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Tennessee Valley Authority solar interconnection: what it requires before you energize

TN + 6 states (153 LPCs) · checked 2026-07-09 · request an update

How does Tennessee Valley Authority detect unpermitted backfeed?

Being verified being verified

What happens if they catch you?

Being verified being verified

Small and DIY interconnection requirements

TVA isn't your utility: it's the federal wholesale authority behind roughly 153 local power companies, and your interconnection agreement is always with your LPC, under the LPC's own rules. TVA sets the framework on top. documented

No net metering exists anywhere in TVA territory, their own FAQ states it flatly. Self-consumption is the entire game here. documented

Exports can still pay through Dispersed Power Production: sell excess or all generation to TVA at avoided cost, paid monthly by ACH, enrolled via the TVA Green Hub. An executed interconnection agreement with your LPC comes first, and systems 250 kW or under skip TVA transmission screening. documented

Green Connect, the residential on-ramp, requires a TVA Quality Contractor Network installer, so pure DIY takes the plain LPC-interconnection route instead. And mind the fine print: without DPP enrollment, the agreement says you will not be reimbursed for power that flows to the grid. documented

sources: TVA dispersed power production · TVA Green Connect hub

Related: Knoxville Utilities Board (TN (TVA LPC)) · Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (TN (TVA LPC)) · Duke Energy Ohio (OH)

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.