Updated 09.20.2024
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Electricity

Shared Renewables

Shared renewables, also known as community renewables, are a procurement model that allows multiple customers to buy, lease, or subscribe to a portion of a shared renewable power system that is typically located away from their home or business. This approach allows many residents to access renewable energy who are otherwise unable to install renewable energy generators — for example, those who cannot install traditional rooftop solar systems due to barriers such as shading issues, roofline orientation, lack of property ownership, lack of funds, or low credit scores.

Shared renewables have a number of advantages over traditional installations. The large-scale systems used for shared renewables can be oriented for maximum productivity and economies of scale, allowing systems to be developed at a lower cost per kilowatt than individual rooftop systems. Community projects also allow renters to own part of the project, and potentially retain that ownership if they move. Virtual ownership also reduces the “soft costs” associated with traditional systems including site assessments, permitting, and administrative expenses.

Community solar projects are the most prevalent use of shared renewables, which allows solar systems to have multiple owners or subscribers who pay for or lease a portion of the capacity or generation provided by the large system. The structure and logistics of these programs can vary across the nation, but they are generally owned by a utility, individuals and other entities within a community, or a third party financier. While community solar is the most common form of shared renewables, states can expand their definition of community or shared renewables to be technology inclusive for energy sources such as wind or solar-plus-battery technology.

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Glossary of Terms

States with Policy Enacted

In Progress

Partially Enacted

See States List

Policy Components

Glossary of Terms
Source: Center for a New Energy Economy's SPOT for Clean Energy
  1. 1

    Does state policy exist?

  2. 2

    Does the state allow virtual or group net metering?

  3. 3

    Does the policy apply to residential and commercial customers?

  4. 4

    Does the policy apply to all electric providers in the state?

  5. 5

    Is the program uncapped?

  6. 6

    Is there an active utility-involved program in the state?

Key Resources

Glossary of Terms

SPOT for Clean Energy Policy Profile: Shared Renewables

An interactive page on the State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) that explains shared renewables and tracks its progress by state in the form of components.
2024
Source:

Policy Explainer: Expanding Access to Clean Energy with Shared Renewables

A policy explainer that describes the history, benefits, policy design considerations, and notable state examples of shared renewable programs.
2022
Source:

Community Solar Policy Decision Matrix

A report that guides policymakers through important questions in the community solar development process, with factors grouped into five categories that should be addressed when designing programs.
2019
Source:

National Shared Renewables Scorecard

A national scorecard that evaluates state shared renewables programs across the country, with insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each program.
2019
Source:

Model Rules

Glossary of Terms

LPDD Model Law: State Legislation to Promote Community Solar Facilities

A model state law to establish community solar, or amend current legislation that has proved ineffective.
2019
Source:

Model States

Glossary of Terms

Illinois

Policy Components
6/6

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies

New Hampshire

Policy Components
6/6

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies

New Mexico

Policy Components
3/6

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies

New York

Policy Components
6/6

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies

Shared Renewables By State

Glossary of Terms
Filters
Status State Region Components YR Enacted
Not Enacted
Alabama

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
0/6
Partially Enacted
Alaska

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Arizona

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Arkansas

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
2/6
Partially Enacted
California

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
4/6
Partially Enacted
Colorado

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
Connecticut

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
4/6
Partially Enacted
Delaware

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
Florida

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Georgia

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Hawai‘i

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
4/6
Not Enacted
Idaho

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
0/6
Enacted
Illinois

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
6/6
Partially Enacted
Indiana

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Iowa

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Kansas

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Kentucky

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
1/6
Not Enacted
Louisiana

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
0/6
Partially Enacted
Maine

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
Maryland

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
Massachusetts

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
4/6
Partially Enacted
Michigan

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Minnesota

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
Mississippi

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Missouri

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Montana

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Nebraska

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Nevada

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
4/6
Enacted
New Hampshire

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
6/6
Partially Enacted
New Jersey

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
New Mexico

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southwest
Policy Components
3/6
Enacted
New York

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
6/6
Partially Enacted
North Carolina

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
3/6
Partially Enacted
North Dakota

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Ohio

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Oklahoma

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Oregon

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
4/6
Partially Enacted
Pennsylvania

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
2/6
Partially Enacted
Rhode Island

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
South Carolina

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
3/6
Not Enacted
South Dakota

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
0/6
Partially Enacted
Tennessee

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Texas

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Utah

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
4/6
Partially Enacted
Vermont

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Northeast
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
Virginia

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
4/6
Partially Enacted
Washington

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
5/6
Partially Enacted
West Virginia

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Southeast
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Wisconsin

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
Midwest
Policy Components
1/6
Partially Enacted
Wyoming

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) breaks clean energy policies down into “components”, which are binary questions to evaluate policy quality. Higher quality policies have more of their SPOT components fulfilled.

Establishing Policies
West
Policy Components
2/6

The State Climate Policy Dashboard tracks only passed policies and does not include bills currently proposed in legislative sessions. The website is intended to illustrate the current status of policies for each state, as well as key resources and model states for each policy.

Much of the information contained in this database is derived from the public domain, with links to resources provided. The information provided is made available solely for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Click here for full Terms of Use.

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