What is community solar?

Community solar lets businesses and residents save on their electricity bills by subscribing to a share of a solar farm — without installing any panels on their own property.

Here's how it works: a solar project is built in your area (often on open land or a large rooftop), and local customers subscribe to a portion of its output. Your share of the electricity generated is credited to your utility bill each month, typically at a 10–15% discount compared to standard grid rates.

Why it matters for commercial buildings: Not every property has a roof suitable for solar — maybe it's too small, shaded, structurally limited, or under a lease that doesn't allow modifications. Community solar gives these buildings access to renewable energy savings that would otherwise be off the table.

A few things to know before subscribing:

• No installation required. There's nothing to build, maintain, or insure on your property.
• Savings start immediately. Unlike rooftop solar, there's no payback period — you see a lower bill from month one.
• Subscriptions are typically flexible. Most community solar contracts allow you to cancel or transfer if you move or your needs change, though terms vary by provider.
• Availability depends on your location. Community solar programs are expanding quickly but are still limited to certain states and utility territories. Demand currently outpaces supply in many markets due to panel and labor shortages.

Community solar is especially worth considering if rooftop solar isn't feasible for your property, or if you want to start saving while evaluating larger on-site projects.