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
2021 DG Solar Advocacy Campaign
SEIA is Developing a Coordinated Grassroots Campaign to Support Rooftop Solar Policy
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
Taking the Next Step Toward Our Clean Energy Goals
The latest U.S. Solar Market Insight report makes it clear that the solar industry will see historic growth over the next decade. In fact, the report’s forecasts show the U.S. solar market will grow 4x by 2030 and reach over 419 gigawatts (GW) of capacity.
Solar Advocates Propose Net Billing in California to Spur Rooftop Solar Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Vote Solar are calling on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to adopt a compensation framework for future residential solar customers that promotes equity and incentivizes sustainable market growth: net billing.
Texas Legislature Introduces Bill that Could Improve Rooftop Solar Access and Customer Choice
AUSTIN, TX and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following is a statement from Nakhia Crossley, central region director and counsel at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on new legislation that would improve rooftop solar access in Texas: