The cellular membrane is both a solvent for approximately 30&percent; of known proteins, as well as a semi-permeable barrier which maintains differences between ionic concentrations inside and outside of the cell. Proper cell function depends heavily on this unique environment, and electrostatic properties are key to understanding the relationship between biomembrane structure and function. Any attempt to model the membrane bilayer requires a careful treatment of electrostatic calculations. We review general models of electrostatics which could be adapted to membrane systems, and examine existing approaches applied specifically to membrane systems. A new model for the bilayer using a lattice of dipoles with spatially varying properties is also presented. ©2000 American Institute of Physics.