PRECISE: PREconfiguring and Controlling Inverter SEt-points

2019 R&D 100 Winner

NLR accelerates distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection with PRECISE™—PREconfiguring and Controlling Inverter SEt-points, delivering automated interconnection evaluations in minutes.

PRECISE is an R&D 100 Award-winning software platform that helps utilities seamlessly interconnect DERs like rooftop solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles.

Traditionally, utilities have relied on manual reviews and shortcuts, leading to slow turnaround times and inconsistent outcomes. PRECISE flips that model by bringing together digital intake, power-flow modeling, and automation, cutting wait times and costs and reducing interconnection reviews from days or weeks to just minutes.

Key Value and Capabilities

PRECISE goes beyond simple screening. It combines detailed distribution system modeling with grid condition analysis to provide custom solutions tailored to fit a utility’s unique local needs.

In its most sophisticated configuration, PRECISE works with integrated utility databases (e.g., Geographic Information System, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, Customer Information System) and can perform detailed, time-series power flow simulations. However, PRECISE is designed to scale and adapt to varying levels of data availability. Even with limited datasets, it can still be adapted to conduct a simplified evaluation to quickly screen interconnection requests and improve process efficiency.

How It Works: Data In, Actionable Insights Out

PRECISE evaluates a DER's grid impact by integrating with existing business workflows and databases to deliver automated, repeatable evaluations.

Tool Inputs

  • DER technical parameters such as capacity, location and technology type from interconnection application
  • Feeder topology (including secondaries) and equipment data from Geographic Information System, asset databases and/or existing power-flow models like Windmil, CYME etc.
  • Load and voltage measurements (Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
  • Irradiance, weather and customer data (Customer Information System)

These inputs enable PRECISE to develop models and accurately evaluate each proposed DER's impact on the distribution grid. When full, high-resolution data is not available, PRECISE can adapt to operate with a limited set, to conduct simplified evaluations.

Tool Outputs

  • Pass/fail evaluation results
  • Reduced capacity recommendations if requested capacity cannot be accommodated
  • Smart inverter setting recommendations to mitigate constraints
  • Flexible interconnection schedules to limit DER export during constrained times
  • Nodal hosting capacity estimates (maximum DER size at a specific location without violations).

If time-series data is available, PRECISE can also identify when constraints occur (by hour or season), enabling targeted mitigation strategies.

Real-World Success and the Future of Interconnection

PRECISE was developed in collaboration with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and went live in 2022. Through automation, data integration, and fast computing techniques, PRECISE can easily handle hundreds of applications daily. This deployment serves as a proven template for utilities wishing to conquer their growing interconnection queues.

Aerial view photo of Sacramento's Tower Bridge and the Sacramento River, looking towards the Capitol mall and building.

Questions PRECISE Can Answer

  • How can utilities reduce interconnection delays while still ensuring grid safety and reliability?
  • Can a given DER be connected without violating grid constraints?
  • If the requested DER size fails, what is the acceptable reduced capacity?
  • Could smart inverter functions or flexible schedules enable more capacity without upgrades?
  • What is the maximum DER capacity (nodal hosting capacity) possible at this location?
  • When do system constraints occur, if time-series data is available?

Partner With Us

NLR is actively seeking partnerships to advance the state of the art in DER interconnection. How can we work together?

  • See PRECISE in Action: Request a live demo to see firsthand how PRECISE automates technical evaluations and cuts wait times.
  • License PRECISE: Deploy the platform to automate your interconnection evaluation.
  • Innovate Together: Collaborate with us to explore and codevelop next-generation artificial intelligence, large load, and flexible interconnection solutions.

To learn more about PRECISE review the PRECISE fact sheet or check out the Powered by PRECISE webinar slides.

In the News

NLR and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District Launch Groundbreaking Automation Tool for Interconnecting Customer Solar to the Grid, NLR News (2022)

Contact

For questions or more information, email the PRECISE team.

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Last Updated Oct. 20, 2026