Can Everyone Access Solar? How Community Solar Makes It Possible
Imagine benefiting from solar energy without installing a single panel on your roof. That’s exactly what community solar offers! It’s a game-changer for those who want clean, renewable energy but don’t have the space, funds, or ownership rights to set up their own solar panels.
With community solar, you can tap into a shared solar project and enjoy lower electricity bills while supporting the transition to a greener planet. Sounds great, right?
Despite its potential, community solar isn’t as widely adopted as it could be. Many people either don’t know it exists or think it’s too complicated to join.
In this blog, we’ll break down what community solar is, why it’s essential for underserved communities, and how we can overcome the barriers to making it accessible to all.
Plus, we’ll look at some existing programs in the U.S. and explore exciting future plans to expand access to solar energy for everyone.
What are Community Solar Programs?
Community solar programs are a fantastic way to make solar power available to a broader audience. Instead of installing panels on your own roof, you can subscribe to a shared solar farm, often called a “solar garden.”
These large-scale solar installations generate electricity that gets fed into the grid, and participants receive credits on their utility bills for their share of the power produced.
This model is perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, or businesses that lack the proper rooftop conditions for solar panels. It removes financial and logistical barriers, making solar energy an option for people who might otherwise be left out of the clean energy movement.
How Does Community Solar Work?
Understanding how community solar works can help more people take advantage of this great opportunity. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- A Solar Farm is Built – A community solar project is developed in a central location, often by a utility company, solar developer, or cooperative.
- Participants Subscribe – Households, businesses, and organizations subscribe to a portion of the energy produced by the solar farm.
- Energy is sent to the Grid – The solar farm generates electricity, which is fed into the local power grid.
- Subscribers Receive Bill Credits – Participants receive credits on their electricity bills based on the amount of solar energy their portion of the farm generates.
- Savings & Impact – Over time, subscribers save money while supporting the expansion of renewable energy.
The Growth of Community Solar
Community solar has been gaining momentum in the U.S. Over the past decade, the number of community solar projects has increased significantly, thanks to federal incentives and state-level policies promoting renewable energy.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), community solar capacity in the U.S. surpassed 3.4 gigawatts (GW) in 2021, with projections indicating continued growth.
Benefits of Community Solar for Underserved Communities
Community solar is more than just an alternative energy source—it’s a tool for social and economic empowerment. Here’s why it matters, especially for underserved communities:
- Lower Energy Costs: One of the biggest benefits of community solar is cost savings. Traditional solar panel installations can be expensive, but community solar allows participants to benefit from clean energy at a lower cost, often without any upfront investment.
- Environmental Impact: Communities with limited access to solar energy often suffer the most from pollution and climate change. By expanding renewable energy access, community solar helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
- Job Creation: Solar projects create jobs in installation, maintenance, and administration. This provides economic opportunities in areas that need them most.
- Energy Equity: Not everyone has the financial resources or homeownership status to install solar panels. Community solar breaks down these barriers, making renewable energy accessible to a wider range of people.
- Resilience Against Power Outages: Some community solar projects are paired with battery storage, providing backup power in case of outages. This is especially important for communities that experience frequent blackouts.
Case Study: Community Solar in Low-Income Neighborhoods
The Solar for All program, initiated in 2016 by Washington, D.C.'s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), aims to provide the benefits of solar energy to at least 100,000 low-income households by 2032, targeting a 50% reduction in their electricity bills.
By 2019, the program had installed approximately 7 megawatts (MW) of new solar generation capacity, serving around 8,600 low- and moderate-income households. These installations contributed to a 30% reduction in the city's carbon footprint from the 2006 baseline.
The program employs a community solar model, allowing residents to benefit from shared solar installations without the need for individual rooftop panels.
This approach not only alleviates energy poverty but also promotes environmental sustainability by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. The success of Solar for All demonstrates the scalability of community solar initiatives in enhancing equitable access to renewable energy.
Overcoming Challenges in Community Solar Adoption
While community solar has enormous potential, it faces several roadblocks that need to be addressed:
Lack of Awareness: Many people don’t know that community solar exists or how it works. Public education campaigns and outreach programs can help spread the word.
Regulatory Barriers: In some states, policies make it difficult to establish community solar programs. Advocacy for better regulations and incentives is crucial.
