Millions of Americans now have easier access to cheap and renewable solar energy, thanks to community solar, a subscription-based service that makes it simple for electricity customers to use remote solar panel projects to save money on their electric bills while helping protect the environment.
There’s a lot to love about solar: It helps reduce our country’s reliance on the fossil fuels that currently pollute our air, harm our health and warm our planet. And because solar helps consumers save up to 15 percent on their energy bills, it’s ideal at a time of rising utility rates.
What is community solar?
Community solar is like the Netflix of renewable energy. Much like subscribing to a video streaming service, you can sign up to benefit from this clean power source. It’s easily accessible and available, whether you own or rent your property.
Here’s how it works:
- When a local solar farm generates clean electricity, your utility company distributes it to customers like you and your neighbors throughout the grid.
- As a subscriber, you buy a share of this energy, often at a price that is lower than your typical utility payments.
- You receive credits on your monthly electric bill for the energy you purchase from the solar farm, reducing your payments.
Many community solar companies sell energy from solar farms at a fixed discount, for example, 10 percent off utility rates. As a result, most subscribers can typically cut between five and 15 percent off their annual electricity costs.
And there’s no need to pay anything upfront or install any equipment.
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How to choose a community solar program
Although community solar isn’t yet available in every state, some parts of the country offer multiple subscription-based programs. Before making a decision, consider:
- Potential savings. Most community solar subscriptions offer a fixed discount between five and 15 percent on bill credits, allowing you to lock in savings on your bill, regardless of the cost of electricity in your state.
- Possible company support for environmental justice initiatives. Has the company built projects devoted to low- and moderate-income populations? Or is a specific portion of the subscription project carved out for that population?
- Whether the company has sustainable land-use practices. Aim to support projects that benefit crops and farmers or are located on unusable plots of land.
EnergySage has partnered with EWG to provide independent educational resources and the ability to explore solar options from the comfort of your home. Visit EnergySage to browse your community solar options, or get quotes for rooftop solar, or visit EWG’s Guide to Solar Energy to learn more.
