The Solar and Storage Industries Institute (SI2), in collaboration with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), has unveiled the Grid Ready Home Act, a model legislative framework designed to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar and energy storage systems across U.S. states. The initiative seeks to address the rising demand for clean, affordable energy while reducing the financial and procedural hurdles that often delay residential solar projects.
Meeting growing energy demand
With electricity consumption continuing to climb and energy costs on the rise, accessible and cost-effective renewable energy solutions have become a national priority. The Grid Ready Home Act provides state policymakers with a clear blueprint to streamline permitting and interconnection processes, helping homeowners and businesses adopt solar and storage technologies more quickly. By removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, the legislation aims to make local, renewable energy solutions more widely available.
Cutting “soft costs” to make solar more affordable
Research from SI2 shows that “soft costs”, including permitting, interconnection, and administrative expenses, account for approximately 52% of the total cost of residential solar installations. The Grid Ready Home Act addresses these challenges by standardizing approval procedures for small-scale systems under 25 kilowatts and mandating smart inverter integration for managed grid operation. These measures are expected to reduce delays, lower costs, and support a more efficient transition to solar energy.
Bipartisan support for streamlined permitting
The model legislation comes at a time when state lawmakers across the political spectrum are increasingly focused on simplifying permitting processes to accelerate clean energy deployment. By combining evidence-based solutions with actionable policy guidance, the Grid Ready Home Act offers states a practical approach to expanding access to renewable energy, reducing costs for households and businesses, and enhancing the resilience of the electric grid amid growing distributed energy resources.
Implications for the future of U.S. solar
If widely adopted, the Grid Ready Home Act could significantly boost the deployment of rooftop solar and storage systems nationwide, strengthening the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure. Industry stakeholders anticipate that streamlined permitting and standardized interconnection practices will lower installation costs, shorten project timelines, and accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, benefiting both consumers and the broader energy system.
As states evaluate the legislation, the solar sector views the Grid Ready Home Act as a key step toward a more efficient, affordable, and sustainable energy future, positioning rooftop solar and storage as integral components of the U.S. energy transition.