What is the community solar guide?

The Community Solar Guide was developed for the National Renewable Energy Lab by Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development, Keyes and Fox, Stoel Rives, and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

Can community solar power 5 million households by 2025?

This guide provides strategies and solutions that have been demonstrated by projects and programs recognized by the Sunny Awards. It provides a blueprint to help power the equivalent of five million households with community solar by 2025.

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.

How do I organize a community solar project?

For communities desiring to organize a community solar project, the local electric utility is a good place to start. First of all, utilities are likely to have the legal, financial and program management infrastructure to handle organizing and implementing a community solar project.

How do I subscribe to a community solar project?

To subscribe to a community solar project, you need to have open projects in your utility service territory. While more and more states are recognizing the benefits of community solar and supporting the development of projects.Today, 41 states and Washington, D.C. have at least one community solar project online.

Should a utility manage a community solar project?

First of all, utilities are likely to have the legal, financial and program management infrastructure to handle organizing and implementing a community solar project. Second, many utilities are actually governed by their member-customers and can be directed to pursue projects on their members’ behalf.