Community Solar: Democratizing Renewable Energy Access
Community solar is an innovative solution that can help democratize solar energy. This model enables multiple participants to benefit from a single, off-site solar farm. By subscribing to a share of the solar energy produced, participants receive credits on their electricity bills without the installation of solar panels on the roofs of their homes or businesses.
Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups often encounter financial, technical, or ownership challenges that prevent them from installing solar panels. High upfront costs and technical obstacles are the main barriers. Community solar addresses these obstacles by promoting energy access and ensuring that clean energy benefits are available to low- and moderate-income consumers.
A community solar project generates electricity from sunlight and the electricity flows through a meter to the utility grid. Community solar subscribers pay for a share of the electricity generated by the project. Then, the local utility pays the community solar provider for the energy generated, and each subscriber receives a portion of the dollar value generated by their community solar subscription as a credit. Typically, this credit is applied directly to a subscriber’s monthly electric bill, helping to reduce customers’ electricity costs.
This approach effectively democratizes renewable energy access. It allows individuals to subscribe to a portion of a solar farm's output, enabling a broader segment of the population to participate in and benefit from the transition to clean energy. This model overcomes the barriers of upfront costs and installation limitations, thereby expanding the reach of solar energy.
The benefits of community solar are substantial. Participants can save between 5-25% on their electricity bills without any installation expenses. It reduces carbon footprints, contributing to a cleaner environment. Additionally, it supports local green jobs and aids local nonprofits through community partnerships. The model's accessibility makes it viable for both renters and homeowners.
At Civil Renewables Inc., we actively participate in the energy transition while embedding sustainability into our daily operations. Our resolute commitment to environmental protection and sustainability is reflected in all our activities. To further reduce our carbon footprint and support industry initiatives, we practice what we preach by subscribing to Neighborhood Sun. This platform, operating in Maryland and Colorado, makes it easy for users to save money and support renewable energy without installing personal solar panels. As a community-driven organization, Neighborhood Sun connects homes to local solar farms, enabling significant savings on electricity bills and promoting a more sustainable planet.
More information: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/community-solar-basics
