Solar Photovoltaics

Multi-Family Shared Solar Program

In April 2020, the Virginia General Assembly enacted  a series of bills (SB 710, HB 572, HB 1184,  and HB 1647), authorizing a multi-family shared solar program in the service territories of Dominion Energy Virginia and Old Dominion Power.

System size is limited to 3 MW, up to 5 MW cumulative for systems on contiguous locations owned by the same entity.

Subscriptions are administered by a Subscriber Organization. For facilities with a nameplate capacity greater than 500 kW, the Subscriber Organization must be licensed by the State Corporation Commission. Smaller facilities may be granted an exemption

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Tennessee C-PACER Financing

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

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C-PACE: Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy

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

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Solar for Schools Program

H.F. 2310, enacted in May 2023 (see section 216C.375), created the Solar for Schools grant program under the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The Program allows schools and parties on the behalf of schools to apply for grants for up to 100% of the cost of procuring and installing a solar energy generation system on or adjacent to the school premises. The law directed a $30,448,000 budget allocation to support the program. 

The Department of Commerce is directed to request applications from interested schools, utilities, and developers and assess the applications and ensure that all costs are necessary and reasonable

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Solar-Ready Zones

This rule applies to new buildings seeking construction permits on or after January 1, 2025.

In 2023, Delaware HB 11 was enacted, adding a provision for "Solar-Ready Zones" to the commercial building code. These rules apply to new commercial buildings with a foundation footprint of 50,000 square feet or more.

Solar-Ready Zones are sections of the building's roof or overhang reserved for future installation(s) of solar photovoltaic or solar thermal energy systems.

Solar-Ready Zones shall be located on the roof of buildings up to 5 stories above grade with low-slope roofs or slanted roofs facing 110 to 270 degrees from

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Sales Tax Exemption - Machinery for New and Expanded Industry

Kentucky offers a sales and use tax exemption for machinery for new and expanded industry. In 2021, the Kentucky Department of Revenue offered guidance on how this exemption may apply to solar energy systems.

According to the guidance, solar energy system components that are involved in the production of electricity for sale may be exempt from sales and use tax. The exemption would not apply to components not directly involved in electricity production, like distribution lines, transformers, and battery storage systems. The exemption would also only apply to solar energy systems that produce electricity for sale, rather than for on-site use.

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Solar Planning Program

Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives and technical support that makes it easy and affordable to add solar or solar plus storage to building designs. The benefits of solar power—such as lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions and protection from rising electricity costs—are all great reasons to reach for the sun. Energy Trust offers cash incentives and technical support that make going solar easy and affordable. Energy Trust can also help design buildings to be solar ready and reduce the cost of a future solar installation.

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Making Solar Equitable Program

To make going solar easier and more affordable for eligible nonprofits, tribes, and affordable multifamily housing projects, Energy Trust of Oregon offers a Solar Development Assistance incentive of $2,500 — to help determine the potential of a solar or solar + battery storage projects — as well as increased solar installation incentives that are higher than regular incentives. Incentive amount is dependent on the system size and the electric utility service territory the system is located in.

To be eligible for the increased solar incentives, the property must fit one of the following categories:

  • Owned and operated by one of
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NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Commercial and Industrial)

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through NY-Sun Commercial/Industrial Incentive Program (PON 3082) provides performance-based incentives for installation by contractors of non-residential new grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that are ranging from 750kW to 7.5MW in the Upstate region. Incentives for residential sites in all regions, nonresidential sites 750 kW or less in Upstate and PEG Long Island regions, and nonresidential sites 7.5MW or less in Con Ed region are offered through the NY- Residential & Nonresidential program. Incentives are awarded on a first-come, first serve basis, and project applications will be accepted

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