Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

A net metering states map shows you which states let homeowners with rooftop solar send excess electricity back to the grid and receive credits on their bills. The map alone will not tell you how much those credits are worth, so this guide walks you through reading it, checking your own utility’s rules, and confirming what applies to your home.

What a Net Metering States Map Actually Shows

Most maps color states by policy type. Some states have mandatory net metering set by state law or utility commission order. Others have voluntary programs that individual utilities offer, and a few have no statewide requirement at all. Read the legend carefully, because “allowed” and “required” are not the same thing. Also check whether the map reflects the current year, since several states have revised their rules recently.

Shopping for one? See our guide: States That Allow Net Metering (2026): Which Is Better for Homeowners?.

Step 1: Find Your State and Utility on the Map

Locate your state, then identify your electric utility. Many states have multiple utilities, and some rural areas are served by cooperatives or municipal providers that follow separate rules. The map is a starting point; your utility’s tariff sheet is the authoritative source. Look for the phrase “net metering” in your utility’s website under residential solar or distributed generation.

Step 2: Check the Rules That Change Your Credit

Two states can both offer net metering and still pay very different amounts. Look for these details in your utility’s rules:

  • Whether excess credits roll over month to month, and whether they expire at year end
  • Whether credits are valued at the retail rate or a lower avoided-cost rate
  • Any system size cap, such as a limit as a percentage of your peak load
  • Monthly service fees or interconnection charges
  • Whether your state has moved to a different compensation model for new customers

Step 3: Compare Your Options Side by Side

Once you know your state’s basic framework, compare how it treats the items below. Use this table to organize what you find.

Item to check What to look for Why it matters
Credit valuation Retail rate or avoided cost Sets the value of every exported kWh
Rollover Monthly, annual or cash-out Affects summer and winter balancing
System size limit Percent of load or fixed kW cap Limits how large a system you can install
Fixed charges Monthly grid access fee Can offset credits for low-usage homes

If your state is changing its rules, check whether existing customers are grandfathered. In many cases, systems installed before a policy change keep their original terms.

Step 4: Confirm the Details Before You Sign

Before buying panels, ask your installer or utility for written confirmation of your interconnection terms and credit structure. Get the answer in writing. Installers sometimes quote savings based on a past rate structure, and the difference can be significant over a 20-year system life. Compare at least two proposals, and ask each company which net metering rules they assumed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Relying on an older map. Policies change, so check the year the map was updated.
  • Assuming statewide rules apply to every utility. Co-ops and municipal providers often differ.
  • Ignoring fixed monthly charges, which can cut into credit value.
  • Sizing your system to cover 100 percent of usage without checking the export cap.
  • Skipping the written interconnection approval before turning the system on.

FAQ

Does a net metering states map tell me how much I will save?

No. It shows which policy framework applies, but savings depend on your usage, system size, local rates and the credit valuation method. Use it as a starting point and run numbers with your utility’s rate schedule.

Can I use net metering if I live in a state without a statewide requirement?

Possibly. Some utilities offer net metering voluntarily even where state law does not require it. Contact your utility directly to confirm.

Should I hire a professional to review my net metering agreement?

For larger systems or complex tariffs, a licensed solar installer or energy attorney can review the terms. Consider it especially if the agreement includes long-term fixed charges or unusual credit rules.

Conclusion

A net metering states map is useful for finding out whether your state supports solar credits, but the real answer sits in your utility’s tariff. Check the credit valuation, rollover rules and fixed charges before committing. Once you have written confirmation of those terms, you can size and price your system with confidence.

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Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.