When most people think of solar energy, the first image that likely comes to mind is of rooftop solar panels. However, for many households (and businesses alike), rooftop or residential solar is not a viable option, simply because they rent, live in multi-tenant buildings or have roofs that are unable to host a solar system. In fact, according to a 2008 study completed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), only 22% to 27% of residential rooftop area is suitable for hosting an on-site photovoltaic (PV) system after adjusting for structural, shading or ownership issues.

Thanks to a new program created by the State of New York, rooftop PV is no longer the only option homeowners, renters, and businesses have for going solar. Community Solar expands everyone’s access to solar energy. A solar farm is a simple way that people can benefit from solar energy without having to install panels on their roofs. A solar farm is a power plant whose electricity is generated by capturing energy from the sun. The electricity is then distributed via the utility grid. People can subscribe to a solar farm and receive a discounted credit on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced.

The entire process for customers to sign up is quite easy. Based on each household’s annual electricity usage, Ampion will assign a share of a solar farm’s total production. The solar farm will produce electricity on a customer’s behalf and deliver it to the grid. Each subscriber will then receive dollar credits for the amount of electricity produced by “their share” of the solar farm. They will continue to receive a monthly bill from their utility company with their credits applied. Ampion will send an invoice for 90% of the value of the credits that were applied to the utility bill.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Ampion to be able to provide our New York customers access to solar energy who may have not previously had the option of going solar. Solar generation offsets more than 73 million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. Community Solar provides a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective way for people to reduce their environmental impact,” said Richard Booth, President of Retail Operations of Kiwi Energy.

About Kiwi Energy

Kiwi Energy is an energy retailer dedicated to providing innovative energy solutions for electricity and natural gas supply. We focus on environmentally conscious products backed by friendly and efficient customer service. As a company, we pride ourselves on transparency and our team is always happy to help with any questions about the energy industry or our services. Please visit https://kiwienergy.us/ to learn more.

About Ampion

Ampion is a Public Benefits Corporation whose mission is to make it easy for everyone to access clean, renewable energy. Ampion is working to see real progress in the fight against climate change. We’re committed to operating in a way that produces sustainable value to all of our stakeholders: our neighbors in the communities we serve, our employees, our investors, and our business partners. Our success is defined by how well we serve the greater good, not just the profits we earn. For more information, visit www.ampion.net or call 800-277-3641.