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Grid Modernization Whitepaper Series

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About this Whitepaper Series

This series of SEIA policy briefs takes an in-depth look at state-level efforts to modernize the electric utility grid. Built during the last century, the United States electric grid was primarily designed to transport electricity from central station power plants to end-use customers. But with rapid growth of distributed energy resources such as solar, customers are increasingly taking charge of their own energy. Today’s electric grid must allow distributed energy technologies to flourish and provide reliable, low-cost power for consumers. Distributed energy resources, like solar, can also provide power where it is needed most and help avoid investments that a utility would otherwise need to make.

This series explores the elements of electric grid modernization, compares the ways in which two leading states are tackling these issues, and discusses how these efforts are creating new opportunities for solar power. Grid modernization efforts in states present significant risks and opportunities for solar. These efforts will determine how much new solar and other distributed energy resources can interconnect to the grid, identify areas where solar can provide grid services in lieu of utility investments, and in some states, will shape the future of net energy metering.

Download the individual papers in this series

Part 1: How California & New York are Building Grids that Encourage the Growth of Distributed Energy Resources

Part 2: Improving Distribution System Planning to Incorporate Distributed Energy Resources

Part 3: Hosting Capacity: Using Increased Transparency of Grid Constraints to Accelerate Interconnection Processes

Part 4: Getting More Granular: How Value of Location and Time May Change Compensation for Distributed Energy Resources

Part 5: DER and the Non-Wires Solutions Opportunity