Community solar savings calculator

No roof, no panels, no upfront cost. See what a community solar subscription would save you.

Average monthly electric bill

Fixed charges on that billCommunity solar credits usually can't offset fixed customer charges.

Share of usage the subscription covers90%

Discount on the bill credits10%Most programs offer 5–15%.

Electricity price increase per year3.00%

Contract length10 years

Years until you might move or cancel5 years

Early cancellation feeMany good programs have none. Read the contract.

Estimated savings

$13 a month

About $157 in the first year and $1,795 over a 10-year contract, with no equipment and no upfront cost.

If you leave after 5 years: $831 net.

Before you sign

Confirm the discount is fixed (for example "10% off credits") rather than a fixed price per kWh that could end up above your utility rate.
Check for sign-up fees, credit checks, escalators, and what happens if you move within the utility's area or out of it.
Programs exist in about 24 states plus D.C. If someone offers community solar where there's no program, be careful.
Rooftop solar usually saves more per year if you own a good roof and plan to stay, but community solar carries almost no risk.

How it works

You subscribe to part of a local solar farm. The utility credits your bill for your share of its output, and you pay the subscription at a discount, typically 5% to 15% off those credits.

Questions

Is community solar worth it?

It's a low-risk way to save a little, typically 5% to 15% of the energy part of your bill, if the contract has no cancellation fee and a fixed discount.