What Is Community Solar?
Community solar is a game-changer for anyone paying an electric bill—whether you rent, lease, or own your home. It’s a state-supported program that lets people tap into locally generated renewable energy without needing panels on their roof. Basically, you subscribe to a local solar farm and get a share of the clean energy it produces, saving money while supporting a greener grid. This means no upfront costs, no installation hassles, and no extra fees—just easy access to solar power through your utility bill.
Main Benefits of Community Solar
Here’s the scoop on why community solar rocks:
- Guaranteed Savings: Subscribers save between 5% and 30% on their monthly electric bills.
- Clean Energy Impact: Over 726 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy allocated so far.
- Environmental Wins: More than 515,000 metric tons of CO2 prevented thanks to community solar farms.
- Financial Impact: $8 million saved by subscribers on electricity costs.
- Easy Sign-Up: No fees, no panels on your home, just simple subscription.
How Community Solar Benefits You
It’s not just about saving money—though that’s a huge part of it. When you join a community solar project, you’re cutting down your electricity costs by 5% to 30% every month. Plus, you’re helping your community breathe easier with cleaner air thanks to more renewable energy in the mix. And the best part? There are no hidden fees or extra costs—just straightforward savings and sunshine.
How It Benefits the Planet
Community solar isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s great for the Earth. By subscribing, you’re supporting clean energy generated right in your neighborhood, which means less reliance on fossil fuels. Many projects even make use of land that would otherwise go unused—think landfills and rooftops—turning them into powerhouses for green energy. So, every kilowatt-hour you get helps push the grid toward a cleaner, greener future.
How It Benefits Your Community
Community solar projects do more than just power homes—they power local economies and social good. Your subscription helps create green jobs right where you live and encourages equitable access to clean energy for everyone. Plus, when you sign up through a community partner, you’re also helping raise funds for local nonprofits. It’s a win-win: cleaner energy, stronger communities, and support for causes that matter.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Why Community Solar Is for Everyone
Here’s the thing: rooftop solar isn’t an option for about 80% of Americans. But community solar flips the script by removing all those traditional barriers—no upfront costs, no need to own your home, no installation headaches. Anyone who pays an electric bill can now get discounted clean energy from a local solar farm. It’s a simple subscription model that makes clean energy accessible, affordable, and equitable. So, whether you’re in Maryland, DC, New York, or beyond, community solar is opening doors to a brighter, cleaner future for all.
