What is community solar?

Community solar allows renters, homeowners with shaded roofs, tenants of apartment buildings, and others to receive the benefits of solar energy by removing some of the remaining regulatory barriers to solar.

Community solar works by giving utility rate payers access to virtual net-metering. Virtual net-metering permits anyone to subscribe to a solar installation. Once they have done so, the electricity produced by their portion of the solar installation will be credited to their monthly electric bill. 

This means a person doesn't necessarily need to have a solar system installed on their roof to receive the benefits of a solar system. A large solar system could be installed on a sunny community building and multiple people could purchase portions of that system. It's a win-win for everyone!

Community solar legislation allows for-profit, non-profit or third-party entities to build, own, and operate community energy generating facilities. It also creates opportunities for low-income utility customers to benefit from renewable energy projects.