How to find the best community solar offer

Home solar panel installations have significant financial and environmental benefits – but they don't work for everyone. Fortunately, you can still contribute to sustainability initiatives, generate utility bill savings, and take advantage of tax incentives through community solar. With no solar installation required and little to no upfront costs, community solar markets are expanding throughout the country. As you compare community solar offers, we'll discuss key factors to consider.

Community solar allows homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses to cut energy costs and support local renewable energy development. While most programs will save you money, some community solar projects promise greater savings than others. So, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of each offer before you sign anything, even if it's your only community solar option. 

Below are questions to ask yourself and your Energy Advisor when reviewing your community solar options:

How much solar energy do I need?

There are a few things to consider when sizing your community solar share: your current and future annual electricity demand, the capacity of your share, and its output. Most community solar companies will size your share of the solar array to meet nearly 100% of your annual electricity needs. Don't be alarmed if your solar production doesn't always align with your energy demands: Solar panels typically produce more electricity in the summer and less in winter, so the output of your share will vary from month to month. However, this should balance out over a year to save you 5-25% on your annual electric bills. 

Community solar companies usually rely on your current annual electricity usage to size your share, but you may be able to adjust for future electricity needs. For instance, if you plan to electrify your heating and cooling systems with heat pumps, ask for a larger project share. You might be unable to resize your share after signing up, so it's best to talk to your provider before subscribing. 

Is it an ownership-based program or a subscription-based program?

The main difference between an ownership-based community solar program and a subscription-based program is how you pay for it. Under an ownership model, you'll pay for the system upfront with cash or a loan. Under a subscription model, you'll make monthly payments for your project share. Subscription-based programs are by far the most popular option, so don't be surprised if there aren't ownership-based programs available in your area. We only offer subscription-based projects if you're shopping through the EnergySage Community Solar Marketplace.

Where is the project located?

One of the benefits of community solar is its direct impact on your state, town, and neighborhood. A community solar farm (AKA solar garden) located in your area provides clean energy to your electric grid and employs people in your community. Because of this, many people prefer to subscribe to a project close to their home or business. (Remember, the community solar project you choose needs to be in your utility territory.)

Does the community solar company have a good reputation?

If you have questions about your bill credits, monthly charges, or other subscription-related topics, you want to be able to get in touch with your community solar company quickly. Of course, it can be challenging to gauge the responsiveness of a customer service team while signing up. Still, most community solar companies have online reviews from past and current customers, speaking to their reputation. 

When will the project go live?

It's common for community solar companies to fill projects with subscribers before the solar array is "live," meaning a project might not be complete when you sign up. A project's "go live" date can provide an estimate of when you'll start seeing community solar savings. If your potential community solar project isn't running, there might be a waiting period before you receive energy credits. 

Subscription-based programs are available in various structures, so it's easiest to compare them based on estimated savings over a set time. Before signing up for a subscription, remember to ask:

When will I start saving money?

The timing of your savings from community solar largely depends on how the program is structured. Some programs use escalating solar rates, promising you'll eventually save as inflation drives higher utility rates. Other programs offer a fixed discount on all the solar energy you buy (i.e., 10% less than utility rates.) If you have a choice, fixed discounts offer the most certainty throughout the program.

Is there an upfront fee to join the program?

If so, how much is it? How far into the future will it push the point at which you start saving? Fortunately, most community subscriptions are free to sign up for – but it doesn't hurt to double-check!

Will I be penalized for late payments?

Receiving electricity from a community solar project is not always the same as buying energy from public utilities, so you may not have the same protections if you run behind on your bills. Check the terms of your contract so you can prepare for this scenario.

Can I cancel my subscription at any time? And are there any penalty fees for an early exit from the program?

Many community solar providers allow you to terminate your subscription anytime but may require a minimum cancellation notice or a small fee.

Can I transfer my subscription to my new address if I move?

Most community solar programs will let you 'take it with you' at no additional fee if you move within the same utility territory.

Can I take the panels home at the term's end?

Although you don't technically own solar panels in the array, some programs let you take your share of panels home after the project's decommissioning. It's better to consider this more of a friendly 'bonus' rather than a core benefit for signing up, however.

Purchasing a share in a community solar project is like investing in a rooftop solar system: you make an upfront payment now to cut future electricity costs. Before signing on the dotted line, ask yourself:

What's the cost per watt ($/W)?

Each community solar offer will look different, making comparing your options tricky. Knowing the cost per watt for a share will allow you to compare pricing offers meaningfully.

Am I eligible for any incentives?

Financial incentives are available to solar owners and can significantly cut the cost of going solar. Your eligibility for state and local incentives depends on what's available in your state and through your utility company, but federal incentives are open to anyone. For example, the solar tax credit allows community solar participants to claim a section 25D tax credit if the electricity generated by the solar project does not exceed their homes' electricity consumption.

How much will I pay for electricity after buying a share?

What rate will your utility credit you for your solar production? Does it fluctuate over time or stay flat? In most cases, your state's net metering policy with influence this.

Are there any additional fees? Ongoing or upfront?

The purchase price usually includes maintenance and administration costs, but confirming before moving forward is critical.

Can I get a loan?

Solar loans are a great way to finance your community solar share upfront. Fortunately, now $0-down loans are available for many projects, allowing you to start saving money on day one!

What's the estimated payback period?

A good community solar company will offer a transparent, conservative estimate of payback time or how long it will take before you recoup your initial investment. 

Can I take the panels with me at the end of the term?

Ownership-based programs will generally let you take your share of panels home after the project is decommissioned (but not before!). At that point, you may use them as you wish, but remember that the panels are just one small part of what you paid for initially (inverters, cables, and mounting equipment). Think of this as a small 'bonus' for participating in the project.

How do the costs and savings compare to installing a rooftop system?

Community solar has expanded the solar industry to benefit more people, but rooftop solar typically allows you to save significantly more money than owning a share of a community solar project. If your roof is a good fit for solar panels, we recommend comparing installation options for your property before deciding to buy a share of a solar project.

Comparing community solar quotes can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, EnergySage does the heavy lifting for you. Compare local options, get a quick community solar savings estimate, and seamlessly subscribe to an open project in your area on the EnergySage Community Solar Marketplace. Sign up today to speak with our expert team of Energy Advisors who will help you go solar with confidence!