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
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:
Monopoly Power Play in South Carolina Threatens Energy Freedom
COLUMBIA, S.C. and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Dominion filed a rate case that ignores the intent of the 2019 Energy Freedom Act in South Carolina. Dominion’s filing would add grid access charges, a monthly subscription cost for solar customers, and a low export rate for net metering customers which unnecessarily inflates solar costs and devalues these investments.
Solar Industry Secures Win in Ameren Effort to Block Net Metering in Illinois
CHICAGO and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over the past few months the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) worked alongside a coalition of solar and environmental groups to argue against Ameren’s attempt to end net metering in Southern and Central Illinois. Yesterday the Illinois Commerce Commission sided with the solar industry and effectively saved net metering for thousands of current and future solar customers in Illinois.