Freeing the Grid is a policy guide that grades all 50 states on two key renewable energy programs: net metering and interconnection procedures. Together these policies empower energy customers to use rooftop solar and other small-scale renewables to meet their own electricity needs.  Now in its sixth year of publication, the report shows that states nationwide are continuing to embrace best practices and drive further improvements in these core renewable energy policies. The report’s methodology was also adopted for use in the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot initiative, which aims to reduce the cost of going solar by 75% before the end of the decade. Freeing the Grid is a project of:

 

The Vote Solar Initiative

America’s energy problems — from economic crisis to global climate change — will only be solved by a national transition to renewables. Clean, homegrown, reliable solar energy is ready to play a large part of the solution. It is the fastest growing energy source in the world, but we have still just scratched the surface of solar’s vast energy potential. Vote Solar is a non-profit grassroots organization working to bring solar into the mainstream.

 

Interstate Renewable Energy Council

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the use of renewable energy since 1982. IREC’s programs and policies lead to easier, more affordable connection to the utility grid; fair credit for renewable energy produced; best practices for states, municipalities, utilities and industry; and quality assessment for the growing green workforce through the credentialing of trainers and training programs.

 

The North Carolina Solar Center

Created in 1988, the North Carolina Solar Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University (NCSU), works closely with state and local government and the renewable energy industry. It manages and maintains the NCSU Solar House and serves as a resource for innovative, green energy technologies through research and demonstration, technical assistance, education, outreach and training. It also administers the Database of Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), a resource providing financial incentives and policies.

 

Network for New Energy Choices

Network for New Energy Choices promotes environmentally responsible energy policies and technologies. NNEC, formed in 2006, is a program of the GRACE Communications Foundation, which uses web-based initiatives to increase public awareness about the interconnections among food, water and energy systems, and promote sustainable and renewable solutions.

 

Note: This report was prepared with the best information available at the time of writing. We welcome any new information and comments as we strive to make each edition of Freeing the Grid as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors.