The electric power industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The distribution grid in particular is being modernized via deployment of advanced Distribution Automation (DA) solutions such as Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR) and Volt-VAR Optimization (VVO). Concurrently, the distribution grid is hosting increasing penetration levels of Photovoltaic (PV) Distributed Generation (DG) that can affect system performance and cause a variety of impacts, including reverse power flow conditions, load masking, voltage rise and voltage fluctuations which can ultimately affect the performance of DA solutions. Similarly, DA solutions need to account for existing and future penetration levels of PV DG during the design, planning and deployment stages to ensure that no harmful interactions and misoperations occur. This delicate design, planning and operations balance needs to be carefully evaluated by distribution engineers to jointly modernize the grid and achieve DER readiness. This panel will discuss experiences and lessons learned from leading utilities and technical experts regarding deployment of DA solutions in distributions systems with DER.