Are solar PV systems a viable alternative to community energy?

Many projects were saved by solar PV prices falling steadily until systems became viable if organisations hosting them paid for the electricity. Community energy grew, and in 2015 there were thought to be 150-200 community energy organisations, owning solar, wind, hydro and biomass boilers.

Why do communities want a community solar project?

Communities may be interested in a community solar project for a variety of reasons, including wanting to reduce pollution in their community, wanting more control over their energy sources, wanting to participate in the financial benefits of clean energy, and/or wanting more jobs or economic development through locally sited clean energy.

What are the benefits of community solar?

Community solar can allow all households and businesses to access the benefits of solar energy, such as lower electricity costs, regardless of whether they’re able to host a system on their own roof. And, in areas where solar power is less expensive than fossil-generated electricity (most places), consumers can save money on their monthly bills.

Can community solar make solar more accessible?

Rooftop and community solar are alternative product classes for residential solar in the United States. Community solar, where multiple households buy solar from shared systems, could make solar more accessible by reducing initial costs and removing adoption barriers for renters and multifamily building occupants.

What is community solar?

Community solar provides households, businesses, and other energy users the opportunity to subscribe to a solar array in their community and allows for more equitable access to the benefits of clean energy, especially for households and businesses that cannot host a solar system on their own roofs.

Are community solar gardens a good option?

Within the narrow confines of the economies of scale rationale in renewable energy generation, community solar is the best option. Larger community solar gardens capture the economies of scale benefits, while saving on transmission costs. Given the proper policy support, solar gardens can be deployed rapidly in communities everywhere.