Community solar: go solar without a roof
Subscribe to a share of a nearby solar farm and receive bill credits every month. No panels, no installation, no homeownership required.
Four steps from sign-up to savings
Find a local project
Your utility or a third-party provider connects you to a solar farm in your state. Most projects are within 25 miles of subscribers.
Subscribe to a share
You sign up for a portion of the farm's output, typically 1 to 15 kilowatts, matched to your average monthly electricity use.
The farm generates power
The solar farm sends electricity onto the grid. Your share of that output is measured each month and credited to your account.
Credits appear on your bill
Your utility applies a virtual net metering credit to your electric bill, reducing what you owe. Most subscribers save 5 to 15 percent.
Is community solar right for you?
Advantages
- No roof required, available to renters and condo owners
- No upfront equipment cost or installation hassle
- Immediate savings, often 5 to 15 percent on monthly bills
- Easy to cancel if you move (typically 30 to 90 day notice)
- Supports local clean energy development
- No roof condition or orientation requirements
Limitations
- Only available in states with community solar laws (about 22 states)
- Savings are smaller than rooftop solar ownership
- Waitlists are common in high-demand states like New York and Illinois
- You do not qualify for the 30 percent federal ITC as a subscriber
- Credit rates can change if net metering rules are revised
- Project cancellations are rare but possible
Community solar availability across the US
As of October 2026. Programs expand frequently; check your state page for the latest.
| State | Status | Typical savings | Program notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Active | 5 to 10% | VNEM and CSGT programs via most IOUs |
| New York | Active | 10 to 15% | NY-Sun CDG program; high demand, some waitlists |
| Illinois | Active | 5 to 15% | Illinois Shines community solar block; LMI carve-out |
| Massachusetts | Active | 10 to 15% | SMART program includes community shared solar option |
| Colorado | Active | 5 to 12% | Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Community program |
| Maryland | Active | 5 to 10% | Maryland Community Solar pilot open statewide |
| Minnesota | Active | 5 to 10% | Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards Community; other utilities expanding |
| New Jersey | Active | 5 to 10% | Community Net Metering under NJCEP |
| Connecticut | Active | 5 to 12% | Virtual Net Metering program |
| Maine | Active | 5 to 10% | Central Maine Power and Versant community programs |
| Oregon | Active | 5 to 10% | Portland General Electric and Pacific Power programs |
| Washington | Active | 5 to 8% | PSE and PUD community solar options |
| Virginia | Active | 5 to 10% | Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power programs |
| Rhode Island | Active | 5 to 10% | National Grid shared solar program |
| Hawaii | Limited | Varies | CBRE program; capacity constrained on Oahu |
| Florida | Limited | Varies | FPL SolarTogether and Duke Energy programs only |
| Texas | Limited | Varies | Some municipal utilities offer programs; deregulated market varies |
| Georgia | Limited | Varies | Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative, limited enrollment |
| Ohio | Limited | Varies | AEP Ohio community solar pilot |
| Arizona | Limited | Varies | Some co-op programs; no statewide standard |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to own my home to join a community solar program?
No. Community solar is one of the few solar options available to renters, condo owners, and anyone who cannot install panels on their roof. You simply sign up as a subscriber and the credits appear on your existing utility bill.
How much can I save with community solar?
Most subscribers save between 5 and 15 percent on their monthly electric bill, depending on the state and program. Savings come from the difference between the credit rate the farm earns and your retail electricity rate. Programs targeted at low-to-moderate income households sometimes offer deeper discounts of 20 percent or more.
Can I claim the federal solar tax credit (ITC) as a subscriber?
No. The 30 percent federal Investment Tax Credit applies only when you purchase and install solar equipment on your property. As a community solar subscriber you are a customer of the farm, not its owner, so the ITC does not apply to your subscription. The farm's owner claims the ITC. Some states offer separate credits for subscribers, which vary by program.
What happens if I move?
Community solar subscriptions are transferable in most states. If you move within the same utility service territory, you typically keep your subscription and credits follow your new address. If you move out of the territory, you can usually cancel with 30 to 90 days' notice. Check the specific contract terms when you sign up, as early-termination fees vary by provider.
How is community solar different from rooftop solar?
Rooftop solar means you own panels on your property. You pay the full installation cost (or finance it), claim the federal ITC, and offset your bill directly. Community solar means you subscribe to a share of a farm someone else built and owns. You pay lower rates per kilowatt-hour or get bill credits, but you do not own equipment or claim the ITC. Rooftop solar generally produces larger long-term savings; community solar requires no upfront cost and no roof.
Is community solar available in my state?
As of October 2026, about 22 states have passed community solar legislation or have active utility programs. The table above lists the most active markets. The availability map is expanding: several states are finalizing rules. Check your state page on SolarPrograms.com for the most current status and links to sign up.
Check your state's solar programs
Browse all 50 states for incentives, credits, net metering rules, and community solar availability specific to where you live.
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