Ten Ways Your Community Can Go Solar Toolkit: Part Seven

Encourage community solar projects

Community solar programs can allow apartment occupants and others who cannot install their own solar systems to purchase and benefit from clean solar energy. A 2015 Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Lab report estimates that nearly half of all consumers and businesses are unable to install their own solar photovoltaic systems for a number of reasons. They may not own their building or have access to sufficient, sunny roof space. Community solar expands access by allowing customers to rent or own a set of panels in a shared solar project and receive a credit on their utility bill based on their share of the generated power.

Report

This is part one of Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Ten Ways Your Community Can Go Solar Toolkit: Encourage community solar projects.

Community solar programs can allow apartment occupants and others who cannot install their own solar systems to purchase and benefit from clean solar energy. A 2015 Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Lab report estimates that nearly half of all consumers and businesses are unable to install their own solar photovoltaic systems for a number of reasons. They may not own their building or have access to sufficient, sunny roof space. Community solar expands access by allowing customers to rent or own a set of panels in a shared solar project and receive a credit on their utility bill based on their share of the generated power.