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
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
Leading the Charge: The Top 5 Solar States of 2023
Solar is coming off a landmark, record-shattering year in 2023. To celebrate this momentous year, SEIA is counting down the top five solar states of 2023 — all of which are positioning themselves as national leaders in America’s energy economy.
Solar Installations Skyrocket in 2023 in Record-Setting First Full Year of Inflation Reduction Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. solar industry added a record-shattering 32.4 gigawatts (GW) of new electric generating capacity in 2023, a 37% increase from the previous record set in 2021 and a 51% increase from 2022. According to the U.S. Solar Market Insight 2023 Year-in-Review released today by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, solar accounts for 53% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid last year.
Raising the Bar for Consumer Protection Work in the Solar and Storage Industry
Solar remains one of the most popular energy sources across America, and millions of Americans have already made the switch to solar. This surge in demand means even more Americans will consider solar or solar plus storage for the first time in the near future, making this the right time to double down on consumer protection.