New Energy Insights

Solar energy isn’t just for rooftops anymore. With community solar, tenants and building owners now have access to solar energy, regardless of their roof’s characteristics or available capital. It's more than monthly savings on electricity - it’s a leap toward increased renewable energy access, economic benefit to rural communities, and a reduced carbon footprint.

How Does Community Solar Work?

Community Solar gardens are off-site solar arrays that produce energy sent to the electric grid. They’re similar to power plants, producing energy away from the end-user but are typically less than 5 MW in electrical capacity. (Enough energy to power roughly 542 homes per year.)

Community Solar Gardens (CSG’s) are often found in rural areas on parcels of leased land that are not currently being used for agriculture. These locations are optimal for solar energy production, and the duration of the lease allows the land to naturally replenish nutrients for future crops. During installation a pollinator-friendly seed mix is planted in order to provide a habitat for native bees, butterflies and other wildlife. CSGs can be completed with little impact on current operations and require little to no maintenance. When the lease is up, the equipment is removed and the land is returned to the owner unharmed.

What Are The Benefits of Community Solar?

• The need for building ownership, ideal roof conditions, and approval from local agencies is eliminated for people that want solar energy.
• More people have access to the benefits of renewable energy.
• landowners can diversify their income streams without investing any overhead.
• Local economies benefit from the additional income generated from, and saved by, the leasing and subscription to CSG’s.

How Do I Get Started?

Many utility companies have programs available, allowing you to subscribe to a CSG. A community solar subscription allows you to use a portion of the energy produced, with savings applied as credits to your monthly bill. If you’re a landowner and you think your parcel might be a good location for a solar site, you can contact a solar developer.

Whether you’re interested in hosting a CSG or looking for a subscription plan that fits your needs, New Energy Equity is here to assist your renewable energy transition.