Community Solar: Powering Your Neighborhood

Now, more than ever, thousands of people can benefit from climate-conscious initiatives that provide both immediate and long term benefits in the arenas of bill affordability, resilience, and equitable access to energy. 

The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Solar for All initiative, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enables us to set Americans up for success by reducing utility costs, increasing energy resiliency, and working towards the country’s goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. One of the methods aiding us in this journey toward a clean energy future is a solar energy deployment model called Community Solar. 

Community solar is a model that allows customers to buy or lease part of an offsite solar power system and receive benefits for the participation, like bill savings, without using their own roof. This model is designed with particular focus on ensuring that solar energy is accessible to renters, folks with shaded rooftops, and families facing financial barriers. By making solar accessible to everyone, community solar helps us reach our imperative climate goals.

Community Solar – A Framework of Hope

Community Solar models are a far cry from investor controlled utility companies, and it’s no surprise that many utility companies are actively working to stop state regulators from issuing equitable community solar programs. These companies are focused on their bottom line, rather than how to bring communities the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective energy solutions.

Meanwhile, community solar offers a pathway towards meaningful impact. These programs provide immediate benefits, like reducing monthly utility bills, while also offering long-term advantages by helping states transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy system. Most importantly, it ensures that clean energy is equitable – accessible to people who have traditionally been left out of the solar market. 

Communities are already seeing the results of community solar programs across the country, including in Illinois where the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is providing a comprehensive framework and robust financial support to facilitate the procurement of over 3,500 MW of wind and solar energy, with more than 1,500 MW dedicated to rooftop and community solar projects. This program stands out as an example of thriving community solar initiatives, and the landmark legislation, supported by Vote Solar, sets Illinois on a path to achieve 100% carbon-free power by 2045. States should seize opportunities to make solar accessible to all by embracing community solar. By not doing so, elected officials are leaving bill savings, economic growth, and climate benefits on the table.

How Community Solar Works

The concept is simple. Instead of installing solar panels on your roof, you subscribe to a portion of a larger, offsite solar array. This means schools, churches, and community centers could power entire neighborhoods. The energy generated by that array is fed into the power grid, and in return, you receive credits on your electricity bill. This allows communities to benefit from solar power even if your home isn’t suited for rooftop solar installations. Such programs bring bill savings and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels – a win-win for electricity customers and the planet.

A Future Powered by the Sun

Community solar is already making a difference. In states across the country, it’s allowing thousands of folks to switch to clean energy. With federal support through new legislation, this model is poised to grow even further, ensuring that more can benefit from solar.

To put it simply: community solar is hope. There’s hope for every household to participate in the clean energy revolution. We have the tools, momentum, and time to act. Community solar is one way we can all be part of the solution, building a brighter, more resilient future under the sun.

Now, more than ever, thousands of people can benefit from climate-conscious initiatives that provide both immediate and long term benefits in the arenas of bill affordability, resilience, and equitable access to energy. 

The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Solar for All initiative, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enables us to set Americans up for success by reducing utility costs, increasing energy resiliency, and working towards the country’s goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. One of the methods aiding us in this journey toward a clean energy future is a solar energy deployment model called Community Solar. 

Community solar is a model that allows customers to buy or lease part of an offsite solar power system and receive benefits for the participation, like bill savings, without using their own roof. This model is designed with particular focus on ensuring that solar energy is accessible to renters, folks with shaded rooftops, and families facing financial barriers. By making solar accessible to everyone, community solar helps us reach our imperative climate goals.

Community Solar – A Framework of Hope

Community Solar models are a far cry from investor controlled utility companies, and it’s no surprise that many utility companies are actively working to stop state regulators from issuing equitable community solar programs. These companies are focused on their bottom line, rather than how to bring communities the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective energy solutions.

Meanwhile, community solar offers a pathway towards meaningful impact. These programs provide immediate benefits, like reducing monthly utility bills, while also offering long-term advantages by helping states transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy system. Most importantly, it ensures that clean energy is equitable – accessible to people who have traditionally been left out of the solar market. 

Communities are already seeing the results of community solar programs across the country, including in Illinois where the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is providing a comprehensive framework and robust financial support to facilitate the procurement of over 3,500 MW of wind and solar energy, with more than 1,500 MW dedicated to rooftop and community solar projects. This program stands out as an example of thriving community solar initiatives, and the landmark legislation, supported by Vote Solar, sets Illinois on a path to achieve 100% carbon-free power by 2045. States should seize opportunities to make solar accessible to all by embracing community solar. By not doing so, elected officials are leaving bill savings, economic growth, and climate benefits on the table.

How Community Solar Works

The concept is simple. Instead of installing solar panels on your roof, you subscribe to a portion of a larger, offsite solar array. This means schools, churches, and community centers could power entire neighborhoods. The energy generated by that array is fed into the power grid, and in return, you receive credits on your electricity bill. This allows communities to benefit from solar power even if your home isn’t suited for rooftop solar installations. Such programs bring bill savings and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels – a win-win for electricity customers and the planet.

A Future Powered by the Sun

Community solar is already making a difference. In states across the country, it’s allowing thousands of folks to switch to clean energy. With federal support through new legislation, this model is poised to grow even further, ensuring that more can benefit from solar.

To put it simply: community solar is hope. There’s hope for every household to participate in the clean energy revolution. We have the tools, momentum, and time to act. Community solar is one way we can all be part of the solution, building a brighter, more resilient future under the sun.