Here is All You Need to Know About Community Solar

In 2019, the US reported 2 million in solar installations and at least 1 community solar in 40 states. These numbers can only be expected to shoot over the next years as more people are looking to go green.

Community Solar is however becoming more and more popular especially because most households cannot harness rooftop solar energy because of a number of reasons. This could be due to renting, Space constraints, or even zoning restrictions.

Electricity bills are also rising with each rising sun even when we are trying to reduce our energy consumption.

If you want to go green and save money on energy bills, then community solar is the next stop for you.

But first, let’s define community solar.

What is Community Solar?

Well, community solar, arguably, has been defined in many different terms. But simply put, it is the kind of solar system planted in a centralized location to provide solar energy power and other financial benefits equally to local residents, businesses, organizations, and more.

This is usually done by a community with a common goal in mind. It could be to be able to produce your own energy power, create employment, or just boost the economy in your local community.

It can be conducted by non-profit organizations to train, employ, and improve the living standards of people in a certain community.

The program can also be owned and operated by utility companies or individuals, who come together, raise funds, go through all the process of registering, establishing, and run the company.

Does Community Solar Save Money?

The answer to this question may vary according to a lot of factors. It depends on the type of community solar system, the developers, your average energy consumption on a monthly basis, and the size of your subscription.

But here is the thing, as much as the above-mentioned factors matter, getting a community solar subscription is going to save you in the long run. And, there are also many benefits that come with being a member of a solar community.

How do I sign up for Community Solar?

Now that you are familiar with the term and it has sparked some excitement within you, you are probably wondering how to subscribe and become a member.

First of all, you have to check that there is a community solar development or company in your area and on what grounds it operates.

You also have to contact the developers and hand them your average monthly expenditure on electricity and power for them to be able to advise you accordingly and tell you the size of the subscription that will suit your needs best.

There are a couple of ways you can sing up for community solar;

• You can purchase a portion of the energy produced by utility companies that operate a solar firm. 

• You can invest in a solar facility on on-bill grounds and receive credit for your share of energy produced. This could be either in the form of kilowatts-per-hour (kWh) or monetary credits.

• You can also sign up with non-profit sponsored organizations. These are usually funded by private donors and involve training initiatives to boost the local economy. The members then benefit by getting credits or getting access to solar energy.

Here Is Why You Should Subscribe for a Community Solar

If you are still wondering why you should get a community solar subscription then read on to clear your doubts.

• No upfront investments are needed before you become a member. You only join an already operating system and start reaping all the benefits without making any up-front investment.

• You don’t need to take care of all the expenses and maintenance costs that come with installing community solar as all of these are handled by the developers.

• Community solar means that many homes can share solar energy.

• You wouldn’t need to install any equipment on your home and alter the appearance of your rooftop. 

• It is a good option if you are a renter or live in an apartment and are not in a position to install your own rooftop solar.

• Solar energy can be used for different needs e.g. Photovoltaic for electricity and solar thermal for heat.

• Solar is an affordable and sustainable source of energy. You can easily cut down on your energy bills if you choose to go with community solar.

• Solar is renewable energy powered by sunlight. You therefore can never run short of solar power as long as there is the sun.

Conclusion

One thing is for sure; people are realizing the advantages of solar energy and are putting more effort into community solar developments.

Local communities are putting measures to produce their own solar energy power, reduce energy, and improve their economies. You should not be left behind.   

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