We are a premier Community Solar Broker dedicated to empowering individuals & businesses to embrace renewable energy solutions. Our mission is to facilitate the widespread adoption of community solar by connecting residents & commercial entities with local solar gardens, enabling them to access guaranteed discounts while actively contributing to a more sustainable future.
Good Question!
Limited Availability, First-Come, First-Served: While local community solar gardens offer a compelling opportunity, it's important to recognize that their capacity is limited. As more individuals and businesses subscribe to these gardens, the available spaces fill up quickly. To secure your spot andstart reaping the benefits, it's essential to act promptly and join the local community solar garden before spaces run out.
A Benefit for All of Us!
Driving Renewable Energy Growth: Your participation in a community solar garden has a ripple effect that extends beyond your personal savings. As more subscribers join, the demand for renewable energy increases, incentivizing the construction of additional local solar gardens. By being part of this initiative, you're not only benefiting from clean energy but also actively contributing to the growth of renewable energy sources on a larger scale, ultimately reducing ourcollective carbon footprint.
Our Role!
Local solar gardens require a community solar liaison actively engaged in informing and offering community members access to solar energy capacity. Think of us as akin to Zillow or a real estate agent for community solar farms. Our services are compensated by the local solar garden, meaning we assist you at no additional cost to you!
States with Community Solar
The states where community solar is currently available are CO, IL, NM, MN, NY, NJ, ME, MD, DE, MA, and DC. There are more states in the process of passing their programs, too. Currently, there is at least one community solar project in 43 states & the District of Columbia (DC). Of those, 22 states & DC have passed ‘enabling legislation’ that encourages or mandates community solar in their jurisdictions. Additionally, 17 states have low-income community solar legislation.
Local Solar Garden FAQs
Am I leaving my utility?
Absolutely not. Your local utility company will continue to service & deliver your power as normal. There is no negative consequence you will encounter for subscribing.
Will this effect my electric reliability?
No. The utility will provide power to your house regardless of what the local solar garden produces.
How does the local solar garden make money?
Several ways. Because these solar gardens are private businesses with investors like any other company, their business model still has to turn a profit. Solar energy is cheaper to produce than fossil fuels production. For one, the money you would have paid a different generator on the grid is now being paid directly the local solar garden. The solar garden is able to sell excess generation back to the grid. The gardens also benefit from certain tax incentives if their projects focus on certain needs of the states like supporting local businesses & low-income households. Finally, the local solar garden also gets to keep their SRECS (solar renewable energy credits) that they can hold on to or sell.
Do I qualify for the federal tax credit with the local solar garden?
As of this writing, individuals that participate in community solar projects have not been able to qualify for the federal tax credit.
What if I move?
In most cases when a community solar member moves they will retain their share in the system if they move within the same utility district or service area. If for some reason the community solar subscriber is not able to keep their share there are usually options to sell or transfer membership to another subscriber.
What is virtual net metering?
Virtual net metering (VNM) is a bill-crediting system for community solar. It refers to the net metering of solar that is not used onsite where it is generated but instead fed into the grid & the resulting net metering credits are shared among subscribers. The energy generated by your share is sold to you at a discount, reducing the cost of your electricity bill. In most cases, you'll receive credits on your electric bill for excess energy produced by your share of the local solar garden.
Resources
1. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):
Community Solar Initiatives: https://www.seia.org/initiatives
SEIA is a leading national trade association for the U.S. solar industry, providing comprehensive information and resources on community solar.
2. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE):
Solar Basics: energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-technologies-office
The DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy offers detailed guides, case studies & resources on local community solar gardens.
3. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL):
Community Solar: https://www.nrel.gov/state-local-tribal/community-solar.html
Community Solar Scenario Tool: nrel.gov/energy-solutions/csst
NREL, a national laboratory under the DOE, provides research and analysis on community solar, including tools & models.
4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Community Solar:
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/community-shared-solar
The EPA's Green Power Partnership program includes information on the environmental benefits & steps for joining community solar projects.
5. Vote Solar:
Community Solar: https://votesolar.org/solar-101/community-solar
Vote Solar is a non-profit organization that advocates for solar energy policies & provides resources on local solar garden initiatives.
Program explanations by state:
CO: https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/renewable/solar-rewards-community
IL: https://www.comed.com/SmartEnergy/MyGreenPowerConnection/Pages/CommunitySolar.aspx
NY: https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/NY-Sun/Solar-for-Your-Home/Community-Solar
MN: https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/solar-wind/community-solar
MD: https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/community-solar-pilot-program
