What is Community Solar?
Community Solar – sometimes referred to as a solar garden or shared renewable energy plant – is a solar power plant (typically a group of solar power panels, called ‘arrays’) whose electricity is shared by more than one household via a local utility grid.
Subscribers to the YSG’s Community Solar program lease some of the solar panels in the array. Just as if the panels were on their own roofs, subscribers receive a credit on their electric bill for the power the panels produce. Utility customers within the Community Solar service area, including residences, businesses, local governments, non-profits, and faith-based organizations, can all subscribe. It’s almost like subscribing to a CSA, except instead of organic vegetables, you get renewable, green energy!
How Does it Work?
Community Solar arrays are generally built on underutilized land, or might be hosted on a school, library, house of worship, or community center and directly connected to a local utility.
The power produced from your leased solar panels offsets the electricity being consumed in your home. Typically, in the warmer months subscribers will build up credits – those credits are then used in the fall and winter. Your electricity bill will have an area called the ‘the energy bank’ that will show you the credits you have accumulated/used for the month.
And – here’s the icing on the cake – YSG Solar takes care of all the paperwork – you don’t need to fill out any lengthy forms. We’ll even help you determine what tax benefits you may be eligible for.
What About Cost?
Instead of paying a premium for green power, subscribers to YSG’s Community Solar program will pay a lower price for electricity. With no upfront costs whatsoever, you’ll start saving right away, since Community Solar typically costs 20% less than regular electricity. Community Solar energy is clean, and the costs are fixed for up to 20 years, so you don’t ever have to worry about your electricity bill going through the roof next year. Community solar subscribers may even be eligible for NYS tax credits.
What are the Rules?
Participants must reside within the utility’s network area, and their share of power from the project can not exceed their typical electricity usage. If subscribers move out of the utility area, they can cancel or transfer the subscription to the next participant in line. Any energy bill savings earned by households through the community solar farm are not considered income.
How do I Start?
Green energy that’s good for the planet, and great for your wallet? Contact YSG Solar today for your in-house, free personal consultation. We look forward to working with you!
