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.
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 Cost-Benefit Studies
Solar Automated Permit Processing
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
SEIA Commends New York State for Signing Historic Renewable Energy Mandate into Law
Washington, D.C.—Today, Governor Cuomo signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act into law, one of the most aggressive renewable energy mandates in the United States. The historic law will require the state to procure 6 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2025 and for the state’s utilities to get 70% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
We Energies Drops Plan to Tax Solar Customers After Massive Public Outcry
WASHINGTON, D.C.and MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, RENEW Wisconsin and We Energies announced that We Energies will drop its plans to tax its customers who own their own solar panels.
New Solar Permit Software to Reduce Costs and Expand Residential Markets
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and The Solar Foundation are joining the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), several national residential solar companies, and other nonprofit organizations to develop new automated permit software for distributed solar and storage, reducing the cost of solar installations and saving resources for local governments and taxpayers.