If you’ve been exploring ways to cut costs, boost your sustainability, and potentially shield your business from energy price hikes, then you’ve likely stumbled across a few commercial solar options. If you’re considering a community solar subscription, but need more insight into how it works, we’ll shed some light on what you can expect when you opt for this program.
Enter Community Solar
First things first, let’s talk about what a community solar subscription is. Imagine a solar farm in your local area—rows of gleaming solar panels soaking up the sun like they’re on vacation, sunbathing in an open field. A community solar subscription allows you to financially benefit from a local solar farm without installing panels on your property! Community solar allows multiple residents and businesses to share the benefits of a single solar array installation. Everyone in your community who chooses to opt in and subscribe can financially gain from it without worrying about maintenance or installation fees.
What’s Included in Your Subscription?
When you opt into a community solar program, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Bill Credits: By subscribing, you receive credits on your energy bill based on the amount of your share of the energy produced by the solar farm. It’s a great opportunity to use renewable energy to reduce your monthly charges.
- Guaranteed Savings: Typically, subscribers enjoy reduced energy costs on their electricity bill. If you can’t host your own solar, but are still looking for financial benefits, community solar is a great way to access better energy savings. On average, many businesses find that they can save 5-10%.
- No Equipment Installation: Many community solar programs don’t require hefty upfront investments (due to installing and maintaining equipment) because there is no equipment on-site!
- Support for Local Economy: By joining a community solar project, you’re supporting local solar initiatives and contributing to job creation in your area. Way to boost your community!
Pros and Cons of Community Solar
Before you dive in headfirst, let’s weigh the pros and cons, shall we?
Pros:
- No Rooftop Concerns: What if you don’t have a usable roof space? It’s no problem! You can benefit from commercial solar without installing rooftop solar on your building. A community solar subscription means you can harness the sun’s power without the hassle or expense of an onsite installation. You support solar farms that do the work while you enjoy the benefits.
- Environmentally Friendly: As a subscriber, you’re supporting clean energy programs that incentivize large-scale, local solar projects, essentially promoting the reduction of fossil fuels without the hassle of owning and maintaining solar panels. Creating a positive environmental impact will prove to be a long-term solution for your community. Decreasing the impact of carbon emissions is key to a broader clean energy transition.
- Equitable Access: Access to affordable clean energy is pertinent. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), equitable access and consumer protections are meaningful benefits of community solar.
Cons:
- Variable Savings: Savings may fluctuate depending on the energy market, usage patterns, and seasonal solar production. It’s not as predictable as your morning coffee, but every little bit helps!
- Billing Differences: Some community solar projects are dual-billed while some are Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB). The latter is a better user experience for the subscriber.
How to End Your Arrangement
Community Solar is a no-risk way to promote cleaner local energy and receive a discount on your monthly bill, and it is always free when you partner with Catalyst Power! While we are sure you’ll garner more results by sticking to a cost-efficient solution like community solar, if you decide to end your subscription, most terms allow a no-cost out through written notice. Ending your community solar subscription doesn’t have to be a drawn-out affair. Here’s how to go about it:
- Check Your Contract: Check for termination details.
- Contact Your Provider: They’ll guide you through the cancellation process.
In Conclusion
Opting for a community solar farm subscription is a savvy move for business owners looking to embrace sustainability without the commitment of a traditional solar panel installation. With cost savings, environmental benefits, and the ability to support your local economy, it’s a decision worth considering.
