The process from submitting an application through to the connection and operation of a photovoltaic station with a capacity greater than 100 kW is summarized in the following steps:
Step 1: Submit a connection application to the Network Operator.
Step 2: If the application file is complete and its details are correct, the Operator examines the request and issues a connection offer to the applicant, or notifies them that connection is not possible. The offer describes the connection works and their cost, and is initially valid for a period of two (2) months from the date it is issued. The applicant must submit written acceptance within this period. If the two-month period expires without action, the connection offer automatically expires.
Under Ministerial Decision ΥΠΕΝ/ ΓΔΕ/84014/7123 (Government Gazette B’ 4333/12.8.2022), applications for photovoltaic stations installed on buildings or other structures, or operated under the responsibility of General Land Reclamation Organizations (G.O.E.B.), Local Land Reclamation Organizations (T.O.E.B.) or the Organization for the Development of Crete S.A. (O.A.K. S.A.), or owned by non-profit Energy Communities, or involving low-voltage self-consumption, are classified in Group C, while other self-consumption photovoltaic stations are classified in Group E. If connection is not possible, the Operator keeps the application pending, provided it receives a relevant request from the applicant.
Step 3: Accept the connection offer and submit a request for the Connection Agreement to be drawn up. If the Final Connection Offer is accepted, its validity period for photovoltaic stations with a maximum production capacity of up to and including one megawatt (1 MW) for self-consumption with simultaneous and virtual simultaneous netting is set at:
a) Eighteen (18) months from its issue for stations connected to the Distribution Network or the System, provided that no work is required at HV/MV substations,
b) Thirty (30) months from its issue for stations connected to the Distribution Network, if construction of a new HV/MV substation or expansion of an HV/MV substation is required.
b) Thirty (30) months from its issue for stations connected to the Distribution Network, if construction of a new HV/MV substation or expansion of an HV/MV substation is required.
For stations with an installed capacity greater than 1 MW, the Final Connection Offer is valid for thirty-six (36) months.
Step 4: Sign the Connection Agreement and pay the relevant charge at the same time. The Operator then proceeds with construction of the connection works. The responsible Operator completes the connection works within one (1) month of signing the Connection Agreement, provided that no new works are required. Otherwise, the connection works are completed within four (4) months for stations connected to low voltage; within eight (8) months for stations connected to medium or high voltage, provided that no work is required at HV/MV substations; or within eighteen (18) months if construction of a new HV/MV substation or expansion of an HV/MV substation is required. If a third party (representative) submitted the application for the Final Connection Offer, that same third party accepts the Final Connection Offer, signs the Connection Agreement and pays the relevant charge.
Step 5: Submit an application to enter into a Simultaneous Netting Agreement to the Supplier representing the supply to be used for netting, and to the Aggregator.
Step 6: Sign the Simultaneous Netting Agreement.
Step 7: Submit an application to activate the connection. Once construction of the generation station is complete, the applicant declares that it is ready and requests the Operator to activate the station’s connection.
Step 8: Activate the connection within the validity period of the connection offer. When the connection is activated, the Simultaneous Netting Agreement, which has a term of twenty (20) years, enters into force.
For smaller stations (“notified” stations, i.e. those with a capacity of up to and including 100 kW), the process is simpler, as DEDDIE does not need to issue a connection terms offer.
To connect these stations, the applicant informs the Network Operator of their intention to install the station in question by submitting the required supporting documents.
Within fifteen (15) days of being notified of the applicant’s interest, the Network Operator informs the applicant whether the requested connection has been accepted or rejected.
Next:
A. In In the event of acceptance, the Network Operator sends the applicant the Connection Agreement, which specifies the connection cost, the required connection works, the time required to complete them, as well as any other information required to substantiate the need to carry out the specific connection works and their cost.
A. In In the event of acceptance, the Network Operator sends the applicant the Connection Agreement, which specifies the connection cost, the required connection works, the time required to complete them, as well as any other information required to substantiate the need to carry out the specific connection works and their cost.
The applicant must sign the Connection Agreement within sixty (60) days and pay the corresponding fee for the agreement to take effect.
The Network Operator completes construction of the connection works:
a) Within one (1) month of signing the Connection Agreement, provided that no new distribution network works are required, or
b) Within four (4) months for stations connected to the low-voltage network,
c) Within eight (8) months for stations connected to the Medium Voltage network, provided that no work is required at HV/MV substations, or
d) Within eighteen (18) months, if construction of a new HV/MV substation or expansion of an HV/MV substation is required.
B. In the event of rejection, the responsible Network Operator informs the applicant of the reasons for the rejection.
a) Within one (1) month of signing the Connection Agreement, provided that no new distribution network works are required, or
b) Within four (4) months for stations connected to the low-voltage network,
c) Within eight (8) months for stations connected to the Medium Voltage network, provided that no work is required at HV/MV substations, or
d) Within eighteen (18) months, if construction of a new HV/MV substation or expansion of an HV/MV substation is required.
B. In the event of rejection, the responsible Network Operator informs the applicant of the reasons for the rejection.