What is Community Solar?

Community Solar is a solar farm that allows consumers to offset their home or building's emissions. For many New Yorkers, installing solar is not feasible, but community solar helps provide the cost saving benefits of solar without the on-site installation and maintenance. The farms equate enough energy to offset the carbon of their patrons and provide direct energy to their local community. 

What are the Economic Benefits of Community Solar? 

By participating in community solar, you can reduce your annual energy costs by 5-10%. With rising energy costs, these savings add up quickly. For renters who do not have the ability to install solar or for those who can't afford the upfront costs, this is a great way to save money on your energy bills.

It is also important to note that projects that are not yet online (in other words active and powering the grid) might result in a slight delay in savings. To avoid this delay, research community solar projects that are currently online or almost completed. You could encourage your friends to sign up as well, to cash in on those savings as soon as possible.

Before you sign up, it is important to make sure you qualify and understand the contract. Some community solar projects have fixed rates, while others might fluctuate. Ensure that you pick the service that is best for you! 

For anyone who is currently struggling to afford energy bills, community solar is a great way to see results quickly. Check out Solar for All to see if there is a community solar project near you to reduce the financial burden of your energy bills. 

How can you get started?

The New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has lots of helpful tools to help you get started. Here is a comprehensive list of community solar providers throughout Long Island. 

You can also check out this interactive map to find projects near you that will work with your current energy provider.