Defined term

Renewable energy certificate

A renewable energy certificate is a uniquely tracked instrument representing specified non-power attributes associated with one megawatt-hour of eligible renewable electricity generation under an applicable tracking and program framework.

Also known as REC

policy · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-096 · Last verified August 20, 2026

Definition and boundaries

Definition

A renewable energy certificate is a uniquely tracked instrument representing specified non-power attributes associated with one megawatt-hour of eligible renewable electricity generation under an applicable tracking and program framework.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; tracking and program rules vary

Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

In plain language

Before relying on Renewable energy certificate, verify the current program, jurisdiction, eligibility date, ownership terms, and controlling document for the actual project.

What it is not

It is not the electricity itself, a carbon offset, or proof that a household owns the certificate associated with its solar generation.

Decision context

Why it matters

Technology eligibility, vintage, location, tracking system, ownership, transfer, retirement, claims, disclosure, and program rules determine what a particular certificate represents.

Applicable jurisdiction: US; tracking and program rules vary

Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026

Information boundary

This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.

Concept relationships

Narrower concepts

Affects

  • Payback periodPublished conceptRenewable energy certificate can affect how Payback period is evaluated

Primary sources

What to do next

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