Community solar might be the perfect solution to lower energy bills and become more environmentally friendly. This renewable energy solution is becoming more popular with consumers and offers a 10 to 15% discount on utility rates. Not to mention that community solar is affordable for many people, including those with lower incomes and people of color.

It is a Viable Option for Low-Income customers.

Community solar is a growing trend across the United States. Many states have passed legislation to support community solar. These programs connect multiple buildings to shared solar arrays, allowing them to generate electricity. In this way, everyone saves money on their energy bills. One of the biggest challenges for community solar is marketing. This type of project must be exposed to many eyes to attract investors and customers.

Community solar offers tremendous promise for low and moderate-income customers, but reaching this market requires focused policy support, deliberate program design, and active engagement. Several stakeholders, including utilities, states, community organizations, solar developers, and financial institutions, can play a role.

It is a Viable Option for Customers of Color

Community solar projects are an excellent option for customers of color and other underserved populations. However, predatory lending and scam artists have historically targeted these communities. To make solar more accessible to these communities, community solar project developers are increasing outreach and hiring. In addition, developers are taking advantage of the climate law, which provides a 50% tax credit for renewable energy installations.

The benefit of community solar is that it helps clean up the power grid while also saving customers money. The average customer can save five to fifteen percent a year on their electricity bills – depending on the project and location – by converting to solar energy. Because electricity uses a large portion of America’s carbon footprint, solar community projects are an easy way to save money and the environment simultaneously.

It Offers a 10% to 15% Discount on Utility Rates

Community solar is a growing trend in the clean energy industry that offers a discount on utility rates. Initially, community solar subscribers were required to make a one-time upfront payment, but a no-upfront-cost monthly payment plan later replaced this. Community solar customers receive a discount on their electricity bill based on a predetermined percentage of the total project output. These credits are then applied to a customer’s utility bill, reducing their monthly utility bill by up to $150.

The discount varies from state to state, so your rates may not always be the same as what your neighbors are paying. However, many states have passed legislation allowing community solar subscription programs to provide a discount on utility bills. In Maine, for example, shared net energy billing laws are now in effect, and 22 states are considering similar laws.

It is Competitive

If you are looking for ways to reduce your power bills, solar community projects are a great way to do just that. These projects offer the same benefits as rooftop solar but without the cost of construction or operation. Community solar also avoids road closures, traffic management issues, and onsite installation and maintenance inconveniences.

Community solar projects can be very effective in helping businesses reduce their energy bills while also helping to reduce carbon emissions. They also create green jobs in underserved communities and support Black-owned minority businesses. Community solar programs also bridge the gap between climate change and just transition. They help to reduce the barriers for community members to participate in the renewable energy industry, such as solar panel installation and can help them earn referral credits.