Community Solar Explained: Solar Savings Without a Roof

If your roof faces the wrong direction, is heavily shaded, or you simply rent your home, community solar offers a way to get solar savings on your electric bill without installing anything on your property.

How it works

You subscribe to a share of a larger, off-site solar array (often a few acres, built specifically for this purpose) and receive a credit on your regular utility bill proportional to your share of that array's production, usually at a modest discount to the standard utility rate. There's no equipment on your roof, no upfront cost in most programs, and no long-term commitment to a specific property.

Where community solar is available

Availability depends entirely on state policy — some states (New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Maine, and others) have specific community solar enabling legislation and active programs; many other states don't yet have a formal program. Check your state's page on our state guide or search "[your state] community solar" plus your utility's name to see what's actually available in your service area.

The realistic savings

Community solar savings are typically modest — often 5-15% off your electric bill — compared to the larger long-term savings possible with a full rooftop system you own. It's best understood as a low-commitment way to support and benefit from solar generation, not a replacement for a full system if you do have a good roof and plan to stay in your home long-term.

Who it makes the most sense for

• Renters who can't install rooftop solar at all
• Homeowners with heavily shaded, oddly-shaped, or north-facing roofs
• Anyone who wants to support solar without a multi-year property commitment