Avoiding Project Delays

To help solar installers avoid any possible project delays, TEP has developed a list of common reasons why projects are delayed due to installation or administrative missteps. Reviewing these common mistakes will help ensure your project proceeds smoothly and on schedule. If you have any questions, please contact TEP at renewables@tep.com. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Top 20 Common Errors that Cause Project Delays

Installation-Related Causes

  1. The project is installed before TEP has reviewed and approved the customer application.
  2. TEP has not received or approved a variance requesting the location of the DG disconnect be farther than 10 feet away from the customer’s service entrance.
  3. The Plot Plan is missing from the submitted Notice of Installation Completion As Built.
  4. The Method of Interconnection listed on the PowerClerk application doesn’t match the Work Order created. For example, Derate on Work Order with Standard BackFed Breaker may be listed on application.
  5. The size of the installed system does not match the size listed on the application.
  6. The DG disconnect is wired incorrectly. Line conductors in the DG disconnect must terminate on line lugs.
  7. The DG meter socket is wired incorrectly. Solar conductors in the DG meter socket must terminate on top line lugs.
  8. Grounding/bonding problems.

Administrative-related Causes

  1. The TEP documents submitted are illegible.
  2. The customer’s signature or initials are missing on the TEP Interconnection Agreement.
  3. Outdated forms and documents are used and submitted. The most recent version of documents can be found on tep.com.
  4. Incomplete documents are uploaded or documents are missing for the project submission.
  5. TEP documents are signed by the wrong person. All documents must be signed by the property owner/main customer.
  6. Documents for rental properties must be signed by the property owner, not the tenant.
  7. The application submitted in PowerClerk contains incomplete or incorrect customer information.
  8. The name and title of the person authorized to sign on behalf of non-residential customers (company, school, municipality, etc.) is not on record in TEP’s Customer Care and Billing System.
  9. Distributed Generation Clearance (DGC) from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has not been received by TEP’s New Service Department.
  10. As Built packet is missing jurisdictional approval documentation, required project drawings and a plot plan.
  11. Final system size referenced in As Built Packet does not match system size entered into Power Clerk.
  12. The Distributed Generation Clearance is submitted to TEP, but the required System Commissioning Form has not been completed and submitted online in PowerClerk.