Today, the Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2), in partnership with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released the Grid Ready Home Act, research-backed legislation designed to help states expand access to rooftop solar and meet growing electricity demand. This model legislation provides policymakers with a clear framework that streamlines interconnection and permitting processes to reduce the project delays that drive up costs for businesses and households.
“Demand for electricity is rising fast, costs are increasing, and at the same time, more Americans want affordable, local solar and storage options,” said David Gahl, Executive Director for the Solar and Storage Industries Institute. “Now more than ever, we need leadership in statehouses across the country. The Grid Ready Home Act gives states an immediate way to address rising demand with solar and storage and provide Americans with affordable energy solutions by making rooftop solar easier to connect and install.”
Recent research from SI2 shows that “soft costs” which includes interconnection and permitting delays, make up 52% of the total cost of residential solar. By standardizing approval processes for small systems under 25 kilowatts and requiring smart inverter functionality for managed grid operation, the Grid Ready Home Act helps states reduce these costs and accelerate solar adoption.
This model legislation comes during a time when state legislators across the political spectrum are increasingly recognizing the urgent need for streamlined permitting processes to accelerate energy project development. By combining research-backed solutions with clear policy guidance, the Grid Ready Home Act helps states expand access to clean energy, lower costs for households and businesses, and strengthen the electric grid to accommodate growing distributed energy resources.
