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ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Who Pays? The Financial Burden Of Grid Upgrades On Community Solar Developers

Authors: Samuel N Nimaful; Joel Holison; Augustine Hanyabui; Laureta Tatenda Nyamsutswa; Gloria O Darkoh;

Who Pays? The Financial Burden Of Grid Upgrades On Community Solar Developers

Abstract

Community solar projects allow multiple customers to share power from a single solar array, but often require significant distribution grid upgrades for interconnection. This paper analyzes who bears the cost of these upgrades in the United States. We review the background of community solar and interconnection processes, identify types and drivers of upgrade costs, and compare cost-allocation practices across jurisdictions. Primary sources (FERC orders, state regulations, utility tariffs) and recent studies are used. Notable case studies—such as a 0.975 MW Connecticut project facing a $26 million upgrade bill and a 140 MW Massachusetts cluster incurring $116 million—provide quantitative context. We examine financing models, risk allocation, and developer strategies to manage upgrade costs, as well as policy proposals for equitable cost-sharing. The findings highlight trade-offs: strict "cost-causation" rules protect ratepayers but may stall projects, whereas socializing costs can speed clean energy deployment but raises fairness concerns, especially for low-income communities. Recommendations include proactive grid investment programs, cluster cost-sharing, and flexible interconnection options. The paper concludes by identifying research gaps and methodological limitations.

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    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
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    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average