With the increasing demand to expand renewable energy and the desire to reduce our carbon footprint, Community Solar has emerged as an accessible clean energy solution. In this guide, we explore the concept of Community Solar, how it works, its advantages, and how you can participate in a Community Solar program.
Definition of Community Solar:
Community Solar programs, also known as Community Solar Gardens or shared solar programs, allow individuals and organizations to benefit from a solar energy project nearby. Instead of installing solar panels on individual rooftops, Community Solar projects are developed in larger-scale Community Solar Gardens or solar arrays, often spanning many acres in size. Statewide Community Solar programs help states and utilities meet their individual renewable goals, while members of the Solar Garden can save on electricity costs and receive additional benefits.
How Does Community Solar Work?
Community Solar Gardens are developed and managed by Community Solar developers. These developers identify suitable locations for Solar Gardens, secure the necessary permits, and install solar panels that will eventually generate clean electricity onto the local energy grid. While the developer is constructing the Solar Garden, companies such as Sunscription help individual homes reserve a spot in the Solar Garden alongside their neighbors at no upfront cost.
By participating in a Community Solar program, individuals enjoy some of the benefits of solar energy without needing their own rooftop solar panels. Generally, members receive monthly savings on their overall electricity costs while getting the chance to support renewable energy in their community. As the electricity generated by the solar farm feeds into the local grid, subscribers receive Solar Credits on their utility bills for a portion of the energy produced. By paying Sunscription a fixed discounted rate for the credits they receive each month, they save on their overall electricity costs.
Advantages of Community Solar
There are numerous advantages to participating in a Community Solar program. Firstly, Community Solar allows individuals who cannot install solar panels on their properties, such as renters or those with shaded roofs, to participate in the benefits of clean energy. Community Solar promotes inclusivity and democratizes renewable energy.
Secondly, Community Solar provides financial benefits, usually with no upfront cost. Participants can save on their electricity bills by receiving Solar Credits for the energy the Solar Garden produces. These savings add up over time, contributing to a reduced cost of electricity.
Additionally, Community Solar contributes to environmental sustainability. By supporting Solar Gardens, participants help reduce their community's reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Community Solar is crucial in combating climate change and creating a cleaner future for future generations.
Community Solar vs. Rooftop Solar:
While rooftop solar installations have advantages for homeowners, Community Solar programs benefit those unable to install panels on their roofs. Unlike rooftop solar, Community Solar does not require upfront costs or maintenance responsibilities for participants. Individuals in multi-unit buildings or those with unsuitable rooftops for solar energy can still support clean energy and save.
Although rooftop solar may lead to more significant long-term financial savings, Community Solar is a great place to start supporting green energy and usually requires no upfront cost.
How to Participate in a Community Solar Program:
Participating in a Community Solar program is easy. Here are the general steps to get started:
- Research Local Community Solar Options: Look for Community Solar developers or companies in your area. You can check for a Solar Garden in your area on www.sunscription.com.
- Review Eligibility Criteria: Each Community Solar program has specific eligibility requirements. Confirm whether you meet the criteria, such as minimum usage, and are in a utility service that offers Community Solar.
- Signup for a Sunscription: Once you have found a Community Solar Garden near you, complete the enrollment process. For Sunscription, this means connecting your utility and agreeing to the program terms.
- Enjoy the Benefits of Community Solar: After successfully enrolling, you will start receiving Solar Credits on your utility bill once the Solar Garden goes live. Sit back and enjoy supporting clean, renewable energy!
Community Solar is an exciting opportunity for people to embrace clean energy, help reduce their community's carbon footprint, and save on electricity costs. By participating in a Community Solar program, you can contribute to a more sustainable future while saving money.
