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
America Exceeds Five Million Solar Installations Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has officially exceeded five million solar installations, marking a significant achievement in the nation's clean energy transition. This milestone comes just eight years after the U.S. reached one million installations in 2016 — a milestone that took 40 years to achieve following the first grid-connected solar installation in 1973.
Virginia Enacts Law to Strengthen Energy Choice with Third-Party Solar Financing
RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia General Assembly has officially passed House Bill 1062/Senate Bill 271, allowing rooftop solar leasing with a third-party in Virginia and strengthening energy choice for customers. The law becomes effective on July 1, 2024.
The Solar Century: Landmark Moments in the History of Solar Energy
The history of solar energy is an American success story. Since the creation of the first silicon solar cell 70 years ago, solar leaders have been innovating, improving efficiency, lowering costs, and growing this American-born technology into an essential part of our nation’s energy system.