Every time the utility returns a project with pending items, you lose weeks, redo work for free and dent the customer's trust. Most rejections come from avoidable, repetitive mistakes. Knowing this list is the fastest way to get approval at the first attempt.
Documentation and registration errors
The undisputed leaders: a missing or inconsistent ART/TRT (the engineer's technical responsibility record), holder data that does not match the bill (name, tax ID, consumer unit number), illegible documents and an incomplete access request form. Make sure the project holder is the same person as on the electricity bill — a mismatch here blocks everything.
Technical errors in the design
On the technical side, the classics are: an incomplete single-line diagram or one missing required protections; no visible disconnect device; inverter power incompatible with the service entrance; outdated datasheets or equipment without INMETRO registration; and breaker or conductor sizing outside the standard. Always use INMETRO-registered equipment and follow each utility's standard — they vary.
Power and service-entrance errors
Another common reason is ignoring the service entrance: installing more generation than the service drop or meter can take, or requiring an unrequested load increase. In some cases the utility asks for grid reinforcement or a transformer replacement, with cost and delay. Anticipate this at the site visit and size within the limit of the connection point. See also our step-by-step grid connection guide and the overview of grid connection in Brazil.
Top reasons for rejection and how to avoid them
| Reason | How to avoid |
|---|---|
| Data inconsistent with the bill | Check holder, consumer unit and tax ID before submitting |
| Missing ART/TRT | Issue and attach it with the responsible engineer |
| Incomplete single-line diagram | Include all protections and disconnection |
| Equipment without INMETRO registration | Use registered inverters and modules |
| Power above the service entrance | Validate service drop and meter at the site visit |
| Illegible documents | Scan in good quality and name the files |