What is Community Solar Power? A Guide to Solar Energy for Everyone
As the world moves toward sustainable energy sources, solar power is emerging as one of the leading ways to harness renewable energy. However, the barriers to installing solar panels—like roof size, shade, or high upfront costs—have made it difficult for many homeowners and businesses to participate in the solar revolution. This is where community solar steps in, providing an innovative and accessible solution for all. According to Sharing the Sun Community Solar Project Data, “The amount of community solar (measured in megawatts) more than doubled, on average, each year between 2010 and 2021.” https://data.nrel.gov/submissions/233
Understanding Community Solar Power
Community solar allows people and businesses to benefit from solar energy without needing to install solar panels on their own roofs or properties. Instead of individual installations, a large solar energy system, often referred to as a solar farm, is built in a central location. The energy produced by this solar farm can be shared among multiple subscribers within the community.
In short, community solar makes solar power accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to enjoy its benefits. Whether you rent your home, live in an apartment, or have a roof that’s not ideal for solar panels, community solar gives you a chance to go green and save money.
How Community Solar Works
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how community solar operates:
- Solar Farm Development
A company, often a solar developer or a utility, builds and maintains a solar farm—a large installation of solar panels on an open plot of land or the rooftop of a large business facility. These farms can be quite large, and they generate clean energy that feeds into the local grid, benefiting nearby communities.
- Subscriptions and Shares
Individuals, families, and businesses have the option to subscribe to the solar farm. Instead of installing solar panels on your roof, you purchase a “share” or subscription to a portion of the energy produced by the solar farm. This makes solar energy more accessible to everyone, regardless of their home or property situation.
- Energy Credits on Your Bill
When the solar farm generates electricity, it is fed into the local power grid. You, as a subscriber, receive energy credits on your electricity bill for the share of energy produced by the solar farm. These credits reduce the amount you owe to your utility company, resulting in savings on your electric bill.
- Save Money on Energy
According to the US Energy Information Administration, “between 2018 and 2022, the average residential electricity cost increased by over 17%.” One of the key benefits of community solar is the potential to save money. Solar energy is often cheaper than traditional energy sources like fossil fuels. By subscribing to a community solar farm, you’re not only contributing to a cleaner environment, but you’re also getting a discount on your electricity bill—without any need for maintenance or installation on your end.
Benefits of Community Solar
Community solar offers numerous advantages, making it an appealing option for a wide variety of people and businesses:
- Accessibility: It enables homeowners with shaded roofs, renters, business owners and commercial property owners to access solar energy.
- No Installation Required: There’s no need to install or maintain solar panels on your property, making the process hassle-free.
- Cost Savings: By participating in a community solar program, you can lower your electricity bills with little to no upfront cost.
- Environmental Impact: Community solar farms help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
- Flexible Participation: Many community solar programs offer flexible subscription plans, so you can adjust your share of the solar farm’s energy output based on your needs.
A Win-Win for Property Owners and Businesses
For property owners, community solar isn’t just about energy savings—it can also be a source of revenue. Property owners can lease their land or rooftop for solar farm development, similar to leasing space for a cell tower or wind turbine. This provides a passive income stream while helping the local community access renewable energy.
Businesses, especially those with high energy needs, can benefit by subscribing to larger shares of the solar farm’s energy production. Not only can this reduce operational costs, but it also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability—an increasingly important factor for customers and stakeholders.
Who Should Consider Community Solar?
Community solar is ideal for:
- Renters who want access to solar energy but don’t own the property where they live.
- Homeowners with unsuitable roofs for solar panel installation due to shading, orientation, or size constraints.
- Business owners looking for an easy way to lower energy costs while demonstrating their commitment to green initiatives.
- Anyone seeking to support renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint without making a significant upfront investment.
How to Get Started with Community Solar
If you’re interested in joining a community solar program, the process is relatively simple. MTMG and its partners have the insights and relationships to advise on programs that may be available in your area. We check with your local utility companies and look for solar developers in your area that offer community solar subscriptions. We also compare subscription plans to see which one suits your energy needs and budget. Many programs are flexible, allowing you to adjust your share of the solar farm’s energy output over time.
Once you subscribe, you’ll start receiving credits on your electricity bill for the clean energy produced by your share of the solar farm. Over time, you’ll not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Conclusion
Community solar is transforming the way people and businesses access solar power. By making it possible for individuals and companies to share the benefits of a solar farm without the need for personal installations, community solar is breaking down the barriers to renewable energy adoption. Whether you’re looking to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or lease your property for solar development, community solar is an excellent option for a greener tomorrow.
Explore your local options and see how community solar can make a difference in your energy consumption and the environment.