Community Solar Vs. Rooftop Solar

What’s the Difference, and What’s the Best Fit?

Clean energy has been taking off recently, and solar has led the way. In 2020, solar represented 43% of all new electricity-generating capacity installed in the United States. That’s more than any other technology for two years in a row! With this boom in the solar industry, the benefits of solar arrays to residential electricity users have become more broadly available than ever before in Maine. However, navigating various programs and incentives can be confusing at first. Deciding the best option for your situation can be tricky, so we’ve put together a guide to walk through the benefits of different choices!

What is Community Solar, and how is it different from rooftop Solar?

You’re probably generally familiar with the idea of rooftop solar.  Rooftop solar panels produce energy that directly powers your home or business. The panels are usually placed on the building’s main roof but can also be installed on outbuildings, a garage, or even in your yard on a ground mount. The generated energy then offsets the property’s electricity consumption and sends excess electricity back to the grid or stores it in an onsite battery storage system. Thanks to net metering, even if your system produces more energy than you are consuming, you benefit from that energy because your utility gives you credits for that energy that you can use later. 

Community Solar, or shared solar, is a blanket term that refers to any solar array that allows community members to participate in its benefits. The model can vary, but nearby residents and businesses typically subscribe to a share of the farm’s output. Unlike rooftop solar, community solar does not require participants to install anything, own their property, or invest in the equipment.

What are the benefits of Community Solar vs. Rooftop Solar?

Though either option will support clean energy growth and will save you money, there are differences. The table below examines the main differences between community solar and rooftop solar. Remember that program criteria and payment models vary between companies, so it’s essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the options available to you before deciding.

Which is the better choice for me?

Community solar does not require an investment, removing the need for equipment on your property. Community solar installations offer a chance to take advantage of this cost-effective, renewable energy source for renters, lower-income residents, and those whose roofs or land won’t accommodate solar panels. If you own your home or property, have a suitable site, and plan to be in the house for a bit, then purchasing your own solar array will save you more in the long run. 

Though we do not offer community solar, we offer free site assessments to see if rooftop solar makes sense, with no installation obligation. Do you still have questions? Contact our team; they’ll gladly walk you through your solar options.

	COMMUNITY SOLAR	ROOFTOP SOLAR
PROGRAM MODELS	Subscription: A utility or the solar company owns the system, and you subscribe to a portion of the solar production.	Promotes energy independence. You own the system and it is installed on your property.
COST AND BENEFITS	Requires no investment.	You purchase outright or through a low-interest loan.
	Contract with community solar supplier.	No long term contract.
	Will typically save 7-15% off your monthly electric bill. With our CS program you save 15%.	It could potentially offset 99%of your electricity costs.
	Consistent monthly savings, no responsibility or fees for the upkeep of equipment or repairs.	Maximum long-term savings. After your system is paid for, your electricity will be free for the remaining life of the system (Warranties are 25+ years).
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES	All tax benefits go to the owner of the community solar project.	You enjoy the tax benefits (a 26% tax credit on your system through 2022).
LOCATION OPTION	No need to own your home so you can be a renter or part of a condo association.	Must be the home or property owner. Must have a suitable site for solar to be effective on your property.
	No roof or property is required.	Must have a suitable site for solar to be effective on your property.
PROPERTY VALUE IMPACT	The benefits can be transferable if you move within the utility service area. No impact on the value of your home or property if you sell.	Rooftop solar has been shown to improve property values, and homes sell at a higher rate.
MAINTENANCE	Not responsible for repair or maintenance costs of the solar array.	Depending upon warranties with your installer and equipment, you could be liable for maintenance and repair costs.
CUSTOMIZATION	Not able to customize or add components like battery backup.	Able to add additional features or customizations - battery backup power being a prime example.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS	Energy is produced off site and still needs to be transferred to the home.	Energy is produced and used on site or nearby.