What Is Community Solar?
Community solar lets you subscribe to a local solar farm and receive credits on your electricity bill. You don't need to own a home, install anything, or pay upfront costs.
How It Works
1. Subscribe
Sign up with a community solar provider. You'll need a recent electric bill. The process takes about 5 minutes online.
2. Solar Farm Generates Power
A local solar farm (like Shepherd's Run, if approved) generates clean electricity and feeds it to the grid.
3. You Get Credits
Your share of the solar production appears as credits on your utility bill, reducing what you owe.
4. You Save Money
You pay the solar provider for the credits at a discount (typically 10% less than utility rates). Net result: lower bills.
Who Can Use Community Solar?
Community solar is perfect for:
- Renters — You don't need to own your home
- Apartment dwellers — No rooftop required
- Shaded properties — Trees blocking your roof? No problem
- Homeowners who can't install — Old roof, HOA restrictions, etc.
- Anyone with an electric bill — If you pay for electricity, you can subscribe
Savings Example
| Without Community Solar | With Community Solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly electric bill | $150 | $150 |
| Solar credits received | — | -$50 |
| Payment to solar provider | — | +$45 (10% discount) |
| Net monthly cost | $150 | $145 |
| Annual savings | — | $60 |
Actual savings vary based on your usage and the specific program terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a contract?
Most programs allow you to cancel anytime with no penalty. Some may have short notice periods (30-60 days). Always read the terms before signing.
What if I move?
You can usually transfer your subscription to your new address (if it's in the same utility territory) or cancel without penalty.
Is this a scam?
Community solar is a legitimate program supported by New York State (NYSERDA). However, like any industry, quality varies. Stick with established providers and read reviews.
Do I still get a utility bill?
Yes. You'll still receive your regular utility bill, but it will show credits from the community solar program reducing your balance.
What happens on cloudy days?
Solar production varies, but you're billed based on actual production. Less sun = fewer credits, but you're still paying less than you would for regular electricity.
How to Sign Up
Several providers offer community solar in the Hudson Valley:
- NYSERDA Community Solar Directory — State-maintained list of providers
- EnergySage — Compare community solar options
Before signing up:
- Confirm the discount rate (aim for 10% or better)
- Check cancellation terms
- Verify the provider is reputable (check reviews)
- Make sure they serve your utility area (Central Hudson, NYSEG, etc.)
Why More Local Solar Projects Matter
Columbia County already has ~36MW of community solar from projects like ELP Greenport, Kinderhook, and Claverack. But demand often exceeds supply—waitlists are common.
More projects like Shepherd's Run would expand community solar access for residents who want to participate but can't find available capacity.
The Catch-22
Opponents block new solar projects → Community solar capacity stays limited → Waitlists grow while demand increases → Residents who want clean energy savings can't access them.