Who Can Benefit From Community-Based Solar Programs?

Low-income communities

Community-based solar programs provide substantial subsidies to households that participate in the program. These programs can be more effective if partnered with existing community support organizations. Such collaborations reduce the administrative burden on low-income households. The CELICA Case Study highlights the approach of a Colorado community to develop subsidized community solar programs. The state has worked with several nonprofit partners to develop subsidized low-income community solar programs in Colorado.

The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are a major player in providing affordable housing and business opportunities in LMI communities. These organizations can also help expand solar access by facilitating the use of other financial mechanisms, such as the Community Reinvestment Act and New Market Tax Credits. In addition, CDFIs can assist communities with integrating solar into existing projects. Finally, CDFIs can provide technical support and grant funding for low-income communities as part of their role.

Landowners

Community-based solar programs for landowners can offer many benefits. In addition to providing clean, quiet energy, community solar offers many community relations benefits. By establishing their solar farm, landowners benefit from lower energy costs and extend the opportunity to other energy users nearby. The number of subscribers for community solar projects can vary depending on the size of the system and the state qualification guidelines. Typically, hosts choose to subscribe to the program to enjoy reduced electricity pricing.

Community solar is a solar farm that generates and sends the power to the utility grid. Customers of community solar projects receive credits on their electricity bills for the solar power they generate. Subscribers do not invest in the solar farm and receive no money upfront. Instead, they buy the power generated at the off-site solar array and enjoy the savings and environmental benefits. Community solar programs are designed to be flexible and ensure everyone benefits.

Renters

Many people think that solar is only possible for those with their own property. However, half of the U.S. housing stock does not qualify for rooftop solar installation due to a lack of roof space, shade, or orientation to the south. Therefore, renters who don't own property can also benefit from community solar programs. Moreover, it will be easier for renters to join a community solar program than to buy and install rooftop solar panels.

Although solar has been largely inaccessible to renters for many years, recent studies have shown that as many as 78% of households in the U.S. rent their homes.

Owners of multi-family buildings

The benefits of solar energy for multi-family buildings are many. They reduce the owner's operating costs, avoid utility rate increases, and reduce the impact of their properties on the environment. They also add value to their properties, which can increase unit rental rates. As a bonus, many prospective tenants want to rent environmentally friendly properties. The energy savings from solar power are passed along to tenants, reducing their electric bills.

A community-based solar program is particularly beneficial for multi-family building owners. These programs can make solar energy affordable to many properties. In addition to providing affordable housing, solar energy can also provide clean energy to residents' common areas. And unlike traditional energy sources, solar panels are free and plentiful. So, what are the benefits of community-based solar programs for multi-family buildings? The answer is that they make it easy for multi-family building owners to install solar panels.