Affordability Concerns: While community solar is designed to be cost-effective, subscription fees can still be a barrier for low-income households. Government subsidies and financial assistance programs can help bridge the gap.
Interconnection Issues: Connecting solar farms to the power grid can be complex and time-consuming. Simplifying these processes will make it easier to bring community solar projects online.
Land Availability: Developing a community solar project requires land, which can sometimes be difficult to secure in urban areas. Creative solutions such as using vacant lots or brownfield sites can help overcome this issue.
Existing Community Solar Programs in the U.S.
Thankfully, several states have already embraced community solar, leading the way for others to follow. Here are a few standout programs:
1. New York’s NY-Sun Program
New York’s NY-Sun program is a statewide initiative aimed at expanding solar energy adoption through financial incentives, grants, and subsidies. A major focus of the program is increasing solar accessibility for low-income residents, ensuring that underserved communities can benefit from clean energy and lower electricity costs. The program has helped install over 1 GW of solar capacity, with dedicated funding for affordable housing and community solar projects.
2. Minnesota’s Community Solar Gardens
Minnesota boasts one of the most successful community solar programs in the U.S. through its Community Solar Gardens initiative. This program allows homeowners, renters, and businesses to subscribe to a shared solar array and receive credits on their utility bills. Since its launch in 2013, it has grown to over 800 MW of installed capacity, making Minnesota a national leader in community solar. The program’s success is attributed to strong state policies supporting solar expansion.
3. Colorado’s Community Solar Program
Colorado was among the first states to establish community solar laws, launching programs that benefit a wide range of participants, including households, schools, and small businesses. The state's Community Solar Gardens Act (2010) enabled the development of multiple shared solar projects, with some dedicated specifically to low-income residents. As of recent years, Colorado has over 100 operational community solar projects, with continued support from progressive clean energy policies.
4. Illinois Solar for All Program
The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program was created to ensure that low-income households, non-profit organizations, and public institutions can benefit from solar energy. This initiative offers subsidized community solar subscriptions, significantly lowering electricity bills for participants. The program also promotes job training and workforce development in the solar industry, ensuring economic benefits for local communities.
5. California’s SOMAH Program
California’s Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program is dedicated to ensuring that solar energy benefits affordable housing communities. Funded through California’s cap-and-trade program, SOMAH provides financial incentives to install solar systems on multi-unit housing properties, directly reducing energy costs for tenants. The program has allocated over $100 million in funding and is expected to generate 300 MW of solar power for low-income residents by 2030.
Future Plans for Expanding Community Solar Access
The future of community solar is looking really bright! With growing interest and support, several key initiatives are on the horizon to make solar power even more accessible, affordable, and widespread.
First up, more government incentives are coming. Both federal and state programs are rolling out new grants, tax credits, and funding to encourage more community solar projects. This means lower costs and more opportunities for households—especially those in underserved areas—to tap into clean energy.
Big companies and utilities are also getting involved. Corporate and utility partnerships are on the rise, helping to expand community solar options and make them even more affordable.
As solar technology advances, with more efficient panels and better battery storage, community solar projects will produce more energy and deliver greater savings to subscribers.
Policy changes are another major factor. States are pushing for stronger pro-solar legislation, aiming to remove red tape and make it easier for more people to participate in community solar programs.
One of the biggest goals? Expanding access to rural areas, where many communities still don’t have access to shared solar projects. New initiatives will focus on bringing clean energy to these regions, ensuring equitable access for all.
Lastly, community involvement is becoming a bigger priority. More programs are being designed to give local residents a say in how projects are developed. This ensures that community solar doesn’t just provide clean energy but also aligns with the specific needs of the people it serves.
Conclusion
Community solar is one of the best ways to make renewable energy more accessible and inclusive. It allows renters, low-income families, and businesses to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the hefty upfront costs of installing panels.
While challenges like policy hurdles and funding limitations still exist, continued government support, increased awareness, and better financial incentives can help overcome these barriers.
If you haven’t looked into community solar yet, now is a great time to start. With more programs launching nationwide, you could soon be saving money while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
And if your community is considering a solar project, the best way to begin is with proper planning and design. Using solar design software can make the process much easier and more efficient.
These tools help analyze site conditions, optimize panel placement, estimate energy output, and calculate financial returns—ensuring that your project is both cost-effective and efficient.