How can we level the playing field for new energy providers?

Universal freely available `net metering` with no penalties.

“feed-in tariffs” that obligate utilities to buy energy from any renewable energy–generating facilities at market prices (what they sell it for)

The infrastructure uses public right of ways etc. its only fair that customers can use the infrastructure also.

If you use some electricity at the end of one billing period (you give and take) you get paid at the same rate you pay.

You are using the public utility like a battery.

This is the desired way you are most likely actually helping them by giving them your solar output in the day time. AND These customers use their capacity at night when they have less demand and their infrastructure can provide it easily.

This is symbiotic its good for the power company because they dont need to increase their generating infrastructure to handle increasing daytime load.

Its also good for the power company because it keeps them in business (they have a reason to exist) until people at home can store energy themselves.

Its good for the customer / solar provider because it gives them back power when there is no sunlight.

If you are always giving more than you take or you never take any at all you are a steady provider and you sell your power to them at a discount up to 25% off.