As the demand for clean, renewable energy continues to grow in 2025, community solar offers a powerful solution to expand access to solar power beyond traditional homeownership.
This movement helps individuals and families participate in the clean energy transition — regardless of whether they own a roof or have the means to install a personal solar system.
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar — sometimes called “shared solar”— allows multiple participants to benefit from the energy produced by a large, centralized solar array. Instead of installing solar panels on your own home, you subscribe to a portion of a solar project located elsewhere in your community.
The energy generated by your share of the array is credited to your power bill, reducing your monthly costs while supporting clean energy production.
Opening the Door for Renters and Low-Income Households
The benefits of rooftop solar have traditionally been limited to homeowners with adequate roof space and the financial means for a solar panel system, leaving out a significant portion of the population, such as:
- Renters
- Apartment Dwellers,
- Low-to-Mid Income Households
These groups often face barriers to solar adoption, but shared solar changes that. With no need for rooftop installation or upfront investment, community solar offers an accessible pathway to clean energy for those who have been left on the sidelines.
Pro Tip: Subscriptions are flexible, often allowing month-to-month participation, and many programs are specifically designed to lower electricity bills for income-qualified households.
Learn more about community solar programs here: Harnessing the Sun Together: The Power of Community Solar Programs
Damaged or Missing Shingles
Harsh winter weather can take a toll on roofing materials. Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds can loosen, crack, or completely remove shingles. Once spring rains begin, exposed areas of your roof become vulnerable to water infiltration.
Pro Tip: A professional roof inspection can identify any damaged shingles that need to be replaced before they lead to serious issues.
For more info on asphalt shingles, read our article: Top 8 FAQs About Asphalt Shingles
How Community Solar Works
Here’s a step-by-step of how community solar typically works:
- You subscribe to a share of a local solar project developed by a provider like Gurr Brothers Energy.
- The project generates electricity, which is sent to the local power grid.
- You receive credits on your utility bill based on the amount of solar energy produced by your share.
- You save money while helping to reduce carbon emissions and supporting local renewable energy development.
Is There a Downside to Community Solar?
While community solar has many benefits, there are some potential downsides and limitations to consider. Here are a few of the main ones:
- Limited Availability: Not every area has community solar projects available yet. These programs depend on state policies, utility cooperation, and the presence of solar developers. If you live in a region without strong support or infrastructure for community solar, your options may be limited or nonexistent.
- Utility Bill Confusion: Community solar subscribers often receive two bills — one from the utility company showing a credit for the solar energy and one from the solar provider for the cost of the subscription. This split billing can be confusing at first. Some providers bundle billing to simplify things, but it depends on the program and utility.
- Long-Term Contracts (Sometimes): Some community solar programs require long-term contracts (e.g., 5–20 years), which may include early termination fees if you move or cancel. Fortunately, many newer programs now offer more flexible terms, but it’s important to read the fine print.
- Grid Dependency: Unlike rooftop solar with battery storage, community solar doesn’t provide backup power during outages. You’re still dependent on the grid, so while you’re supporting renewable energy, you don’t get the same energy independence as you would with a home solar + storage system.
Want more info about total grid independence? Read our article: Off-Grid Solar Panel Systems: Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations
Growth in 2025 and Beyond
The growth of community solar is accelerating. Federal and state policies are increasingly supportive of shared solar models, and utilities are recognizing the role community solar plays in grid resilience and decarbonization.
If you’ve ever thought solar wasn’t for you, now’s the time to take another look. Whether you’re renting an apartment or simply don’t want the hassle of rooftop installation, community solar makes it easy to go green and save money.
At Gurr Brothers Energy, we’re committed to building a cleaner, fairer energy future. Learn more about how community solar can work for you — and join us in powering a more sustainable tomorrow.
