Oregon PUC Level 1 OAR 860 039 0030 Interconnection Guide: Rules for 25 kW Inverter Systems

Key Takeaways

• Oregon's OAR 860-039-0030 governs Level 1 interconnection for inverter-based facilities.
• Eligible systems must have a capacity of 25 kilowatts or less (August 2026).
• Utilities have 10 business days to confirm a complete application and 20 business days to approve or deny (August 2026).
• If a decision is not made within 20 business days, the interconnection is deemed approved (August 2026).

What is the Oregon PUC Level 1 OAR 860-039-0030 Interconnection Guide?

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) OAR 860-039-0030 sets the procedures for Level 1 review of inverter-based customer-generator interconnections. This guide applies to facilities with a capacity of 25 kilowatts or less (August 2026). These rules ensure that smaller solar installations can connect to the grid safely and efficiently within Oregon.

We verified these provisions by consulting the official Oregon Public Law website for OAR 860-039-0030 on August 23, 2026.

Primary OAR 860-039-0030 Interconnection Provisions

The table below outlines the key statutory limitations and requirements for Level 1 interconnection in Oregon.

| Start Notice | Customer-generator must notify utility five business days prior to starting operation (August 2026). | Figures as of August 2026.

How We Verified These Interconnection Rules

We compiled the information in this guide directly from the official Oregon Public Law website, specifically referencing OAR 860-039-0030. Each provision listed is a direct quote or summary of the statutory language found at the provided source URL. This ensures that all figures and requirements reflect the current regulatory framework as of our access date, August 23, 2026. We did not consult secondary sources or interpret the rules beyond their explicit wording.

Understanding the "Deemed Approved" Mechanism

A critical aspect of Oregon's Level 1 interconnection process is the "deemed approved" provision. If a public utility does not notify a Level 1 applicant in writing or by electronic mail whether the interconnection is approved or denied within 20 business days after the receipt of an application, the interconnection will be deemed approved (August 2026). This mechanism provides a safeguard for applicants, preventing indefinite delays in the review process. It means that if the utility fails to act within the specified timeframe, the applicant can proceed with their interconnection as if it were formally approved. This provision underscores the importance of timely processing by utilities for smaller, inverter-based systems.

Key Considerations Before Applying for Level 1 Interconnection

Before submitting your application, it is important to confirm that your proposed solar electric generation system meets all Level 1 criteria. Ensure your facility is inverter-based and has a capacity of 25 kilowatts or less (August 2026). You should also check specific limitations related to your connection type:

• If connecting to a radial distribution circuit, the aggregate solar generation capacity, including your facility, must not exceed 15 percent of the circuit’s total annual peak load (August 2026).
• If connecting to a single-phase shared secondary, the aggregate generation capacity, including your facility, must not exceed 20 kilovolt-amps (August 2026).

Understanding these technical screens and the administrative timelines can help you navigate the application process effectively. For broader context on Oregon's solar policies, you may wish to consult our guide on Oregon PUC OAR 860-039-0010 Solar Net Metering Guide. Comparing Oregon's approach with other states can also be insightful; see our guides on Colorado PUC Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 Solar Interconnection Guide and Pennsylvania PUC Level 1 and Level 2 Solar Interconnection Guide.