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Exploring Best States for Community Solar Programs in U.S.

There are approximately two billion gigawatts of community solar installed across the United States. These solar projects support rural communities by generating local revenue and helping them build a clean and sustainable future. Community solar projects are authorized in 19 states, along with the District of Columbia, allowing residents, farmers, small businesses, and municipalities to receive credit on their electricity bills.

Community solar is a great way for everyone to use solar energy without having to install panels on their own homes. With Community Solar, a group of people share power from one large solar array. This means you can enjoy clean, renewable energy and lower electric bills. You don’t need to own a home or have a perfect roof. It’s easy to join and helps the environment by reducing pollution. Many communities are starting to offer these programs, making solar power more accessible. By joining a Community Solar project, you can support green energy, save money, and help to create a sustainable future. It’s a simple and smart choice for anyone who wants to benefit from solar power.

What are community solar programs?

People, small businesses, municipalities, and other participants can obtain credits on their electricity bills using the power from a common solar installation in a community solar program. The people can subsidize the expenses of electricity consumption and benefit from the economic and environmental opportunities of using solar energy at home. Unlike home or business connectivity, community solar programs are built on rented land and can be reverted to their original state. In the United States of America, since 2019, more than 1,800 megawatts of community solar have been deployed.

How does the community solar program work?

A community solar project is a centralized solar power plant that supplies electricity to multiple properties, rather than just one. Unlike residential solar, community solar projects are big. The capacities of these projects are in megawatts, and they can power hundreds or even thousands of homes. Community solar, also known as roofless solar, solar gardens, or shared solar, offers a solution for those who are incapable of installing solar panels on their rooftops, such as renters or those living in shared housing. By purchasing a share or subscribing to a community solar project, anyone can enjoy the benefits of solar energy and save on their electricity bills.

Furthermore, the Community solar program provides the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy without having ownership of a home or business. As the popularity of community solar grows, the agreement between landowners and community solar developers is becoming more common.

What are the benefits of community solar?

Community solar offers several benefits:

Cost Savings: Participants can save money on their electricity bills by subscribing to community solar projects.
Environmental Impact: By using solar energy, participants help reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Accessibility: Community solar allows more people to access solar energy, even if they can’t install panels on their property.
Local Economic Benefits: Community solar projects can create jobs and stimulate local economies.

What are the best states for community solar?

The success of community solar programs varies across states, depending on policies, incentives, and public support. Here are some of the best states for community solar:

Minnesota

Community solar is well-developed in Minnesota. Through the Community Solar Garden program which began in 2013, it is ranked among the biggest programs in the country. The state legislation adopted in Minnesota has established mechanisms that promote the production of community solar projects while at the same time ensuring that the utilities promote these projects. Because of state support of renewable energy, community solar has been expanding significantly in the state to the advantage of many consumers.

New York

Currently, community solar has taken root in New York and has favorable state policies as well as support. The major program that was adopted in New York state since 2014 is the NY-Sun, which has the general mission to increase the use of solar energy in the state including community solar. Low-income residents of the state can also get involved with community solar through New York’s Solar for all program which makes the state one of the most welcoming to solar power.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has proven to be ahead in terms of its energy policies. The SMART program stands for Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target. It offers financial credits to projects that include community solar. Due to this program, the number of community solar projects has increased; nowadays, Massachusetts has become one of the best states for shared solar programs.

Colorado

Colorado is among the states with the most advanced community solar. The state adopted a community solar policy in 2010 and was among the few pioneers in initiating such a policy. CPA Colorado’s Solar Gardens Program lets the residents subscribe to particular community solar projects to get the credits on their power bills to ensure that a large number of people use solar energy.

California

Today, the use of renewable energy is one of the goals in California and community solar is one of the approaches to make this goal work. The State’s Enhanced Community Renewables program enables people within the state to access community solar installations. Given probably the most ambitious climate policies in the country, the Golden State is well-suited for community solar.

Illinois

Illinois has embarked on community solar through the passing of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016. This act encourages the establishment of community solar projects and facilitates incentives for people to embrace it. The state’s Adjustable Block Program creates financial motivation for community solar and has made Illinois one of the pioneers in shared solar projects.

Maryland

Maryland community solar program has been considered one of the best in the country. The pilot program therefore enables the formation of community solar projects and people’s and businesses’ involvement in the state. Due to the regulations on renewable power, Maryland is one of the best states for community solar.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital has a strong community solar program, driven by the District’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. This standard requires a significant portion of the city’s energy to come from renewable sources, including community solar. Washington, D.C.’s Solar for all program also helps low-income residents benefit from community solar, promoting inclusivity and sustainability.

In conclusion, community solar programs empower local communities and foster collective responsibility. These projects provide access to clean energy for low-income households and marginalized communities. Through these programs, individuals and businesses can participate in solar energy production, promote sustainability, reduce their carbon footprint, and create opportunities for economic growth.

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