But developers from New England to California say problems connecting to the grid is an often-overlooked issue that is strangling new rooftop and community solar projects.

They say the practice of connecting solar panels to the power grid, called "reverse metering," is relatively common now but was rare when the panels were built.

The state of Maine will get more than $65 million in federal funding for so-called “smart grid” technology to more quickly link solar panels and wind turbines to utilities’ electricity systems.

Months after KRQE first spoke to Monaghan, he sent a third request to connect solar panels through the company Sunrun. Once again, he says PNM told him he can’t connect solar.

U.S. solar company T1 Energy and specialty glass maker Corning have reached a deal that will establish a fully domestic solar ...