Frequently Asked Questions

Community Solar is a solar energy program facilitated by some states, that allows everyone – homeowners, renters, and businesses – to support the use of clean renewable solar energy. Local residents support the production of clean energy by subscribing to a portion of the community solar farm based on the amount of electricity a given subscriber consumes. In turn, subscribers receive solar credits on their utility bill.

Community Solar fosters the production of clean energy by offering the opportunity to support renewable solar energy to everyone regardless of income, or whether they rent or own a property. The clean renewable energy produced by Community Solar farms replaces energy that would otherwise be produced by fossil fuels. The end result is lower emissions of greenhouse gases and a cleaner environment. Subscribers to Community Solar additionally benefit from the opportunity to reduce their overall utility costs.

There is no upfront cost to become a Community Solar farm subscriber. In most cases, with proper notice there is also no cancellation fee.

No catch. You are already paying into “renewable energy” on your utility bill. This allows you to receive the credits.

Solar credits appear differently on each utility bill, but you’ll typically see them as a line item with a negative value such as “CDG Value Stack Credit,” “CDG generation credit,” “net metering,” or “NEM” depending on your state and utility company. These credits are automatically applied to reduce your total electricity charges each month.

Your solar credits are based on your allocated share of the Community Solar farm’s energy production. The amount varies seasonally – you’ll receive more credits during sunny summer months and fewer during winter months. Credits offset both supply and delivery charges on your utility bill.

Regardless of the billing method, state regulations ensure that the dollar solar credits you receive will always reduce your utility bill by more than what you’ll pay your Community Solar provider, so you will always save on your energy costs.

If your solar credits from your community solar farm subscription exceed your monthly utility charges, your utility bill could be $0, and any excess credits will be “banked” on your account for future use. These banked credits will automatically be applied to future bills.

Almost anyone with an active utility account can join a community solar farm – including homeowners, renters, businesses, non-profits, even towns and cities. You don’t need to own property, have good credit, or make any upfront investment. The main requirement is being in a participating utility service area.

Most Community Solar programs don’t require credit checks for enrollment. Occasionally, there are unique circumstances when credit or income verification is necessary.

Absolutely! Community Solar is perfect for renters since no equipment is installed on your property. You just need to be the account holder for your electricity bill.

If your electricity usage is in an area Solar On Earth serves and we have available space on a local solar farm, the process is simple! We’ll connect you with a Community Solar Specialist. They’ll need a recent utility bill to calculate your energy usage and verify your account. We’ll then match you to an appropriate solar farm based on your location and energy needs.

By subscribing to Community Solar, you’re supporting clean, renewable energy production that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Community Solar farm projects help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a cleaner local energy grid. Community Solar farms produce local energy for local electricity users and help communities move toward energy independence.