Choose My Electric Community solar guide

Community solar

Community Solar Near Me

Stack extra savings without switching.

Solar bill credits without roof panels, installation, or equipment at home.

Community solar lets you subscribe to a local solar project and receive credits on your electric bill. It can be a good option if you rent, live in a condo, have a shaded roof, or simply do not want rooftop solar panels.

Why people like community solar

In plain English, this is often solar without rooftop panels. Community solar for renters, condo owners, and homeowners with a difficult roof can be a practical way to look for possible savings without installing equipment at home.

No supplier switch required Credits on your utility bill No rooftop panels
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Secure. Independent. Utility-aware. No pressure.

Lower your bill

Possible bill savings without buying panels

You may receive utility bill credits tied to a local shared solar project instead of installing equipment at home.

No rooftop panels

Better fit for renters and tricky roofs

Community solar can work when you rent, live in a condo, or simply do not want rooftop installation.

Cancel rules vary

Read the contract before you enroll

Billing, cancellation terms, waitlists, and move-out rules are different from project to project.

Utility matters

Availability depends on your service area

Programs often depend on your utility territory, active project capacity, and state-specific eligibility rules.

No supplier switch required

You usually keep your current electricity supplier and rate plan while community solar adds bill-credit value separately.

Credits on your utility bill

Your share of a local solar project may show up as electric bill credits, depending on the utility and program rules.

Good for you and your community

Many people use shared solar to support local renewable energy without putting panels on their roof.

23 states with tracked program paths

We surface official state and utility-backed next steps where they exist, then fall back honestly when they do not.

How it works

How Community Solar Works

Shared solar is usually simple on the customer side. The solar panels are located somewhere else, and the value shows up through solar bill credits or electric bill credits tied to your utility account.

1

A solar farm produces electricity

The panels are located off-site, not on your home, usually at a local solar farm serving many customers.

2

You subscribe to a share

Your subscription is usually tied to your utility account or service address.

3

Credits appear on your electric bill

As the project produces energy, your share may show up as bill credits.

4

You may save on your bill

Many programs charge you for those credits at a discount, creating potential savings.

Watch out

Watch out for confusing offers

Some solar offers can sound like “free electricity” or “guaranteed savings.” Community solar should be easy to understand before you sign up. Look for clear answers about bill credits, fees, contract length, cancellation rules, and what happens if you move.

  • Avoid offers that promise guaranteed savings without showing the math
  • Ask whether there are cancellation fees
  • Confirm whether you will receive one bill or two
  • Make sure the project actually serves your utility territory
  • Check whether you are joining an active project or only a waitlist

Good fit or not?

Is Community Solar Right for Me?

Good fit

Community solar may be a good fit if:

  • You rent your home or apartment
  • You live in a condo or multifamily building
  • Your roof is shaded, old, or not suitable for panels
  • You do not want a rooftop solar loan or lease
  • You want possible solar savings without installing equipment
  • You want to support renewable energy without owning panels

Be careful

Be careful if:

  • The savings are vague or not explained clearly
  • There are cancellation fees
  • The project is not active yet and only has a waitlist
  • The contract is long or confusing
  • You are not sure where the credit appears on your bill
  • The provider cannot clearly explain what happens if you move

Compare options

Community Solar vs. Switching Electric Suppliers

Community solar is different from switching electric suppliers.

Switching suppliers changes the company that provides the generation portion of your electricity. Community solar usually adds a separate bill-credit relationship tied to an off-site solar project.

For some households, both can matter. You may want to compare your electric supply rate and also check whether community solar is available in your utility area.

Option What it does What to watch
Electric supplier switching Changes your electricity supply rate or plan. Rate type, contract length, fees, expiration date, renewal terms.
Community solar Adds solar bill credits from an off-site project. Credit discount, billing setup, cancellation terms, project availability.
Rooftop solar Installs panels on your property. Loan or lease terms, roof condition, payback period, maintenance, ownership.

Savings example

How savings usually work

If your utility bill receives $100 in solar credits and the community solar provider charges you $90 for those credits, your estimated savings would be $10 before any other fees or adjustments.

Solar credit value

$100

Amount paid to provider

$90

Estimated savings

$10

This is only an example. Actual savings depend on the project, utility rules, credit value, contract terms, and your usage.

Consumer checklist

Before You Sign Up for Community Solar

A good community solar offer should be easy to understand. Before enrolling, ask these questions:

  • Does this project serve my utility territory?
  • Is the project active now, or am I joining a waitlist?
  • How are bill credits calculated?
  • Are savings fixed, estimated, or variable?
  • Will I receive one bill or two bills?
  • Are there signup fees, monthly fees, cancellation fees, or deposits?
  • How long is the contract?
  • What happens if I move?
  • Can I cancel without penalty?
  • Where exactly will the credit show on my utility bill?

Helpful links

Keep researching before you decide

Compare electric rates

Review your current electric supply options before deciding whether community solar is the better next step.

Compare electric rates

What is a fixed electric rate?

Understand how fixed and variable rate structures work before you compare supplier contracts.

Read the rate guide

Upload your bill to compare rates

Use the bill-upload guide if you want a closer look at your current electric bill before comparing offers.

Bill upload guide

Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas guides

Use the state pages if you want more context around electric supplier shopping in these key served markets.

Pennsylvania New Jersey Ohio Texas

Things to watch for

Review contract timing and caution signs before you commit to any energy offer that sounds too simple.

Read a caution guide

How to avoid high electric bills

See how timing, plan structure, and reminders can all matter when you are trying to lower your electric bill.

Read the guide

FAQ

Common Questions About Community Solar

What is community solar?

Community solar is an off-site solar project shared by multiple subscribers. Instead of putting panels on your roof, you usually sign up for a share of a solar farm and receive bill credits tied to its production.

Is community solar the same as rooftop solar?

No. Rooftop solar puts panels on your property. Community solar uses a shared solar project located somewhere else, so there is usually no equipment installed at your home.

Is community solar the same as switching electric suppliers?

No. Supplier switching changes who supplies the generation portion of a deregulated electric bill. Community solar usually adds a bill-credit relationship tied to a shared solar project.

Can renters use community solar?

Often, yes. Community solar can be useful for renters because it does not require panels on the property. Availability depends on your utility area and the specific project.

Will I still get power from my utility?

Usually, yes. Community solar does not normally change the physical electricity delivered to your home. Your utility still delivers power through the grid.

How much can I save with community solar?

Savings vary by project, utility, bill credit value, contract terms, and usage. Avoid any offer that promises savings without clearly explaining the math.

Can I cancel community solar?

It depends on the contract. Before enrolling, check whether there are cancellation fees, notice periods, or restrictions if you move.

Next step

Check Your Electric Options

Community solar may be one way to help lower electric bill costs, but it is not the only thing to check. Compare your electric supply rate, review available plans, and see whether community solar is available near you.

Check Availability by ZIP Compare Electric Rates

Disclosure

Choose My Electric may earn compensation from some partners. Our goal is to help consumers understand their electric options clearly. Community solar availability, savings, contract terms, and billing rules vary by provider, project, utility, and state. Always review the provider's terms before enrolling.