Skip to main content
Calcimator

Grid Interconnection Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost of interconnecting a generation project to the grid.

Inputs

MW
miles
$
$/mile

Results

Total Interconnection Cost

$4,770,000.00

≈ 11 average U.S. homes

Cost per MW

$95,400.00

≈ 9 years of state college

Transmission Line$2,500,000.00
Transformer Cost$1,250,000.00
Switchgear & Protection$750,000.00
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Project Size, Distance to Substation, and Interconnection Voltage.
  2. Set 34.5 kV, 69 kV, and 138 kV.
  3. Adjust 230 kV, Study & Engineering Cost as needed.
  4. Review Total Interconnection Cost ($) and Cost per MW ($).
  5. Use Transmission Line ($) and Transformer Cost ($) to inform your decision.

How the result changes with Distance to Substation

Distance to SubstationTotal Interconnection CostCost per MW
5.09$4,815,000.00$96,300.00
18$11,270,000.00$225,400.00
33$18,770,000.00$375,400.00
45$24,770,000.00$495,400.00

What each input means

Project Size
Nameplate capacity of the generation project.
Distance to Substation
Distance from the project to the nearest substation.
Interconnection Voltage
Voltage level at the point of interconnection.
Study & Engineering Cost
Cost of interconnection studies and engineering.
Step-Up Transformer
Whether a step-up transformer is needed.
Line Cost
Transmission line construction cost per mile.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Project Size = 50, Distance to Substation = 5, Interconnection Voltage = 69, Study & Engineering Cost = 100000 = 6 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total Interconnection Cost
    Total Interconnection Cost
    4770000 = $4,770,000
  3. Calculate Cost per MW
    Cost per MW
    95400 = $95,400
  4. Calculate Transmission Line
    Transmission Line
    2500000 = $2,500,000
  5. Calculate Transformer Cost
    Transformer Cost
    1250000 = $1,250,000

Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Power Grid

Load Flow Calculator

Calculate power flow, losses, and voltage drop through transmission lines.

Power Grid

Power Purchase Agreement Calculator

Compare PPA rates with utility rates over the contract term.

Power Grid

Demand Response Savings Calculator

Calculate revenue and savings from demand response load curtailment.

More in Energy & Utilities.