Investor Presentaiton
DSIRE
NC CLEAN ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY CENTER
DSIRE insight
Important Information Regarding 3rd-Party Solar PPAs
State authorization of 3rd-party solar PV PPAs allows residential customers to purchase electricity
generated by solar panels on their roof (usually at a price lower than the retail rate of electricity)
from a third party that owns the PV system. Some states that limit or prohibit 3rd-party solar PV
PPAs explicitly allow for residential solar leasing arrangements.
Legal authorization for residential 3rd-party solar PV PPA arrangements usually lies in the
definition of a "utility” in state statutes, regulations or case law; in state regulatory commission
decisions or orders; and/or in rules and guidelines for state incentive programs.
States that have authorized the use of 3rd-party PPAs may not have done so in every jurisdiction.
For example, municipal utilities may not allow 3rd-party PPAs in their territories even though they
are allowed or in use in the state's investor-owned utility (IOU) territories.
Though a 3rd-party PPA provider may not be subject to the same regulations as utilities, additional
licensing requirements may still apply.
This map does not represent interstate 3rd-party solar PV PPA authorizations relevant to large
generators. In states that limit or prohibit intrastate PPAs, interstate PPAs for wholesale electricity
market sales may be allowed by federal laws in areas under the jurisdiction of regional, multi-
state transmission organization authorities.
This map and information is provided as a public service and does not constitute legal advice.
Seek qualified legal expertise before making binding financial decisions related to a 3rd-party
PPA.View entire presentation