Solar Photovoltaics

N. Mariana Islands - Renewables Portfolio Standard

Requirements 

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands enacted its Renewables Portfolio Standard in September 2007, in which a certain percentage of its net electricity sales must come from renewable energy. The law was amended in 2014 to a lower target, as previous targets were not met. Under the law, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC), the Islands' only and semi-autonomous public utility provider, must establish a renewable portfolio standard of:

  • 20% of net electricity sales on or before December 31, 2016

Compliance 
There are stipulations within the law that allow for non-compliance if there is no "cost-effective" way to meet the

Last Update

Michigan Local PACE Program

Note:  In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing

Last Update

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Requirements for Utilities

In October 2008 Pennsylvania adopted Act 129 requiring PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) to establish energy efficiency and conservation program for the state’s investor owned utilities. The standard applies to utilities with at least 100,000 customers, which includes the following seven Electric Distribution Companies* (EDCs): PECO Energy, PPL Electric Utilities, West Penn Power, Pennsylvania Electric (Penelec), Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), and Duquesne Light. 

Electric Energy and Demand Reduction Standard

The Act 129 included an initial energy conservation and demand reduction targets until 2013. Beyond the initial 2013 targets, the act required the commission to evaluate cost effectiveness of the

Last Update

AlabamaSAVES Revolving Loan Program

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) offers an energy efficiency and renewable energy participating loan program called AlabamaSAVES. The Program funds subordinated participating interests in qualified third-party loans used to finance energy projects at existing commercial, industrial and non-profit businesses in Alabama. The Participating Interest can be for 100% of the cost of the eligible project or 25% of the Participating Loan up to the cost of the eligible project, whichever is less.A variety of technologies are eligible; see the program technical guide for full details.

In order to apply, interested parties must first contact an AlabamaSAVES

Last Update

AEP (Central and North) - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs

The Residential Standard Offer Program and Hard to Reach Standard Offer Program provide incentives to Project Sponsor contractors for installing energy efficiency measures at the homes of residential customers. Both programs provide incentives for upgrades to residential properties; however the Hard to Reach Program focuses on low-income homes and underserved communities. Project Sponsors agree with customers on terms including measures to be installed, conditions of sale, and price.  Customers will be asked to sign and date the Host Customer Agreement and Acknowledgement form provided by TCC or TNC to document participation in the RSOP or HTRSOP.  TCC or TNC will

Last Update

Commercial & Industrial Solar Rebate Program

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission initiated a new solar rebate program for non-residential applicants in November 2010. Funded by alternative compliance payments under the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS), this program supports solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal installations. In 2021, the New Hampshire DOE was given the administration and implementation authority over RPS policy and related renewable energy fund (per H.B. 2).

Installations must be located in the state of New Hampshire, and the facility must be served by an investor-owned utility or rural electric utility that is required to comply with the state's RPS (municipal utilities are

Last Update

Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Alaska enacted legislation in June 2010 that authorizes municipalities to pass ordinances that exempt residential renewable energy systems from taxation. Residential renewable energy systems are defined as systems that use an energy source other than fossil or nuclear fuel, including wind, hydro and solar.

Last Update

City of Portland - Streamlined Building Permits for Residential Solar Systems

The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) developed a streamlined permitting process for residential solar energy system installations. The City of Portland has staff at the permitting desk trained as solar experts to assist solar contractors who need help filing their permits in person. Simple residential installations may apply for a combination building and plumbing/electrical permit, and proceed through planning and zoning and plan review process. If the installation complies with all requirements and all fees are paid, the permit will be issued the same day. 

Additionally, the permit fees are capped for systems following the prescriptive process

Last Update

TVA - Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) now compliments the small generation Green Power Providers Program by providing incentives for mid-sized renewable energy generators between 50kW and 20MW to enter into long term price contracts. The goal for total production from all participants is 100MW, with no more than 50MW from any one renewable technology. The Renewable Standard Offer program also includes Solar Solution Initiative program that offers additional financial incentives for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects. 

TVA bases the standard offer for customer generators off of a seasonal time-of-day averages chart, which sets base prices for the term of the

Last Update

TVA - Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) now compliments the small generation Green Power Providers Program by providing incentives for mid-sized renewable energy generators between 50kW and 20MW to enter into long term price contracts. The goal for total production from all participants is 100MW, with no more than 50MW from any one renewable technology. The Renewable Standard Offer program also includes Solar Solution Initiative program that offers additional financial incentives for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects. 

TVA bases the standard offer for customer generators off of a seasonal time-of-day averages chart, which sets base prices for the term of the

Last Update