EnergyIntermediate
Community Solar Garden
Community solar allows people who can’t install solar panels on their own roofs (renters, shaded roofs, etc.) to subscribe to a shared solar project. Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. It democratizes access to clean energy and lowers utility costs.
Startup Cost
$50K-$200K
Timeline
9-18 months
Impact Potential
- Reduces carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels
- Lowers electricity bills for subscribers
- Increases access to renewable energy for renters/LMI households
- Creates local green jobs
- Strengthens community resilience
Common Challenges
- Utility regulations—vary widely by state
- Site control—negotiating long-term leases
- Financing complexity—tax equity structures can be complicated
- Customer acquisition—educating the community takes time
What You'll Need
- Site for solar array (roof or ground mount)
- Technical engineering and design
- Legal structure for subscription management
- Interconnection agreement with utility
- Financing and insurance
Resources
- Solar United Neighbors
- Coalition for Community Solar Access
- DOE National Community Solar Partnership
- EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
See who's already doing this
Real organizations proving this model works across Canada.
Browse Organizations →Ready to build this?
Organizations already doing this
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SolarShare has 1,800+ member-owners in OntarioT
TREC co-op proves community-owned clean energy worksClaims are non-exclusive — multiple people can build the same venture in the same area.