Able energy community solar

What is community solar?

Community solar provides households, businesses, and other energy users the opportunity to subscribe to a solar array in their community and allows for more equitable access to the benefits of clean energy, especially for households and businesses that cannot host a solar system on their own roofs.

What are the benefits of community solar?

Community solar can allow all households and businesses to access the benefits of solar energy, such as lower electricity costs, regardless of whether they’re able to host a system on their own roof. And, in areas where solar power is less expensive than fossil-generated electricity (most places), consumers can save money on their monthly bills.

Is community solar a good idea?

Community solar is a great way to help reduce carbon emissions on the power grid, especially if you can’t install your own solar panels. It costs nothing for most people—in fact, it’s usually a monthly savings. You don’t need an electrician, and you don’t even need to switch energy providers.

Are community solar arrays a good idea?

Customer-owned or community-owned community solar arrays allow communities to have control over their energy resources while building local community wealth and energy democracy. Community solar can be particularly beneficial for low- or moderate-income (LMI) households that face high energy burdens.

Why do communities want a community solar project?

Communities may be interested in a community solar project for a variety of reasons, including wanting to reduce pollution in their community, wanting more control over their energy sources, wanting to participate in the financial benefits of clean energy, and/or wanting more jobs or economic development through locally sited clean energy.

Do community solar projects have access to subscriptions for low- and moderate-income households?

Community solar projects and programs can prioritize access to subscriptions for low- and moderate-income households and ensure those subscriptions include strong consumer protections. The 2022 Sunny Awards required that projects reserve at least 40% of their capacity for low- to moderate-income households.