Community solar is a shared solar energy system owned or operated by a third party that multiple customers can subscribe to for a portion of its power output. Instead of installing rooftop panels, subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the system’s generation. This model enables residents in multi-unit buildings, renters, and those with unsuitable roofs to access solar benefits.
Technical Details
Community solar installations typically range from 100 kilowatts to several megawatts in capacity. Systems are usually grid-connected and managed by utilities or private companies. Subscribers receive virtual net metering credits, with typical system sizes serving 50 to 500 individual accounts. Most programs offer 25-year contracts with fixed pricing.
Practical Significance
Community solar expands solar access to approximately 23 percent of U.S. households that cannot install rooftop systems. Subscribers typically save 5 to 15 percent on electricity costs. The model supports renewable energy adoption rates while reducing transmission losses compared to distant utility solar farms, making it an effective tool for distributed clean energy deployment.