Community Solar Guide
Interested in using renewable energy to generate your electricity, but adding solar panels to your home or property isn’t the right fit for you? Community solar, a collection of solar panels that produce energy for multiple families, businesses, or other buildings within an area may be the solution. Community solar projects are a great opportunity for people who rent, belong to an HOA that doesn’t allow it, lack sufficient roofing or access to sun on their property, or are limited by the expense of adding solar panels to their property. In addition, they save money, help the environment, and contribute to the community. This resource will help you understand what community solar is, its benefits, and how to locate projects in your area.
Jump to:
Community Solar… Why?
Let’s start with the obvious: those who subscribe to a community solar project can enjoy 5 – 15% off their annual electricity bill, and with no major upfront costs and a subscription model, community solar is a more approachable way to get cleaner power for your home or business. So, if you are looking to use solar energy for your home or business but aren’t able to add your own panels, community solar creates a more accessible way to utilize the benefits of solar energy.
Community solar projects also address the barriers to access faced by nearly 75% of Americans who either don’t own their home, don’t have rooftop space, or face financial barriers. Renters can often subscribe to community solar programs, allowing them to save on energy bills while still making a green choice that renters usually don’t feel they have.
Do you rent, and are you interested in making more eco-friendly choices? Our guide has more options for electrifying as a renter.
Do you rent? Check out our guide for options to electrify as a renter.
Community Solar: How to Get Involved
Ready to explore a community solar program in your area? Generation180 has partnered with EnergySage, a trusted solar industry expert. Use EnergySage’s resource to find and select a local community solar project in your area!
Depending on where you live and your income, you may be eligible for even greater savings once you subscribe to community solar. This is because some states have even created “carve-outs,” requiring that a certain percentage of solar power goes toward lower-income communities. Maryland’s community solar law requires projects to give 40% of their capacity to low- to moderate-income households (with at least a 10% discount) and mandates utilities to handle consolidated billing.
Utilize EnergySage’s resources to find out where and how to get involved with the community solar projects in your area and start saving the planet and money on your energy bills.
Community Solar Calculator
Utilize EnergySage’s resources to find out where and how to get involved with the community solar projects in your area and start saving the planet and money on your energy bills.
How Solar is Changing Our Energy Future
Solar goes beyond the household. Solar is becoming revolutionary in electric vehicles, farming technologies, and schools. Learn more about residential solar.
Grid decarbonization is a growing concern. Start now to join in making a difference.
