(BPT) - After experiencing a year of unpredictable weather patterns and record high temperatures around the world, are you wondering what you can do to help slow down climate change? You may be thinking about easy ways that you can live greener. If you've considered going solar but think it's too difficult or expensive, you're in luck — with community solar, you can live a greener lifestyle while also putting more green in your pocket thanks to lower energy costs.
Solar energy costs less to produce than other forms of electricity, but not everyone is willing or able to have solar panels put on their roof. Community solar provides a way for anyone to choose renewable energy — without the cost and hassle of installing solar panels. The program is backed by your state legislation to provide residents and local businesses with a choice of clean renewable energy with cost-saving benefits.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about community solar.
How does community solar work?
Often called shared solar, community solar comes from a local solar "farm," where customers can subscribe for free to receive a "share" of the total power produced. Solar panels on the farm generate energy, which is mixed into the electric grid. Electric energy continues to be delivered to subscriber homes by their local utility company. Savings show up on your utility bill as energy credits which can reduce your electric bills by 10% or more each month.
Who can subscribe to community solar?
Anyone who pays an electric bill in a participating area can subscribe to community solar. Community solar is the perfect eco-solution for anyone who wants to participate in the clean energy transition but doesn't want to or can't commit to rooftop solar panels. And, in some states, low-to-moderate-income residents can receive even more discounts.
The best part is that there's no cost or membership fees to join, and anyone can subscribe: renters, homeowners, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and commercial companies. You don't need any equipment, installation or long-term contracts.
You'll save money on your energy bills as long as you remain a subscriber. You can also cancel anytime without fees or penalties — it can take up to 90 days for your earned credits to be reflected and for your utility to disconnect you from the community solar program.
Can the savings change over time?
You'll save money on your solar credits no matter what happens to energy prices. The percentage discount you receive on your solar credits is fixed and will not change, even if your utility company increases rates. You'll continue receiving your discount for the duration of the project (approximately 25 years).
Simply choosing to subscribe to community solar can save you 10% or more each month on your electricity bill, because harvesting solar power is less expensive than other forms of energy — and that cost savings is passed along to you.
Does community solar benefit the community?
Community solar farms are owned and operated by solar developers like Nautilus Solar Energy. Those developers lease land from landowners like farmers or municipalities for the lifetime of the community solar farm, providing those landowners extra income for about 30 years. Regulated at the state level, community solar programs boost the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs in construction, engineering and land maintenance.
It's easy to go green, keep more green in your pocket, and help your community — simply by choosing community solar.
How does community solar help the environment?
Community solar contributes to a cleaner, healthier community. On average, solar energy produces 20 times less greenhouse gasses than other forms of energy. An average 1 megawatt community solar farm can cut nearly one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere. Community solar also helps build a stronger and more resilient electrical grid and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
You can feel good knowing you're helping to make an impact on the environment by contributing to increased sustainability, reduced pollutants — plus cleaner, healthier air.
Ready to go solar?
Community solar provides a clean energy choice that helps reduce carbon emissions while saving you money. Subscribing is simple: All you need is 5 minutes and a utility account.
Learn more about going green and keeping your green at NautilusSolar.com.