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DTE Energy solar interconnection: what it requires before you energize

MI (metro Detroit) · checked 2026-07-03 · request an update

How does DTE Energy detect unpermitted backfeed?

Being verified being verified

What happens if they catch you?

Operating in parallel without written approval subjects you to disconnection under the Rider 18 tariff, with credit forfeiture on termination. documented

Small and DIY interconnection requirements

Rider 18 Distributed Generation, $50 application fee, most homes are Level 1 (under 20 kW). Agreement signed in about 10 business days, then install, then DTE site visit with anti-islanding test and meter reprogramming before written permission to operate. documented

Billing is inflow/outflow, not net metering: you pay full retail for inflow, outflow is credited at the power supply rate minus transmission, roughly a 45% haircut vs the old program. Don't oversize, systems cap at 110% of annual usage. documented

Zero-export is a formal path here, not a loophole: DTE's non-export track requires reverse-power relaying and a three-line protection drawing, plus a study. documented

Buying a home with a system? New owners must call the interconnection hotline and sign a fresh Parallel Operating Agreement. documented

sources: DTE rooftop solar & interconnection · MPSC distributed generation

Related: Consumers Energy (MI) · NV Energy (NV)

Planning a zero-export or plug-in setup here? See the zero-export reality check and equipment notes.

Every claim above is evidence-graded: documented means it traces to the tariff or the utility's own filings, reported means a dated community report. The full table covers 53 utilities: see all of Gridrules.