuilt and recommended eliminating one of the required STATCOMs. Our team determined that this alternative approach could reduce interconnection costs by approximately 50% while maintaining feasibility and operational reliability. Ultimately, our review not only ensured the project’s operational integrity and reliability but also led to an impressive $1M in cost savings for the developer!

This project reflects RLC Engineering’s commitment to delivering value through expertise. By partnering with developers across the nation, we ensure their projects achieve optimal results, setting the standard for efficient and reliable interconnection solutions.

Scope of Services

• Validate SIS Results – Ensure study results are logical and align with expected system behavior.
• Assess Compliance – Verify that interconnection criteria and study methodologies adhere to industry standards and best practices.
• Evaluate Proposed Solutions – Determine whether the recommended upgrades are appropriate and technically sound.
• Identify Cost-Effective Alternatives – Assess the feasibility of lower-cost solutions where applicable.
• Review Cost Estimates – Analyze whether the estimated costs are reasonable given the required system upgrades.
• Develop RFI Questions – Compile a clear and concise list of inquiries for the developer to present to the utility.
• Provide Expert Recommendations – Advise on the validity of study results, potential alternative solutions, and the best course of action for the developer.