Germany is a solar energy leader, but the German solar market does still have its challenges. A big one? Navigating the grid approval process. With approximately 800 Distribution System Operators (DSOs) across the country, each with its own specific requirements, obtaining approval can feel like navigating a maze — and not the fun kind.
One requirement that’s consistent across utilities is the single-line diagram (SLD). This standardized electrical diagram acts as a blueprint for the PV system, clearly illustrating the main components — from panels and inverters to disconnects, breakers, the meter, and the crucial connection point. A well-prepared, accurate SLD is a fundamental piece of the grid approval process.
The current process of generating approval-ready SLDs presents its own set of challenges, however. While many solar design software platforms offer SLD capabilities, they often require technical planners to manually add essential components like breakers or meters, a time-consuming step that requires technical expertise and often additional software or workarounds.
This effort can add a lot of time to the technical planning phase and, ultimately, contributes to delays in securing those critical grid connection approvals — impacting project timelines and overall growth. Through our conversations with solar installers throughout Germany, the need for a more streamlined and automated SLD generation process has become abundantly clear.
So, with input from customers like you, Aurora is developing a solution to help. It allows solar installers to automatically generate single-line diagrams based on the system that was sold, but also offers greater flexibility so that installers can modify and add components before exporting for grid approvals.
The idea, of course, is to significantly reduce the manual effort involved in creating SLDs, freeing up time for your technical teams and accelerating your grid approval process.
Want to see more of how we’re helping to simplify grid approvals in Germany?
Come visit us at Booth C4.409 at InterSolar Europe. We’ll give you a sneak peek of how our new SLD generation tool can help your business navigate the solar approval maze.