Not everyone can install solar panels on their roof. Maybe you're a renter, or your home is shaded by trees, or your roof isn't suitable for an installation. For a long time, this meant missing out on the benefits of solar energy. Community solar changes that.

A community solar project is a shared solar farm. Instead of one system on one roof, it's a larger collection of panels in a sunny, open area. Anyone in the local utility area can tap into it.

The process is straightforward. A developer builds and maintains a solar farm, often on a piece of land or a large commercial roof. Instead of installing your own panels, you subscribe to a portion of this shared farm.

The energy generated by the farm is fed directly into the local power grid. As a subscriber, you receive credits on your monthly electricity bill for the power your share of the farm produces. This lowers your energy costs without any equipment on your property.

Community solar isn't just about individual savings. It's a powerful tool for building stronger, more resilient communities. By making renewable energy accessible to more people, it helps reduce the entire community's reliance on fossil fuels. This leads to cleaner air and a healthier local environment.

These projects also support local economies by creating jobs in construction, installation, and maintenance. They provide a new source of income for landowners who lease their property for the solar farm. By generating power locally, communities become less vulnerable to widespread outages and fluctuating energy prices.

Ready to test your understanding of the basics?