Community solar allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the need for rooftop solar panels. Instead, participants subscribe to a portion of a larger solar installation, usually located in a field or on a property like a community center, school, or commercial building. The energy generated is then credited to your electric utility bills, lowering your overall energy costs.

Benefits of Community Solar

Environmental Benefits: By participating in community solar programs, you reduce your carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. Solar energy is clean and renewable, producing no harmful emissions.

Cost Savings: As a subscriber, you may enjoy reduced costs on your electricity bill.

Access for All: Community solar programs make solar energy accessible to residents who may not have the means or a suitable rooftop for their own solar installations.

Local Economic Growth: Community Solar stimulates economic growth by creating jobs, attracting investments, and supporting local solar developers.

Energy Independence: Community solar reduces dependence on fossil fuels, contributing to a more resilient grid. 

Enrolling in Community Solar

Business customers can enroll, review community solar content on NYSERDA, EnergySage, and Mass CEC to see if they have business specific content to link to.

1. Learn and Evaluate
   To get started in Massachusetts, please consult the Massachusetts Attorney General’s solar power consumer guidance page.
   
   New York customers, please continue to Step 2.
   
   
2. Find a Community Solar Provider
   First, you need to find a community solar provider or project in your area.
   
   New York customers, visit:
   • Energy Sage’s website
   • NYSERDA-Community Solar for Business
     
     

   Massachusetts customers, visit:

   • Energy Sage’s website
   • Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
     
     
3. Contact the Provider
   Reach out to a community solar provider to express your interest and inquire about available subscriptions. You can typically do this through their website or by calling their customer service. The provider will review any eligibility requirements or restrictions with you.
   
   
4. Credit Check and Agreement
   Some providers may perform a credit check to determine if you are eligible for subscription. You will also need to sign an agreement with the provider, which outlines the terms and conditions of your participation, including pricing and billing details.
   
   
5. Billing Setup
   The provider will set up your billing arrangements. You’ll receive credits on your monthly electric bill for the energy produced by your share of the community solar installation.
   
   
6. Start Receiving Credits
   Once the community solar project is operational, you will begin to receive credits on your electricity bill. These credits will offset a portion of your electricity costs. You will receive a bill from your Community Solar provider for the credits you receive on your electric bill. This is typically at a discounted rate, which is where you will see the savings.
   
   
7. See Your Savings
   Your electricity utility bills will show the savings generated by your community solar subscription. You may also have access to an online portal or app provided by your community solar provider, which will allow you to track your solar production and energy credits.
   
   
8. Customer Support
   Any questions, issues, or changes to your community solar subscription will need to be done through your Community Solar Provider. National Grid cannot make changes to your Community Solar subscription plan.
   
   

Please note:

• Any bill credits that you receive from the Community Solar provider will only apply to your electricity bill. They cannot be cashed out.  They are also non-transferable.
• Bill credits received from your Community Solar project will only apply to your electricity bill, and not your gas bill.