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.