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 federal, state and local level that impact distributed solar and its customers.
Spotlight: Net Metering
Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they aren't using back into the grid. Many states have passed net metering laws. In other states, utilities may offer net metering programs voluntarily or as a result of regulatory decisions. Differences between state legislation, regulatory decisions and implementation policies mean that the mechanism for compensating solar customers varies widely across the country.
Featured Rooftop Solar Resources
Principles for the Evolution of Net Metering & Rate Design
Solar Automated Permit Processing
Solar Cost-Benefit Studies
Rooftop Solar Initiatives & Policies
Local Permitting
Learn MoreGrid Modernization
Learn MoreUtility Rate Design
Learn MoreRebates & Incentives
Learn MoreSolar Access Rights
Learn MoreProperty-Assessed Clean Energy
Learn MoreRelated News
Solar Industry Responds to White House Efforts to Speed Clean Energy Deployment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the White House released a fact sheet outlining their clean energy deployment priorities. Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on this development.
California Decision Would Gut Net Metering, Harm Clean Energy Progress
SACRAMENTO, Calif. and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the California Public Utilities Commission issued a proposal that will create the highest solar tax in the country and tarnish the state’s clean energy legacy. The proposal imposes fees on solar and storage customers, making solar and storage more expensive and less accessible to all Californians.
Net Metering Agreement in North Carolina Follows South Carolina’s Lead
RAHLEIGH, NC and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the past few years, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) advocated for energy choice and solar energy expansion in North Carolina through policies that work for the region.