Who Should Attend:
Engineers and technical personnel involved in the interconnection process of residential and small commercial distributed generation resources (i.e. Solar and battery energy storage system (BESS). The attendees will learn what to look for in an application for interconnection, National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for the systems and maintaining power quality for the electric utility. The class is designed for technicians with some higher-level application issues for engineers.
Related Events:
Distribution Engineering Series: Overcurrent Protection - July 15-16, 2025
Overview:
Solar and BESS systems are becoming more common, and utilities need to be well versed in the requirements of IEEE 1547 and the requirements of the NEC related to these systems. This course will focus on inverter-based systems such solar and BESS. Material to be covered includes NEC Article 690, signage requirements, grounding requirements, and common control schemes for BESS technology. The IEEE standard 1547 for interconnection will be discussed for understanding of the goals and the requirements of the standard. A complicating factor are the programmable smart-inverters and the options for programming and verification will be presented. Common screening tools used for small, distributed resources will be presented along possible solutions for those systems that fail the screening. The course will include case studies using real world applications.
Instructor:
Kevin Mara, Hi-Line Engineering
Schedule:
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the class will run from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Location & Hotel Information:
Location:
NWPPA
1st Floor Training Room
9817 NE 54th Street
Vancouver, WA 98662
Suggested Hotels:
Heathman Lodge
7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 254-3100
Ask for the NWPPA rate for 15% off advertised prices.
Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Vancouver
411 SE 123rd Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 892-4404
Fees:
Utility Member Early Bird (ends 6/16/25): $1,240
Utility Member Standard: $1,315
Associate Member Early Bird (ends 6/16/25): $1,860
Associate Member Standard: $1,935
Non-Member Early Bird (ends 6/16/25): $2,480
Non-Member Standard: $2,555
Canadian utility members, please contact registration@nwppa.org for pricing and to register.
Note: Organizations that register a group of employees will receive every fifth registration for free. For example, if you register five employees, you only pay for four; register 10 employees, you only pay for eight; and so on. There is nothing additional you need to do to receive this discount.
Cancellation Policies:
For webinars, virtual classes, and section meetings: cancellations at least five days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 1-4 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee.
For in-person events: cancellations at least 30 days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 15-29 days there will be a $100 fee; and within 1-14 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee.
When possible, please send a substitute instead of canceling; NWPPA does not charge a fee for substitutions. To request a refund, please contact us at registration@nwppa.org or (360) 254-0109.
Continuing Hours:
This course qualifies for 6 continuing hours. Certificates are issued upon full completion of the course.