title: "Briefing: Solar Policy & Net Metering (Week of Mar 2, 2026)" date: 2026-03-02 tags: ["Policy", "Net Metering", "Solar", "Regulation"] summary: "Net metering policy shifts across states, the rise of net billing, and what it means for solar ROI."
Solar Policy & Net Metering Update (Week of Mar 2, 2026)
3 things to know
- Net metering erosion continues. California's NEM 3.0 (now in effect for 2+ years) reduced solar export credits by 75%+. Several states — Arkansas, Indiana, Idaho, Nevada — have moved or are moving toward net billing or avoided-cost export rates.
- Net billing ≠ death of solar. In net billing states, solar still provides excellent returns on self-consumed electricity (you're offsetting full retail rate). The key impact is on exported kWh — which argues strongly for batteries, load shifting, and right-sizing systems for self-consumption rather than maximum production.
- States still offering strong net metering: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and several others maintain 1:1 retail-rate crediting for residential solar. If you're in one of these states, the window for favorable net metering is worth acting on.
Strategy implications
- In net metering states: Maximize system size, bank credits for seasonal offset, enjoy excellent economics.
- In net billing states: Size system for self-consumption (~80% of annual usage), add battery to store excess for evening use, consider TOU optimization.
- Everywhere: Solar economics remain strong regardless of export rate — self-consumed solar at $0.07–$0.10/kWh LCOE vs. $0.15–$0.35/kWh retail rate is always a win.