What is Community Solar?
Community Solar is enabled by your state’s Renewable Energy Program, which encourages the development of solar farms as a way to meet aggressive clean energy targets over the next few years.
The Maryland Public Service Commission has adopted regulations for a community solar pilot program in Maryland, with an emphasis on providing renewable energy benefits for low and moderate income customers. Community solar customers are expected to see some savings on their electric bills and all Marylanders will benefit from more clean energy options.
In addition, the program will encourage private investment in Maryland’s solar industry and diversify the state’s energy resource mix to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act goals.
Community Solar is the EASIEST way to go solar, reduce your carbon emissions, and save money.
We 💘 our customers
How does it work?
1. Link your utility bill with a solar project
Connect your existing electric account with a nearby solar project. You just need a copy of your recent utility bill. Enroll online in under 2 minutes, completely free.
2. Start generating solar power
When the sun shines, the solar farm generates power and feeds it to your utility’s electric grid on your behalf, earning you credits.
3. Receive solar credits
Your utility bill is credited for the amount of solar power that was generated for you during this billing cycle, reducing what you owe the utility (see example below).
4. Pay for your solar credits
After your reduced utility bill arrives, you pay your solar project directly for your solar credits at the guaranteed discount of 5-25% (discount depends on state, utility, customer status and project).
Example Utility Bill with Solar Credits
Click image to expand & zoom
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start receiving solar credits?
Community solar credits will start reducing your utility bill about 2 to 3 billing cycles after enrollment, if the project is live. If a project is under construction, it may take 3-8 months for credits to start, but rest assured, your spot is reserved! Your first e-statement from the solar project will be after your credited utility bill arrives.
Can I transfer the program if I move?
You can transfer the program if you move within the approved region for the project. Simply call or email the developer to confirm. If your consumption is much higher or lower at the next property, you may ask the developer to readjust your solar credit allocation.
What if I move out of the area or wish to cancel? (ie. getting solar on the home)
There are no exit fees for residential consumers. Please provide 90 days (or as much as possible) notice to the solar project ahead of a move/cancellation so they can assign solar credits to other customers and stop allocating them towards your account.
Once you move, contact Finray Solar to see if we have a solar farm with availability in your new area.
How are credits calculated?
The solar farm will allocate credits for 90% of your historical consumption with your utility (based on past 12 months). If your usage increases (ie. you buy an EV), you may contact the solar project and ask for them to recalculate your share of credits. If you don’t use up all your credits in a given month, they will roll over to the following month.
Annually, your utility will provide a monetary credit for the kWh not applied to prior bills at the avoided cost of power.
Save money and the environment
By applying for credits from a local solar farm, you can earn bill credits for up to 20 years and SAVE THOUSANDS of dollars!
You also help fund the building of new solar farms, which allows for more homes to connect to a renewable source, and reduces America’s dependency on fossil fuels (ie. natural gas, oil, coal).
Join us on OUR MISSION to connect 500,000 Americans to clean energy by 2030, enroll today!
Enroll and Start Saving
Each solar project has limited spots. Spots available for Regular or Low-Moderate Income (LMI) households.
Standard
For residential customers:
- 10% Discount
- For regular customers (non-LMI)
- Utility coverage area: PEPCO MD & DC, Delmarva, BGE
Other (we will contact you)
For residential customers:
- 10% Discount
- For Low-Moderate Income customers receiving government assistance 20-25% Discount
- Utility coverage area: BGE, PEPCO, Potomac Edison
For business customers:
- 5% Discount
Enroll with Neighborhood Sun
Fill the fields and click Next Step. You’ll be taken to Neighborhood Sun to complete enrollment (takes 2 minutes).
Enroll today
Fill the fields and click Enroll Now (takes 2 minutes). Our representative will contact you by the end of the next business day to complete your enrollment.
Still have questions?
Learn more about Finray Solar — WHO we are, WHAT we do, and WHY.
Or, feel free to Contact Us to ASK A QUESTION. We look forward to speaking with you. And we are excited to help you connect your home to a discounted clean source of electricity!