Distributed Energy Program

Technology-Specific Regulations

This page provides information on regulations affecting specific DER technologies.

Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Acrobat Reader.

Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation Guidebook (PDF 209 KB) — Published by the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources, this is a developer's guide to regulations, policies, and programs that affect renewable energy and distributed generation facilities in Massachusetts. Much of the information is pertinent to developers of distributed generation in other states. The guide covers interconnection to the local distribution utility and to the regional transmission system.

DOE's Biomass Program — The Environmental Benefits page has links to discussions on air quality, water quality, and land use issues.
DOE's Biomass R&D Initiative (Old news) — For contacts in each state, see the biomass fact sheets, part of a series titled Biobased Fuels, Power, and Products.

Status of CHP policy initiatives — Provided by the U.S. Combined Heat and Power Association (USCHPA).
Federal Strategies to Increase the Implementation of CHP in the United States (PDF 52 KB) — Includes a discussion of New Source Review of CHP projects.

The Commercial Path Forward for Concentrating Solar Power Technologies (PDF 953 KB) — Includes a discussion of regulatory and policy options (see Policy Tools).

DOE's Geothermal Energy Program — Report on geothermal facility siting issues (PDF 87 KB).

National Wind Coordinating Committee:
- Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities: A Handbook (PDF 2 MB)
- Wind Energy Environmental Issues
- Siting Issues for Wind Power Plants
- Distributed Wind Power Assessment (PDF 1.4 MB)
Federal Aviation Administration Airspace and Rules Division — FAA regulations require that a notification form be filed for all structures potentially considered being obstructions to aircraft. An FAA Notice of Proposed Construction (PDF 14 KB) is required for any proposed structure more than 200 feet above ground level. If a project is less than 20,000 feet from the nearest airport runway, more restrictive requirements apply. FAA review results in a determination of whether or not the proposed structure would be a hazard to air navigation, although no permit is issued. FAA also can require special markings or warning devices on a facility to ensure public aviation safety.
National Wind Technology Center — Avian issues.
American Wind Energy Association — Has information about national and state wind energy policies.
Utility Wind Interest Group — Conducts research on the impact of wind generation on utility operating systems.