What is community solar?
Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credit on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced.This model for solar is being rapidly adopted nationwide. It provides homeowners, renters, and businesses equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy generation regardless of the physical attributes or ownership of their home or business. The community solar concept expands access for all, including low-to-moderate income customers, all while building a stronger, more distributed, and resilient electric grid.
Three steps to utility bill savings
Panels can be purchased up front or participants can opt for a pay-as-you-go solution. Signing up for community solar provides real economic benefits to the community and savings on each subscriber’s utility bill.
Step 1
A community solar project is created and begins generating clean, solar energy.
Step 2
Individuals, local businesses, schools and others sign up to receive energy from a certain number of panels.
Step 3
Community solar subscribers receive bill savings in the form of a credit on their bill based on the amount of energy produced by their community solar panels.
Explore the benefits of community solar
For the first time, community solar gives all Americans equal access to solar. And no contractor visits, permits, or maintenance means no hassle.
Solar for All
Community solar works for anyone with an electric bill, including renters, residents in multi-unit buildings, and businesses that don’t own their roof.
Local Economic Development
Community solar development creates good-paying jobs. It also provides economic opportunities for farmers through land leases and provides significant tax revenue to local municipalities, which in turn can fund local public services and infrastructure improvement projects.
It’s Easy
Customers can sign up to participate in just a few minutes and begin receiving power production credits on their next utility bill.
Benefits the Grid
By generating energy closer to the consumer, community solar reduces demand for costly, large-scale utility and distribution infrastructure. A distributed grid of local solar facilities can also even out the electric load and reduce outages.
Lower Energy Bills
Locally produced solar provides homeowners, renters and businesses equal access to the cost-saving benefits of solar energy.
Farming the sun and changing the world
Learn how community solar is increasing access to solar energy and helping farmers diversify their income streams.
Join the movement toward a net zero future
Become a community solar advocate to join us in our mission and gain access to exclusive information and resources.
- Receive monthly updates and market intelligence for priority states
- Discount to CCSA Events and priority access
- Listing on CCSA Membership website and promotional materials
- Access to CCSA educational forums and workshops
- Access to State Committees
- Board and organizational votes
Join our growing list of community solar members
Become a part of our coalition and help shape the future of the solar industry.