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
Net Metering Agreement in North Carolina Follows South Carolina’s Lead
RAHLEIGH, NC and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the past few years, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) advocated for energy choice and solar energy expansion in North Carolina through policies that work for the region.
Florida Legislation Will Gut the Rooftop Solar Market, Energy Freedom in the State
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. and WASHINGTON D.C. — Legislation filed yesterday in the Florida Legislature aims to end net metering for rooftop solar customers, effectively shutting down this key sector of the state economy and undermining energy freedom for tens of thousands of Floridians.
SEIA Axes the Grid Access Charge in Arizona
PHOENIX and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the Arizona Corporation Commission decided to eliminate a decade-old grid access fee for residential solar customers in Arizona. The grid access fee, which was imposed by Arizona Public Service, averaged about $100 per year per solar customer and unfairly targeted solar customers under the guise that it cost more to provide them with electricity service.