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
Hot Solar Summer: SEIA Rallies Lawmakers Across the Country to Act on Clean Energy Infrastructure
SEIA joins Sec. Granholm and Sen. Van Hollen to launch SolarAPP+ and discuss clean energy infrastructure. For most of the year, Congress has been working on legislation that can deliver on the President’s Build Back Better vision to create American clean energy jobs and strengthen U.S. infrastructure.
Solar Industry Doubles Down on Solar+ Decade Goal, Targets 30% Solar by 2030
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is increasing its goal for Solar+ Decade, aiming for solar to account for 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. The organization’s previous goal was 20% by 2030, and this revision aligns with the Biden administration’s clean energy targets while accounting for the growing urgency to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions in the electricity sector.
Secretary Granholm Asks U.S. Mayors to Speed Solar Deployment with Online Permitting Tool
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm wrote an open letter to all U.S. mayors asking them to adopt SolarAPP+, a transformative online solar permitting tool that helps to speed rooftop solar deployment. This effort comes as Secretary Granholm caps off the Summer of Solar, her push to educate Americans on the benefits of solar energy. Secretary Granholm set a goal to get 125 communities to sign up to learn more about SolarAPP+ by September 30.