Federal, State & Regulatory Policy
Regardless of technology or size, every facet of the solar industry is affected by local, state and federal policy. SEIA is engaged with policymakers at the regulatory and legislative levels in Washington, D.C. and across the country to establish supportive policy frameworks that allow solar to compete in the marketplace and offer cost-competitive, reliable energy to consumers.
Rooftop Solar
Electricity produced at or near the point where it is used is called Distributed Generation (DG). Distributed solar energy can be located on rooftops or ground-mounted, and is typically connected to the local utility distribution grid. There are a wide variety of policies at the state and local level that impact distributed solar and its customers.
Utility-Scale Solar
Utility-scale solar has been generating reliable, clean energy with a stable fuel price for more than two decades. By enacting federal and state-level policies to accelerate the growth of utility-scale solar, we can create jobs nationwide and quickly diversify America’s energy portfolio.
Community Solar
Community solar has become a critical tool for bridging the gap between those who can and can't access local, affordable, clean energy.
Regulatory Policy
With the rapid growth in solar energy deployment necessary to decarbonize our economy, the industry faces new and quickly evolving needs and challenges across a wide variety of federal regulatory agencies
Tax Policy
The U.S. has a long history of supporting energy infrastructure through the U.S. tax code. The market certainty provided by the long-term solar investment tax credit (ITC) has supported private investment in manufacturing and project construction, a vital part in meeting our nation's energy policy goals, driving cost-cutting innovation and job growth.
Additional Policy Mechanisms
Federal DOE Appropriations
Learn MorePerformance-Based Incentives
Learn MoreReverse Auction Mechanism
Learn MoreWholesale Distributed Generation
Learn MoreRelated News
Virginia Enacts Law to Strengthen Energy Choice with Third-Party Solar Financing
The Virginia General Assembly has officially passed House Bill 1062/Senate Bill 271, allowing rooftop solar leasing with a third-party in Virginia and strengthening energy choice for customers. The law becomes effective on July 1, 2024.
Leading the Charge: The Top 5 Solar States of 2023
Solar is coming off a landmark, record-shattering year in 2023. To celebrate this momentous year, SEIA is counting down the top five solar states of 2023 — all of which are positioning themselves as national leaders in America’s energy economy.
Solar Industry Statement on CPUC Community Solar Decision
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This week the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposed decision that rejects a plan to bolster the state’s community solar market and instead approves a utility-backed alternative. Following is a statement from Stephanie Doyle, California State Affairs Director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):