If, like many homeowners, you’re concerned about reliable energy, costs, climate change and the future of the planet, you’re not alone. Many are wondering how to stop global warming and are seeking ways to fight climate change. And if you’ve considered adding solar panels to your own roof, you’re probably among the majority of Americans. You probably also know that it can be costly and complicated to do so.

Solar farms that allow multiple users access to clean, renewable energy through existing power companies are an option that can lower costs and extend sustainability benefits to millions of American homes and businesses. Renters can also reap the benefits, because community solar does not require individual rooftop solar panel installation. Community solar is one of the best ways to stop global warming & fight climate change, all while saving money.

Here’s how Community Solar works:

A solar farm is a private business, established to sell solar-generated power directly to energy suppliers. The power generated supplements electrical grid power supplied by traditional sources, such as coal-fired or nuclear power plants. It is estimated that within five years, more than 3.4 GW of power, enough to supply approximately 650,000 homes, will be supplied by community solar projects. Currently 40 states have at least one such project online.

Subscriptions generate credits to members in direct proportion to their share of total energy generation. Those credits are then applied to the subscriber’s local utility company’s monthly bill. This is a key element in understanding the benefits of community solar. Normally, a subscriber will also receive a monthly statement from the solar farm, showing the cost and credits applied so savings can be demonstrated.

The cost for the solar farm credits are always lower than their value. Members save, even during winter months when solar energy produced is lower. Credits are cumulative, and can be rolled over to the next month or billing period.

Here is why Community Solar is important:

Sometimes known as solar gardens, these solar farms efficiently capture and store power from the sun. They then sell that stored energy to affiliated power companies that, in turn, provide the electricity to individual homes and businesses throughout the nation. Clean, regenerative energy is channeled into the grid as needed to meet user demand.

As the number of solar farms increases and storage batteries become more efficient, the result should be a more reliable grid, minimized outages and more available energy during peak usage hours.

Reliable energy is a prime requirement for living in the modern age. Of equal concern, however, is the growing demand for energy and the effect that increased consumption has on the global environment. Renewable energy sources help to reduce air pollution and reverse the effects of global warming.

Here’s how you can benefit from Community Solar:

In any time, saving money on monthly expenses is a plus. Community Solar requires no upfront cost to join or to leave. There is nothing to install. It is easy, with online sign-up taking as little as five minutes with an electric utility bill in hand. It also allows renters as well as owners to access the advantages of clean energy and lower their overall costs. The nationwide trend toward community solar farms is changing the way energy companies operate. The trend also moves the nation toward less reliance on fossil fuels.

Is there a negative? We certainly don’t think so. Ampion Renewable Energy is fully invested in this modern way of working together to provide a better way. We are committed to supplying the kind of energy we all want in our lives! Contact us now for details about how to subscribe.

Sources

• https://www.seia.org/initiatives/community-solar