IREC has worked on regulatory and workforce issues surrounding renewable energy since its incorporation in 1982.

These program areas encompass a wide variety of renewable energy-related work across the United States.

This work includes the SolSmart program, an initiative that works to with local governments to enact solar-friendly policies;[11][12] the Sustainable Energy Action Committee, a national forum for local stakeholders to address issues with code enforcement and permitting relating to renewable energy;[13] and the Puerto Rico Solar Business Accelerator, an initiative that supports solar workforce development, expanded solar access, and the installation of solar-plus-storage microgrids in the territory.

[14][15] IREC works to enact policies and regulatory reforms that support greater access to renewable energy.

[16] This work includes participation in regulatory proceedings to support more efficient and effective distributed energy resources interconnection processes;[17] technical assistance and guidance that informs efforts related to solar, storage, and other clean energy technologies; and model rules and best practices.