Fixed-charge hikes undermine the economics of rooftop solar and storage, elevate consumer costs
Mandatory utility fees, passed in 27 states, distort price signals for rooftop solar and storage, locking households into an expensive, centralized grid framework.
Residential solar demand shifts from incentives to infrastructure as homeowners seek control
The U.S. residential solar market is transitioning from an incentive-driven luxury to an essential infrastructure necessity, as homeowners prioritize energy independence and grid resilience in the face of rising utility rates and increasing electrification.
Lessons from Australia for scaling rooftop solar and home batteries
Rooftop solar in Australia has reached a high system capacity and is prompting rapid growth in home batteries. To explore how to transfer that success to the U.S., a study group of U.S. regulators met with energy sector leaders in Australia.
Ann Arbor launches first-of-its-kind city direct purchase of residential solar and storage
The Michigan city’s new Sustainable Energy Utility has begun installing FranklinWH systems in the Bryant neighborhood, testing a municipal model for grid resilience and energy equity.
California proposed decision on community solar ‘virtually ensures no projects will be built’
The California Public Utilities Commission approved a new community renewable energy program that critics argue favors investor-owned utilities while failing to create a workable market for distributed resources.
Vertical rooftop PV debuts in the U.S.
Norwegian vertical solar specialist Over Easy Solar has installed its first rooftop vertical solar installation in the U.S. market. The 100 kW system, combined with a green roof in New York, is expected to deliver around 120,000 kWh annually depending on factors including albedo, azimuth and local shadowing.
U.S. small-scale solar hit record 1.9 GW in Q4 2025
Distributed solar accounted for 15% of all new U.S. power capacity in 2025 as residential and community projects reached record installation levels.
NV Energy demand charge proposal threatens Nevada rooftop solar
A proposed shift in rate design could undermine the economic value of distributed generation and complicate the state’s energy transition goals.
California bill would unlock distributed energy participation in grid resource adequacy market
A new California bill, SB 913, would require state regulators to integrate customer-owned batteries and electric vehicles into the official Resource Adequacy market to bolster grid reliability.
Commercial rooftop solar leases offer new revenue for real estate owners
A third-party ownership model converts underutilized commercial roof space into long-term net operating income with zero upfront capital investment, said Solect Energy.
