Community solar lets you benefit from solar power without installing anything on your own property — you subscribe to a share of a larger, off-site solar array and receive bill credits proportional to your share’s production. It’s a strong option for renters, condo owners, or anyone whose roof isn’t suitable for their own panels.
How Community Solar Works
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Subscribe | Sign up for a share of a community solar project’s output |
| 2. Project generates power | Your share of the array produces electricity, fed into the grid |
| 3. Virtual net metering credit | Your utility bill receives a credit for your share’s production |
| 4. You pay subscription/reduced rate | Net savings typically 5-15% depending on program and market |
Virtual Net Metering: The Key Mechanism
Community solar uses virtual net metering to credit subscribers for their proportional share of a project’s output, even though the panels aren’t on their property — your utility bill shows a credit based on your subscription’s production, reducing your net cost.
Availability
Community solar programs are available in 20+ states as of 2026, though specific availability, savings rates, and program structures vary significantly by state and utility — checking what’s available in your specific area is the first step to evaluating this option.
Typical Savings
Community solar subscribers typically see savings in the range of 5-15% off their electricity costs, depending on the specific program’s structure and local utility rates — generally more modest than the savings from owning a rooftop system outright, but with no installation cost or roof requirement.
Contract Terms
Community solar subscriptions typically involve a contract term (often multi-year) with specific cancellation terms — reviewing these terms carefully, including any early termination fees, is important before subscribing.
Who Benefits Most
Renters, condo owners, homeowners with unsuitable roofs (heavy shade, poor orientation, structural issues), and anyone who wants solar benefits without the commitment of ownership are the strongest candidates for community solar.
Have a roof that’s suitable for your own solar system? Get a free quote: (855) 427-0058
Frequently Asked Questions
What is community solar?
A program letting you subscribe to a share of an off-site solar array and receive bill credits for its production.
How does community solar billing work?
Through virtual net metering, crediting your utility bill for your subscription’s proportional share of output.
How much can I save with community solar?
Typically 5-15% off electricity costs, depending on the specific program and local rates.
Is community solar available everywhere?
No — it’s available in 20+ states as of 2026, with availability varying by state and utility.
Who benefits most from community solar?
Renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs for their own panels.
Do community solar subscriptions have contract terms?
Yes — typically multi-year contracts with specific cancellation terms worth reviewing carefully.
Is community solar as good as owning rooftop panels?
Savings are generally more modest than owning, but with no installation cost or roof requirement.
Summing Up
Community solar offers a flexible way to access solar savings without your own installation. If your roof is suitable for your own system, call (855) 427-0058 or visit us.solarpanelsnetwork.com.
Updated