What is community solar and what it means for you
Community solar is a shared solar power arrangement that allows multiple people — renters, homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits — to benefit from a single, centrally located solar array. Instead of installing panels on your roof, you subscribe to or buy a portion of a larger system located nearby, and the electricity it generates is credited to your utility bill.
It’s a simple idea with big implications: access to clean energy without the upfront cost, maintenance, or roof suitability concerns that often block rooftop solar adoption. For you, that translates into straightforward advantages.
First, predictable cost savings: many community solar programs offer credits on your electric bill that lower your monthly energy costs. That can mean immediate savings for households trying to trim expenses and long-term protection against rising utility rates.
Second, accessibility: renters, people with shaded roofs, historic properties, or homeowners associations that prohibit rooftop panels can finally participate in the solar transition. Community solar also offers flexibility. Most programs use subscription models that let you join or leave with minimal commitment. Some provide options to buy an ownership share, which can produce larger long-term returns. There’s usually no installation, insurance, or maintenance required on your part—those responsibilities stay with the project owner or operator.
And many programs are structured to serve low- and moderate-income households, offering deeper discounts or reserved capacity. Beyond personal benefits, community solar amplifies community resilience and environmental impact. By pooling demand, projects can be sited in optimal locations, improving efficiency and grid stability.
Shared installations can be integrated with battery storage and smart-grid technologies to smooth out intermittent generation. On the environmental side, each kilowatt-hour produced displaces fossil fuel generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution—helping your community breathe cleaner air and meet regional climate goals.
Real-world examples show how powerful community solar can be. In states with supportive policies like New York and Minnesota, community solar has expanded rapidly, lowering energy bills for thousands and directing investment into underserved areas.
Studies show community solar subscribers can save 5–15% on their electricity costs depending on program design and local rates. For municipalities and businesses, tapping into community solar can meet sustainability targets without the logistical hurdles of rooftop retrofits.
Choosing the right program requires a few practical checks.
- Look at the contract length, exit terms, and how savings are calculated on your bill.
- Confirm whether the project is in-state (many programs require that) and whether there are upfront fees or credit checks.
- Check for any protections for low-income subscribers and whether the program offers a guaranteed minimum savings.
- Reading customer reviews and asking about the developer’s track record will help you avoid pitfalls.
- If you’re curious about joining, start by checking whether community solar is available in your area—many utilities and state energy offices maintain searchable registries.
- Compare offers, estimate likely bill credits, and consider whether a subscription or ownership model fits your goals. Community groups, local environmental organizations, or your utility can often provide guidance and workshops to help you make an informed decision.
- Community solar makes renewable energy tangible and inclusive. It turns the abstract idea of “going solar” into a practical, community-driven choice that saves money, supports local jobs, and reduces emissions.
- If you or someone you know is low- or moderate-income, you may qualify for financial assistance through your state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
If you want to be part of the clean energy future without the barriers of rooftop installation, community solar is one of the most accessible ways to start. Learn more about community solar options in your area and take the next step toward cleaner, more affordable energy for you and your community.
Electrify Hope has teamed up with one of the fastest growing energy providers in the country. In addition to competitive rates, this electricity provider prides itself on getting its electricity from 100% clean energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro. If you live in one of the following states, you may qualify to participate in their community solar programs.
Click here to see if you qualify
Colorado
Delaware
Illinois
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New Mexico
Oregon
Rhode Island
Virginia
Washington, D.C.
Here's how it works (click to watch 2–minute overview):
Click here to see if you qualify
*AutoSave, Maryland, and New York customers not eligible for the $100 gift card other subscribers may qualify for.