What is community solar?

Community solar refers to a solar array located within a community where multiple customers can subscribe and receive a credit on their utility bill for their share of the power that’s produced, just as if the panels were on their roof.

Residents and small businesses sign up to receive energy generated from a certain number of panels. This can be purchased upfront or as a “pay-as-you-go” subscription.

Some homes or businesses are limited in the ability to choose their energy supply due to the physical attributes of the building or the status of ownership regarding their home or business. Community solar provides homeowners, renters, and businesses access to the economic benefits of solar generation regardless of these limitations.

On a macro level, Introducing local solar installations will increase national security by making the electric grid stronger and more resilient. A distributed grid of local solar facilities can also help even out the electrical load, reducing outages and creating more energy stability for everyone.

Unfortunately, in many states, private community solar development is hindered by current law.

In short, expanding the market to allow private development of community solar will save individuals and businesses money, expand consumer choice, generate income and financial security for landowners, create American jobs, boost local economies without raising taxes, and strengthen our energy grid.