Solar communities are groups of solar panels kept at one location. They offer members an opportunity to invest in solar energy without the cost, hassle, and installation of solar equipment on their home. The return on their investment is shown as a credit on their electric bill.
Community Solar FAQ
How does community solar work?
Members subscribe to the output from YEC’s community solar site for a 20-year period, choosing the number of kilowatt (kW) units for their subscription. One kW unit will produce approximately 150 kWh per month. You can add more kW units at any time, as long as they are available.
When energy production begins, you will receive a portion of the production from the solar community each month, based on the number of kW unit subscriptions on your account.
Members pay a portion of the cost per kW unit upfront, then a monthly subscription fee is charged as a line item on the electric bill. The correlating output of the subscribed kW units is credited back to the member at 10¢ per kWh. Members pay a one-time $30 administrative fee for participating in the program.
- Subscriptions Upfront Charge: $100 per kW
- Monthly Unit Charge: $12 per kW subscription
- Monthly Credit: 10¢ per kWh
- One-time $30 administrative fee
Who can participate?
Any YEC member in good standing may participate in the Community Solar program on a first come, first served basis. This excludes residential net metering and Advance Pay accounts.
Am I buying a portion of the community solar farm, or just the energy from it?
Members are subscribing to the energy produced by the solar farm in relation to the number of kW units to which they subscribe.
Are there participation term limits?
The overall program term is 20 years. The minimum term participation is 2 years, and requires a 30-day notice of cancellation.
Is there a limit to the number of kW units to which I can subscribe?
A member must subscribe to at least 1 kW unit, but cannot subscribe to more than 5 kW units.