More people are growing concerned over rising electric costs and are eager to find more sustainable, environmentally-friendly options for their energy needs. This is where community solar comes in. This system serves as a cost-effective, easy-to-use option to source your energy while saving tons of money on your utility bill every year. But for the uninitiated, what exactly does this entail? And what are its long term-benefits?
Here is an overview of what community solar consists of as well as the various ways you could benefit from it.
What is Community Solar?
Community solar is a type of solar energy program that allows many individuals within a designated area to reap the benefits of solar energy while saving major costs. This is particularly worthwhile for individuals who may not have the financial means or infrastructure to set up solar panels in their homes.
By subscribing to a chunk of the energy generated by a local solar farm, consumers of community solar receive a bill credit for their share of the energy generated by the solar project, thus enabling them to save money each month on their electric bill.
How Does It Work?
- Link your utility account to a local solar farm. Don’t forget to have a copy of a recent utility bill on hand!
- Any time the sun shines, electricity is generated and transferred to your local utility grid.
- You start receiving solar credits based on the portion of the electricity that was generated for you (depending on your share of the subscription). Your utility bill is credited during each billing cycle resulting in more electric savings for you.
- All that’s left is for you to simply pay your local solar farm a discounted fee for your solar credits after you receive your monthly utility bill. The discount ranges from 5-25%.
And you’re all done!
What Are the Perks of Community Solar?
It’s cost-effective
Joining a community solar project helps you save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the project! Besides the monthly subscription, it requires no additional cost to sign up or opt-out of the program if you decide that it is not the right fit for you, you get rooftop solar, or you move.
It helps your community achieve a better quality of life
As a subscriber of community solar, you get to enjoy the perks of solar energy, like less pollution, while saving money. Additionally, thanks to the longevity of the project, your community gets more local jobs, tax dollars and can be better equipped to handle increased power demands in the future!
It contributes to a path of renewable energy for your state
Consider New Jersey for example. The New Jersey Energy Master Plan aims to reach 100% clean energy usage in the state by 2050. By switching to community solar, you get to play your part in achieving that goal. The more people join the community solar initiative, the faster you can get to a healthier, more sustainable community with reduced air pollution and the public health challenges that come with non-renewable energy usage.
So… Are You In?
Community solar is the way forward to a clean, renewable energy-focused future. Are you ready to join the movement? You can enroll and start saving right here!
Written By Alfreda Adote | Edited By Lauren McGregor
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Go green today and Save from 10-25% each month on your electricity bill.
Available to renters and home owners. Nothing to install on your roof. No long-term contracts, you can cancel at any time. No fees or sign-up costs. Just clean electricity when the sun shines, saving you money every month too!