Solar Export Map

Solar can be installed anywhere in LPEA's service territory. However, when a distributed generation system, such as a rooftop solar system, is connected to the electrical grid, the amount of power it can safely export depends on local grid circumstances. In some areas, new systems may need to limit how much power they export back to the grid, through a non-exporting configuration, to protect grid safety and reliability for everyone. This does not prevent you from installing solar; it determines which type of system fits your area.  

How It Works

Use the interactive map below to see whether where you live currently has full export availability for distributed generation or is in a self-supply zone. Type an address into the search bar to see the designation of the location. A description of each designation is in the table below.

  1. Search by address: Enter a location in the search bar in the top right corner. 
  2. Explore the Map: Scroll and zoom to find a parcel. 
  3. Note the Color of the Zone: Use the color diagram below to understand each zone. 

*We will be updating the map on a regular basis. However, please note that there is a time-lag between when a solar interconnection application is submitted and when we review it. It is possible that there could be multiple interconnection applications submitted for the same area at approximately the same time, which could result in a situation where the status shown on the map at the time an interconnection application is submitted will not correlate with the actual status when the LPEA engineering review is completed. In these instances, solar interconnection applications will be evaluated based on our most up-to-date data, regardless of what is or was displayed on the map when the interconnection application was submitted. 

What do the zones/colors mean? 

LPEA's grid is divided into zones based on how much solar power is being produced compared to the need for power during the day on particular feeders.

In every zone, we encourage you to get a quote from a local LPEA Qualified Solar Installer, who can guide you on the next steps and submit an Interconnection Application on your behalf when you're ready.

Designation Impact on Ability to Interconnect Details 

Full Export Available

 Exporting allowed and net metering bill credits apply. 

  • Batteries are highly encouraged to store excess daytime production and discharge at night to avoid peak power charges. 

  • After you install solar and receive Permission to Operate, your electric bill will change to a net metered account. 

Export Available/Approaching Self-Supply

 Exporting and net metering are still allowed, but this zone is approaching the limit on new exporting systems. You may want to act soon to install an exporting system. 

  • Batteries are highly encouraged, for the same reasons as Zone 1. 

  • We strive to keep this map up to date, but applications already received (and not yet evaluated) may claim the remaining ability to export in a Zone 2 area and cause the area to be recharacterized as Zone 3, self-supply. It's possible to see a Zone 2 designation when you apply and still be unable to export when your application is reviewed. 

  • After you install solar and receive Permission to Operate, your electric bill will change to a net metered account. 

Self-Supply Only/No Export

You can install solar and interconnect with the grid, but your system will be limited to a non-exporting setup. That means it produces only what your home needs in real time (or to charge batteries, if you have them) rather than sending power back to the grid. This is achieved through software and hardware settings available on most major inverter and power control systems. In practice, these systems still send a very small, unavoidable amount of energy to the grid, since production can't perfectly match home load at every instant — these small, inadvertent exports are allowed. 

  • Net metering does not apply to non-exporting systems. Aside from using less energy, your bill will look the same as before you installed solar, and there will not be tracking of energy sent back to the grid, known as net metering. 

  • Consider right sizing your system to daytime needs for now, leaving room for future expansion. This may take the form of ‘balcony solar’, also known as Plug-in PV.  

What you need to know about Plug-in/Balcony Solar. 

  • Batteries are highly encouraged to help you use more of your own solar production and avoid peak power charges/on-peak charges. 

  • Want to export in the future? Apply to Export and join the Solar Export Queue to be notified when the opportunity to export becomes available. 

*Sign up for our Solar Capacity Waitlist to be notified of available capacity

A quick note on net metering. After you install solar and receive Permission to Operate, LPEA tracks the energy you send back to the grid and credits it against the energy you use at other times. That's net metering — and it applies in Zones 1 and 2, but not to self-supply systems in Zone 3.

Apply to Export: Solar Export Queue

If you're in a Zone 3 (Self-Supply Only; No Export) area and want to be able to export power to the grid, we strongly recommend you Apply to Export. This places you on a first-come, first-served notification list, and you'll be notified when the opportunity to export becomes available; so you can begin exporting and receiving net metered credits. You can register whether you already have a non-exporting system installed or are still planning your system. To sign up, first note the feeder listed in the pop-up window on the Solar Export Map when you enter your address, then visit the Solar Export Queue to sign up.