ISO New England reports a substantial 5% reduction in the region's bulk electric system demand during 2024, primarily attributed to the burgeoning capacity of behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. This significant shift, detailed in the latest ISO Newswire update, underscores the increasing influence of distributed generation on grid operations and market dynamics within the six-state region. The estimated 5,266 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of demand reduction from these non-grid-connected solar systems represents enough electricity to power approximately 600,000 homes for a year, highlighting a critical evolution in New England's energy landscape.

In 2024, New England's grid consumed roughly 117,000 GWh of electricity. Without the substantial contributions from behind-the-meter PV, grid consumption would have escalated to an estimated 122,000 GWh. These installations, predominantly rooftop and other localized solar arrays connected to distribution systems rather than the high-voltage regional transmission network, do not directly participate in wholesale electricity markets. Consequently, they are neither monitored nor dispatched by ISO New England in real-time. However, the ISO meticulously aggregates data from local distribution companies and other sources to accurately estimate their current capacity and output, crucial for robust system planning and forecasting.

The trajectory of behind-the-meter PV growth in New England has been remarkable. Since ISO New England began tracking this segment in 2014, when solar installations reduced grid demand by an estimated 519 GWh, output has surged by a factor of ten. This decade-long expansion reflects strong policy support, declining technology costs, and increasing consumer adoption of distributed renewable energy. As of 2024, behind-the-meter PV constituted 53% of New England's total solar fleet nameplate capacity, complementing other utility-scale solar resources that actively participate in wholesale markets and provide verified production data.

Looking ahead, the ISO projects continued exponential growth. Between now and 2034, the annual energy output from behind-the-meter solar resources is anticipated to more than double. This forecast signals a profound transformation in the region's energy supply mix, necessitating adaptive grid management strategies and infrastructure investments. The overall solar capacity in New England has expanded by 40% since 2022, with solar generation increasing by 30% in the same period, affirming solar's pivotal role in the region's decarbonization efforts and energy independence. The sustained growth of distributed solar will continue to reshape peak demand profiles and reduce reliance on traditional generation sources, offering enhanced grid resilience and environmental benefits.