How to Use This Map
Use the buttons above the map to choose what to display. One view at a time.
Show on map:
- Overall status: community solar and community ownership combined
- Virtual or Remote Net Metering: the bill-crediting system community solar runs on
- Community Solar: policies that enable or inhibit community solar
- Other State Support for Community-Owned Solar: state funding or incentives for community ownership
Colors:
- dark green = community solar and community ownership support;
- orange = community solar only, limited;
- grey = no enabling policies.
Exploring states: Click any state for its full report. Click ← All jurisdictions to return.
List tab: The same data as a sortable, searchable table you can download as a CSV.
About This Policy Map
What are CS and COS?
Community solar (CS) allows those who are unable to install solar panels on their properties to access solar energy through CS farms. After a solar array is developed in a utility service area, the panels are connected to the grid and can supply solar energy to homes. Any homes in the same utility service area can access the solar energy produced by purchasing a subscription to the farm. This system lets homes run on low-cost, clean energy, resulting in annual savings of 5-20% on electricity bills. Community-owned solar (COS) projects are generally owned collectively by local stakeholders, shareholders, or users. This is often facilitated through voluntary membership, voting rights, economic participation, and autonomy. Members typically have voting power and enjoy the associated benefits directly.
What this Policy Map Page Covers?
The objective of this report is to provide comprehensive, state-by-state documentation of policies related to CS and COS, including:
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Policies that incentivize or inhibit CS and COS
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Details on the size, eligibility, and benefit distribution of these programs
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Illustrative projects and active solar cooperatives
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A list of reference documents and sites for further information
Key Takeaways
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Among the 50 US states, thirteen have policies in place to enable virtual or remote net metering.
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Twenty-four states have policies that enable or inhibit community solar.
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Finally, thirteen states have state- or municipal-level financial support to enable community-owned solar.