Community solar offers a way for individuals and businesses to enjoy the benefits of solar power without having to install panels on their property. Whether you’re a renter, have a shaded roof, or simply don’t want the hassle of maintenance, community solar provides an accessible and cost-effective way to support clean energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
But what if community solar isn’t available in your area? Or perhaps the waitlist is just too long? Don’t worry—there is still a way to drive renewable energy and enjoy the benefits of clean power. Let’s dive into what community solar offers and explore an alternative solution when it’s not an option.
The Benefits of Community Solar
1. Accessibility: One of the biggest advantages of community solar is that it makes solar power accessible to everyone. You don’t need to own your home, have a south-facing roof, or worry about installation and maintenance. By subscribing to a share in a local solar project, you can receive credits on your electricity bill for the energy produced by your portion of the solar farm.
2. Cost Savings: Community solar often allows participants to save money on their energy bills. Many programs offer a discount on the electricity generated by the solar farm, meaning you pay less for the clean energy you use. Plus, there’s no upfront cost, unlike traditional rooftop solar installations.
3. Environmental Impact: By participating in community solar, you’re directly supporting the development of renewable energy. This helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.
4. No Maintenance Required: Unlike rooftop solar, where you’re responsible for the upkeep of the panels, community solar requires no maintenance on your part. The solar farm operator takes care of everything, so you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy without the hassle.
What to Do When Community Solar Isn’t Available
Despite its many benefits, community solar isn’t yet available everywhere, and in some regions, waitlists can be long. If you find yourself unable to participate in community solar, here is an alternative way to support renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Sustainable Choice Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
If community solar isn’t an option, consider purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) through Sustainable Choice. RECs represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from a renewable energy source and fed into the grid. By purchasing RECs, you can match your electricity use with renewable energy, even if your local utility isn’t using a lot of renewable energy.
How It Works: When you buy RECs, you’re paying for renewable energy sourced on your behalf. This helps increase the overall demand for renewable energy and can accelerate the transition to a cleaner grid.
Conclusion
Community solar is a fantastic option for accessing renewable energy, but it’s not always available to everyone. If you find yourself without access to community solar, don’t let that stop you from supporting clean energy. By purchasing RECs through Sustainable Choice, you can still make a significant impact.
The path to a renewable energy future is diverse, and there are many ways to contribute. Whether you’re directly connected to a solar farm or supporting renewables in other ways, every step you take helps move us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
