Community Solar: A Perfect Fit for Renters —and for Homes & Businesses Without Sunny Roofs

Updated June 2025

Think rooftop solar is out of reach because you rent, live in a condo, or your roof sits beneath trees? Community solar removes those barriers by letting you subscribe to a shared solar farm located elsewhere in your utility territory. You get monthly bill credits and carbon‑free energy—no panels, no construction, no hassle.

How Community Solar Works

A developer builds a large solar array on suitable land. Your utility applies a share of the array’s production to your meter as Net Energy Metering (NEM) credits. You then pay the community‑solar provider for those credits—at a guaranteed discount—so your total out‑of‑pocket cost is lower than a normal utility bill.

Example: If a project adds $150 of credits to your bill this month and offers a 10 % discount, you pay the provider $135 via auto‑pay and pocket $15 in savings.

Five Reasons Community Solar Shines for Renters & Shaded Roofs

1. No Equipment on Your Property
   The array sits off‑site, so there’s zero installation at your home or business. Historic district? Flat roof? No problem.

2. Immediate Bill Savings
   Subscriptions marketed by Energy-A2Z require $0 upfront, $0 cancellation fee, and deliver a fixed discount on every credit—available for residential, commercial, and (in many states) low‑income customers.

3. Flexible & Portable
   Moving within the same utility? Simply transfer your subscription or cancel penalty‑free. Perfect for renters and businesses with uncertain leases.

4. Tangible Climate Impact
   Your share of the project displaces fossil‑fuel generation, shrinking your carbon footprint without installing anything.

5. Inclusive Access
   Community solar democratizes clean energy—opening participation to renters, multi‑unit dwellers, nonprofits, and small businesses that can’t host rooftop systems.

Learn More

• U.S. DOE Community Solar Basics: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/community-solar-basics

Have questions or want to enroll? Reach out to Energy-A2Z for a quick savings estimate and available projects in your area.

The Bottom Line

Community solar offers a simple, contract‑light path to renewable energy—perfect for renters, shaded roofs, and anyone who wants to save money while supporting local clean‑power projects.