So you’ve decided to go solar but installing your own panels is not an option for you. That’s where community solar comes in. This solar program allows you to source solar energy for your household (or business) AND save money on your monthly electric bills simply by subscribing to a solar farm. It gives you the best of both worlds; access to clean energy and electric savings. However, it is important to do your due diligence before signing up for a community solar program to ensure you have the best experience and no regrets later on.
Here is a handy checklist to guide you through some key steps to take as you navigate the process of signing up for community solar.
- Research your local community solar options
- First things first, do your research.
- Check if you are located close to a solar farm and educate yourself on the different community solar options that are available to you.
- To do this, you can contact your utility company or do an internet search to learn more about different community solar projects. Community solar is a newer addition in the push to go green and while the amount of solar farms grows every year, not all states offer it yet. Be sure to look into the solar energy initiatives in the state that you live in. The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) State Policies and Programs for Community Solar is a great resource that includes information on states with active community solar programs and sign up details.
- Make sure you are a good candidate for community solar
- Anyone can benefit from community solar, but it is especially helpful for low-income households or individuals that don’t own their homes.
- So if you cannot afford to install your own solar panels due to their high price, the poor quality of your roof, or renting your housing, community solar is probably a good fit for you.
- Determine your energy needs
- Review your recent electric bills or contact your utility company to get a clear idea of how much energy your household will need.
- This is important as your energy needs will determine the “size” of your subscription (the portion of the community solar project that you will subscribe to).
- Evaluate different programs and choose a provider
- You’ve done your research and you know exactly how much energy you will need. Your next step is choosing the right solar provider.
- Not all plans are created equal, so take your time with this. Pay attention to the different subscription costs, cancellation policies and systems in place to protect your interests as a consumer. And remember: community solar is meant to SAVE you money on your electric bill. So always make sure that you are getting enough savings for your subscription.
- Start seeing the savings roll in!
- Once you enroll in the right program for you, here comes the fun part!
- After linking your utility bill to your solar farm, you will start saving on electricity thanks to the solar credits your community solar project will give you. These credits are deducted from your monthly utility bills and will save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the project.
After subscribing to a community solar program, you should keep track of your subscription every month to ensure that it continues to meet your needs. Finray offers a simple form to get you enrolled with the solar farm that best fits your needs. Or, you can also reach out to us with any questions that you may have and we’ll walk you through the whole process!
Learn how you can help by joining the movement
Written By Alfreda Adote | Edited By Lauren McGregor