Defined term
Renewable energy certificate
A renewable energy certificate is a market instrument representing non-power attributes of renewable electricity. EPA describes RECs as issued for each megawatt-hour generated by a renewable resource and delivered to the grid.
Also known as REC
policy · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-096 · Last verified September 29, 2026
Evidence through 2026-07-10 · 0 sources have no source-event date
Content modified 2026-09-29
Definition and boundaries
Definition
A renewable energy certificate is a market instrument representing non-power attributes of renewable electricity. EPA describes RECs as issued for each megawatt-hour generated by a renewable resource and delivered to the grid.
Review confirmed · Review due October 29, 2026
The previous review deadline was September 19, 2026. The missed interval remains unverified; the current review does not establish historical coverage.
The cited evidence supports this statement within the source’s stated scope. Its jurisdiction and source-event date limit its applicability to a particular project.
Applicable jurisdiction: US; tracking and program rules vary
Definition claim verification: Verified September 29, 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
REC attributes can identify the tracking system, renewable resource type, facility location, project and generation vintage, unique certificate number, and eligibility for certification or a renewable portfolio standard. EPA notes that attribute lists can differ by market.
Review confirmed · Review due October 29, 2026
The previous review deadline was September 19, 2026. The missed interval remains unverified; the current review does not establish historical coverage.
The cited evidence supports this statement within the source’s stated scope. Its jurisdiction and source-event date limit its applicability to a particular project.
Applicable jurisdiction: US; tracking and program rules vary
Decision-context claim verification: Verified September 29, 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.
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Learning navigation
Primary topic: Policy
Broader topic
No public concepts recorded.
More specific topics
- Solar renewable energy certificatePublished concept
Related topics
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Learn first
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Builds toward
- Solar renewable energy certificatePublished concept
Primary sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Source event as of July 10, 2026 · Ontology accessed September 29, 2026 · Ontology verified September 29, 2026