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
Governor DeSantis Protects Energy Freedom in Florida, Vetoes Anti-Rooftop Solar Bill
TALLAHASSEE, FL and WASHINGTON D.C. — In a major win for energy freedom and Florida’s clean energy economy, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill today that would have undercut the state’s growing rooftop solar market by phasing down net metering and allowing utilities to charge potentially unlimited fees on thousands of solar customers in the state.
Governor Youngkin Signs Energy Generation Property Tax Exemption Into Law, Strengthening Energy Freedom in Virginia
RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill into law today which creates a property tax exemption for residential and mixed-use solar energy systems up to 25 kilowatts in size. This new law expands energy freedom for consumers and creates an additional incentive to do business in the Commonwealth.
Solar Growth Trajectory Remains Uncertain as Federal Legislation Stalls
WASHINGTON, D.C. and HOUSTON, TX — In 2021, U.S. solar prices increased as much as 18% due to unprecedented supply chain challenges, trade actions, and legislative uncertainty, according to the U.S. Solar Market Insight 2021 Year in Review report.