Community solar is a cost-effective way to save on energy bills while supporting clean energy. It also helps local communities and cleans up the power grid. Participating in a solar community program allows you to reduce your energy bill by earning electricity credits from a solar farm, called virtual net metering. These credits can help you lock in savings on your electric bill for years to come.
No Upfront Costs
Community solar projects are a great way to save on energy bills without installing solar panels on your own property. They’re available to homeowners, renters and co-op/condo owners who want to go solar but can’t or don’t have the space for an individual rooftop system. When you join a solar community project, you’ll pay a monthly fee and receive credit on your electric bill for the amount of clean power the project generates each month. This allows you to lower your electricity costs and help the environment simultaneously significantly. The amount of savings you receive depends on the size of the project and your average usage. However, you can expect annual savings of 5%-15%.
Subscription: This option is the most common and allows you to subscribe to a solar community project for a monthly fee. In this model, you receive a discount on your utility bill for the amount of clean energy the project produces each year. You’re not buying solar panels, but you are a part owner of the project and can claim 30% of your investment as a tax deduction. In addition, you’ll have access to a power purchase agreement (PPA) if you choose to buy power instead of subscribing.
No Long-Term Commitment
Homeowners are wondering what is community solar project and its terms of use. For experts, community solar projects are a great way to save energy bills and support renewable energy without the hassle of installing solar panels on your roof. Many people, including renters and those with limited space, can participate in these projects, support local renewable energy and reduce their electricity bills. Community Solar Projects can be run by state or local governments, municipal utilities, electric co-ops or investor-owned utilities. Regardless of which name they are known by, these programs are expected to grow in popularity over the coming years. Communities across the country are transforming their electricity needs by replacing fossil fuel-burning generation with clean, local energy sources. This lowers emissions, supports sustainability, and helps create a healthy environment.
In addition, community solar can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional electricity companies by reducing emissions and lowering utility costs. These savings are passed onto consumers through the power they generate, which lowers their electricity bills. As these projects expand, they’ll become a great opportunity for customers to experience the benefits of solar energy without the long-term commitment. Many of these projects are subscription models, which do not require up-front payments and are flexible enough to move with you if you decide to change homes.
Cleaner Air
Clean air is a human right and essential for our health. However, many people must live in better environments to breathe cleaner air. Luckily, there are ways to improve air quality, including solar community projects.
One of the biggest benefits of community solar is that it provides affordable electricity for everyone. It’s also a way to improve the world by supporting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Across the country, thousands of community solar farms are currently operational or under development. They support local economies, promote energy independence and strengthen the power grid. With that in mind, it’s no wonder community solar is fast becoming the preferred option for renewable energy. It offers guaranteed electricity bill savings, attracts local investment, creates jobs and helps advance progress toward achieving New York’s clean energy goals. While community solar is a wonderful resource for consumers and businesses, it’s important to remember that the industry’s success depends on the ecosystem working together. It requires many organizations to collaborate and ensure that low-income customers are included.
Support Your Local Economy
Community solar is a great way to save energy bills and support your local economy. It’s a simple model that works for anyone with an electric bill. Essentially, people in your neighborhood sign up for a local solar farm or garden that produces electricity. Your utility company then gives you credits on your electricity bills for the energy produced. This helps reduce your electric bill and provides clean power for the entire local area.
Another way to help save energy bills is through community-based solar programs that provide solar for renters and people with roofs that aren’t ideal for installing panels. These are often called “roofless” solar gardens.
These projects bring jobs, revenue, and energy savings to rural and urban communities. They also help state and rural towns reach their climate goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels and promoting energy independence. For example, state and local governments have recently announced plans to build at least 40 community solar projects shortly in New York.
