Community solar can work for many types of businesses. You do not need panels on your roof. Your subscription supports local solar energy and can earn bill credits.

The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as a project or purchasing program, in a geographic area, where benefits flow to many customers, including businesses, individuals, and nonprofits. That broad model is why your account details matter.

What SGS, MGS, and LGS really mean

Utilities group business accounts into “rate classes.” Many use names like Small General Service (SGS), Medium General Service (MGS), and Large General Service (LGS). These labels describe the size of your electric service. They are not universal. Each utility’s tariff sets its own names and thresholds.

Two points to keep in mind:

  • Names and cutoffs vary by utility.
  • Classes are often based on demand (measured in kW), not only total energy used.

Your class can affect how your bill is structured. It can also shape how we size a community solar subscription for your account.

Where to find your rate class on your bill

You can usually spot your class on the first page of your bill. Look near your account number and service address.

Check for labels like:

  • Rate, Service Class, or Tariff
  • A code or name such as “SGS,” “MGS,” “LGS,” or “Small/Medium/Large Load”

Also note these details while you have the bill open:

  • Energy (kWh): total electricity used during the billing period
  • Demand (kW): your highest rate of use during the period

If you want a step‑by‑step walkthrough with screenshots and common terms, see our guide, Your Electric Bill, Explained.

Demand vs. energy: why it matters

Energy (kWh) is how much electricity you use over time. Demand (kW) is the highest rate you draw at once. A bakery that runs multiple ovens at the same time can have high demand, even if monthly kWh is moderate.

Larger business accounts often have demand charges. This is one reason utilities separate classes. The class helps set how delivery and other charges are calculated on your bill.

Because community solar provides bill credits that cover part of your charges, your usage pattern is important. The way your utility calculates charges and applies credits depends on your tariff. That is why knowing your class helps us size a subscription.

How account type and usage shape subscription sizing

Community solar subscriptions are tied to your electric account. Your account and the solar project generally must be in the same utility territory. Credits from the project appear on your utility bill and reduce part of what you owe.

Here is the core idea of how savings work:

  • You pay less for the subscription than the solar credits are worth.
  • Credits cover part of your bill, so any discount applies to the credits, not the whole bill.
  • Savings depend on your state, utility, and project.

Your rate class gives a quick signal about the scale of your usage and whether demand charges are likely on your bill. Your actual kWh usage then guides the subscription size. A right‑sized subscription aims to generate credits during the months when you use electricity, without overshooting your typical needs.

As we review your bill, we focus on:

  • Your recent kWh usage pattern
  • Any clear seasonal swings (for example, higher summer cooling loads)
  • The presence of recorded demand (kW), which often aligns with MGS or LGS

This review helps us align your subscription with your usage pattern. It also keeps the plan within any program limits set by your state, utility, or the project.

Example: how one utility defines classes

Utilities set their own thresholds. For example, in Illinois, ComEd defines delivery classes by demand ranges: Small Load Delivery Class (0–100 kW), Medium Load (101–400 kW), and Large Load (401–1,000 kW). Other utilities may use names like Small General Service and Large General Service, with different cutoff points.

Your utility’s tariff controls the names and ranges that apply to you. If your bill shows a demand value, it can help you match your account to the right class on the tariff.

Get ready to check eligibility

To subscribe, your business account and the community solar project usually need to be in the same utility territory. Having a recent bill makes the process easier. You can upload it when you complete the business eligibility form.

Before you start, gather:

  • Your account number
  • A recent bill showing your rate or service class
  • A few months of usage history, if you have it

If you are not sure where to find any of this, our guide to Your Electric Bill, Explained shows the common sections and terms you will see.

A clear view of your class and usage helps size a subscription that fits how your business uses power. That way your credits show up where you need them most and match your normal pattern over the year.