Community Solar Garden
Community solar allows people who can’t install solar panels on their own roofs (renters, shaded roofs, etc.) to subscribe to a shared solar project. Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. It democratizes access to clean energy and lowers utility costs.
Impact Potential
- Reduces carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels
- Lowers electricity bills for subscribers
- Increases access to renewable energy for renters/LMI households
- Creates local green jobs
- Strengthens community resilience
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify a site
Find a large roof (school, church, warehouse) or land parcel with good sun exposure and willing owners.
Partner with a solar developer
Unless you have engineering expertise, partner with a developer experienced in community solar to handle technical design.
Secure financing
Combine grants, tax credits, investor equity, and subscriber pre-payments to fund construction.
Recruit subscribers
Market shares/subscriptions to community members. Focus on inclusion for low-to-moderate income households.
Construction and interconnection
Build the array and work with the local utility to connect it to the grid.
Operations and billing
Manage subscriber database and ensure billing credits are applied correctly by the utility.
Common Challenges
- Utility regulations—vary widely by state
- Site control—negotiating long-term leases
- Financing complexity—tax equity structures can be complicated
- Customer acquisition—educating the community takes time
What You'll Need
- Site for solar array (roof or ground mount)
- Technical engineering and design
- Legal structure for subscription management
- Interconnection agreement with utility
- Financing and insurance
Resources
- Solar United Neighbors
- Coalition for Community Solar Access
- DOE National Community Solar Partnership
- EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund