Rooftop Solar

Rooftop solar brings the benefits of clean energy directly to communities, by meeting local energy needs affordably, creating new local jobs, and supporting electric grid reliability. Plus, we can build it more quickly than other technologies to battle climate change.

A map of the U.S. showing what percentage of state electricity use could be met by in-state rooftop solar alone

Most states could meet at least 20 percent of their electricity needs with rooftop solar alone, according to the 2020 update of Energy Self-Reliant States.

Energy Self-Reliant States

Featured Resources

The State(s) of Distributed Solar

An annual accounting of which states lead and which lag when it comes to developing local solar on rooftops and in community solar projects.

Community Power Scorecard

An annual report scoring states for their energy democracy policies, including those supporting rooftop solar such as net metering and interconnection, as well as those holding monopoly utilities accountable.

Utilities Aren’t Telling the Whole Truth About Solar Costs

This slideshow breaks down why solar costs are comparable, no matter the project size.

Why Utility Execs Hate Distributed Solar

A presentation on the unique benefits of local solar (rooftop and community scale) and why utility companies fight it anyway.

Advantage Local

Our 2023 report shows how local ownership can boost the economic impacts of clean energy, cut through public opposition to project development, and put power back in the hands of people instead of polluting utility monopolies.

Don’t Follow California’s Lead on Rooftop Solar

In 2022, California utility regulators slashed net metering compensation. Why other states should avoid this mistake, in ILSR's Local Energy Rules podcast.

More on Rooftop Solar

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Article

Simpler Solar Permitting Is a Key to Affordable Electricity

State and local governments can expand solar access and slash electric bills by simplifying complex and expensive permitting processes.

Photograph of four people with hard hats and other safety gear installing a solar panel on a home's roof next to other solar panels.

Podcasts and Videos

Reducing Red Tape to Slash Rooftop Solar Costs — Episode 272 of Local Energy Rules

States can slash rooftop solar costs with instant permits and remote visits.

Charts & Graphs

The State(s) of Distributed Solar — 2025 Update

How much of the U.S. solar fleet is made up of smaller, distributed sources that help communities build local wealth? This 2025 update examines the...