Community Solar 101

Installing solar panels on your roof may not be practical because either you are not ready to invest in physical solar panels on your property, the condition of your roof or the rest of your property is not conducive for solar (e.g., shaded roof, many obstructions on your roof, roof needs replacement), or because you do not own the property. A great alternative is to subscribe to community solar (i.e., a solar farm).

How does community solar work? The following video provides a brief explanation of how community solar works.

https://youtu.be/TS_lP49e63s?si=o8xR1ScD0-Xojox-

In summary, a solar farm is a large solar energy system built by a solar developer and connected to the local utility. People in the nearby area can subscribe to a portion of the solar energy produced by the farm; there are no upfront costs or subscription fees required to sign up. In addition to supporting the development of clean energy sources, subscribers will receive a credit on their electricity bill, which typically ranges from 5 to 10 percent.

Are there disadvantages to community solar? The main disadvantage of community solar is that it is not available in all states. There are currently fourteen states in which it is available, though there are additional states in which community solar enabling legislation is moving through their respective legislatures (e.g., Ohio and Pennsylvania). The states in which community solar is currently available can be found on the EnergySage community solar webpage and in the lists below.

How do I sign up for community solar? Confirm whether community solar is available for your area and utility by visiting any of the following community solar websites that are applicable for your state:

• Ampion Energy: California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Virginia

• Arcadia: District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island

• CleanChoice Energy: Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota

• Neighborhood Sun: Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York

• Nexamp: Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Virginia

• Perch Energy: District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York

• PureSky: Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York

• Solstice: Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York

• SunShare: Colorado, Minnesota

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Helpful Hint

Determine whether community solar is available in your area, and if it is, consider signing up using one of the community solar websites listed above.