Distributed solar policy actions surge in Q2 2026 as 45 states take 284 steps, report finds

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released the Q2 2026 edition of "The 50 States of Solar" report, revealing that 45 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico collectively enacted 284 distributed solar policy actions during the quarter, news.ncsu.edu reported.

news.ncsu.eduThe 50 States of Solar: States Authorize Plug-In Solar, while Addressing Costs of Solar Programs in Q2 2026

According to solarpowerworldonline.com, the most common types of actions addressed net metering (53 actions), community solar (48 actions), and residential fixed charge or minimum bill increases (45 actions). The states with the highest level of activity included Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island.

solarpowerworldonline.comQ2 2026 solar report: 45 states took distributed solar policy actions, led by net metering and community solar

The quarterly series, produced by NCCETC, provides ongoing insights into state-level solar policy developments, news.ncsu.edu noted. The report also highlighted that many states are simultaneously authorizing plug-in solar options while working to address the costs of solar programs, reflecting a balancing act between expansion and cost containment.

Overall, the first half of 2026 has seen sustained policymaking momentum across the distributed solar landscape, with states continuing to refine net metering rules, launch community solar initiatives, and adjust utility rate structures as the market matures.