Community Solar
In New York State, clean energy from the sun belongs to everyone.
With community solar, also called a “solar farm,” you can save money by going solar without installing panels. Unlike traditional solar, where panels are installed on your roof or property, community solar is an array of solar panels at an off-site location that you can get clean energy from. That means that anyone can go solar, even if you don’t own your home.
Community solar connects large-scale solar arrays to the grid, allowing all New Yorkers to choose renewable energy even if they are unable to install solar where they live.
When you choose community solar, you’re not only helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you’re also supporting your local economy by using clean energy generated closer to home.
Learn More about Community Solar
Dollars & Sense
- There are little to no up-front costs with community solar.
- Incentives: Income-eligible households can save up to $180 per year through NYSERDA’s Solar for All Program.
Benefits & Considerations
- No Up-front Costs: Since you won’t need to install panels, you don’t need to buy anything to get started.
- Savings: Signing up for community solar will lower your monthly energy bills.
- Flexibility: Everyone who pays their own electric bill, including renters and condo owners, can join a community solar project.
- Minimal Commitment: Community solar subscriptions have shorter-term options and many offer pay-as-you-go plans.
While much less common than subscription plans, some community solar projects offer purchase plans that allow you to own a portion of a community solar project.
Questions for Your Contractor
- How long is a subscription?
- Will I need to pay any fees if I decide to cancel my subscription?
- Are the rates included in the subscription fixed, variable, or promotional? Could the rates change or increase over time?
- Do you offer an option to purchase panels?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does community solar work?
Community solar is a group (or “array”) of solar panels that are connected to your local electrical grid. By subscribing to a community solar project, you earn credits on your electric bill every month from your portion of the clean energy that’s generated by the project.
How do I choose a community solar project?
Do your research. Community solar providers are required to register with New York State and must follow the rules for generating and selling electricity. You can use NYSERDA’s Find a Community Solar Project Tool to find projects in your area. All providers shown on our tool are registered with NYS and are approved to sell community solar.
What happens if I move?
If you are moving to another location within your utility service area, you can keep your subscription. If you are moving outside your utility area, you can likely cancel your subscription at no cost if you give sufficient notice.
Can I own a portion of a community solar project?
While much less common than subscription plans, some community solar projects offer purchase plans that allow you to own a portion of a community solar project. While ownership is a long-term commitment, it can result in even more savings over time and allows you to take advantage of tax credits.
Resources
Explore the map and find a community solar project.
Solar for All
Income-eligible New Yorkers can save up to $180 annually.
U.S. Department of Energy on Community Solar
Learn more about community solar, how it works, and how it can help you save.
Washington Post: Community Solar
Read more about what community solar is and if it might be right for you.
NY-Sun
Save money and energy with community solar resources.
Where Solar Fits in Your Path to a Clean, Efficient, and Comfier Home
Community solar lets you power your home with renewable energy from the sun, and it’s easy to sign up for a plan at any time. Make the most of your upgrades when you start by preparing your home, then explore cleaner, more efficient options.
Get Your Home Ready
Choose Electric Appliances & Equipment
Drive Electric & Go Solar
Get Started with a Free Home Energy Assessment
Take the first step to improving your home with a no-cost home energy assessment. You’ll work with a NYSERDA participating contractor to find all of the places your home is wasting energy, then get financial incentives to help pay for fixing it.