April 3, 2020
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) will be issuing Solar Communities Feed-in-Tariff V (FIT V) in the very near future. FIT V is for the interconnection of ground-mounted commercial customer solar, rooftop solar, and carport solar with a capacity range outlined below.
FIT V: By the Numbers
FIT V is for the interconnection of up to 20 MW of solar PV, for a capacity between 200 kWac and 5000 kWac.
FIT V: Key Dates
Please note that some of the below dates are subject to change, with the exception of March 4 which has already passed.
March 4, 2020: FIT V posted on the state register.
May 4, 2020: Anticipated date for FIT V public hearings.
May 11, 2020: Deadline for written comments from the public regarding FIT V.
June 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020: Initial FIT V program enrolment period.
FIT V: Eligibility
There are a number of eligibility requirements for FIT V, some of which we have briefly outlined below. Additional details and full eligibility requirements are available from PSEG-LI and requirements beyond those outlined may apply.
Systems must be ground-mounted on racks and installed in a non-residential:
Customer’s open space.
Roof of a customer’s building/structure.
Customer’s carport.
The ground mount space must be in accordance with the regulations of local authorities.
Systems must be directly connected to LIPA’s distribution system or transmission system with a dedicated meter.
Interconnection must meet necessary requirements of Smart Grid SGIP and NYISO Small Generator Interconnection Procedures.
Systems must use smart inverters in accordance with LIPA’s interconnection requirements.
Projects must demonstrate site control within a certain timeframe after the PPA offer:
Projects between 200 kW and 1 MW must demonstrate site control within 6 months.
Projects greater than 1 MW must demonstrate site control within 12 months.
FIT V: Bid Evaluation
LIPA will be using a sloped bid price cap curve for the FIT V bid evaluation process. The cap shows the max. price that can be paid to a project given cumulative capacity of other higher acceptance priority projects.
The sloped bid price cap begins at $0.1649 per kWh (kilowatt hour). If your application bid price exceeds this figure it will not be accepted. On the other end of the spectrum, the lower end of the sloped bid price is set at $0.1300 per kWh. At $0.1450 per kWh, the slope becomes steeper, as you can see in the PSEG-LI graph below.
(Image courtesy of PSEG-LI.)
LIPA Sloped Bid Price Cap Calculator
LIPA has developed a calculator which allows applicants to gain a greater understanding of the sloped bid price cap. Click here to download the calculator where you can enter project details to illustrate how the sloped bid price cap works and how it could affect your application.
You can contact Power Market at PwrMktFIT@pseg.com for further details about FIT V and keep an eye on the PSEG-LI website for new information as it arrives.
If you’re interested in community solar, contact YSG Solar today. YSG has been developing a number of projects in the community solar sector and will find help to find the ideal subscription for your needs. Send us an email, or call at 212.389.9215 to get started, or learn more.
By Shane Croghan
Sources:
https://www.psegliny.com/aboutpseglongisland/ratesandtariffs/tariffs/feedintariff5