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Community solar is a new state program passed in New York, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Illinois that enables virtually anyone to support clean energy for free, and receive guaranteed savings on their electricity each month. A solar farm is a large standalone solar installation, typically on land leased from a landowner, that allows individuals from surrounding areas to subscribe to take advantage of energy savings without installing personalized panels.
Instead of installing solar panels directly on their homes, households and businesses can now sign up to receive clean energy credits from a local community solar project. By subscribing to the community solar grid, individuals can take advantage of energy savings, rate stability, and because renewable energy has first priority on the grid, greenhouse gas emissions will be lowered throughout the community.
Underserved communities tend to be the last to adopt new technologies, and adoption of solar power is no different. At NextLight, we aim to promote the development of community solar gardens throughout the state of Minnesota, giving every resident a chance to save money and reduce their carbon footprint by using our most precious natural resource.
Aligning with our commitment to promote diversity with equitable solar power solutions, community solar gardens are a way to provide equal opportunity around the world. Regardless of class or income level, community residents should be able to access sustainable, renewable, and clean energy, leading to an improved environment for all.
Even if a customer desperately wants to use solar energy, it just isn’t feasible or possible to install personalized panels on every home. Below are a few of the top reasons why community solar gardens will provide widespread opportunity for adoption of solar energy.
Especially in older homes, or historic areas, certain roofing materials may not be conducive to solar panel installation. Skylights, roof decks on apartments, and other roof additions may make it difficult to install panels as well.
If you don’t own your own home, are renting an apartment, or have otherwise insufficient solar resources, solar energy can be especially hard to obtain.
The upfront costs associated with solar panel installation can make it impossible for some households, especially without qualifying for $0 down loan financing.