Think solar is only for homeowners with roofs? Renters can join community solar, too. You do not need panels or any work at your place.

Why renters can join community solar

The U.S. Department of Energy defines community solar as any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, where benefits flow to many customers. That can include individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. As a renter, you can support local solar energy without owning a building.

Nothing is installed at your home. You will not add panels or do roof work. Your utility keeps delivering electricity on the same wires. Community solar adds credits to your account. Those credits help cover part of your bill.

If you want an overview, read the Community Solar 101 guide.

What you need to enroll as a renter

To subscribe, you need an electric account in your own name with a participating utility. Renters can join if the account is in their name. The project and your electric account also generally must be in the same utility territory.

Here is the key checklist:

  • Your utility account is in your name
  • Your home is served by a participating utility
  • Your account and the project are generally in the same utility territory

You do not need rooftop space. You do not need any special equipment at home.

How bill credits and payments work

Community solar uses solar bill credits. A share of credits is applied to your utility bill. Credits cover part of the bill. You still get power from the utility in the usual way.

Subscribers pay less for the subscription than the credits are worth. Any discount applies to the credits, not your whole bill. What you pay and how credits show up can vary by state, utility, and project. Savings depend on those factors.

A simple way to think about it:

  • Credits appear on your utility bill and reduce what you owe there
  • You pay for your subscription at a lower cost than the value of those credits
  • The difference between the credit value and what you pay is your potential savings

For a deeper walk-through of credits and billing, see Community Solar 101.

If you move as a renter

As soon as you plan to move, tell your subscriber organization. Ask what your agreement says.

If you move within the same utility territory, ask if you can keep your subscription at the new address. If you move to a different utility territory, ask about your options. Share your move date and any new account details they request. Early notice helps them guide you based on your agreement and where your new account is located.

How enrollment with CSR works

We keep the process simple and quick:

  1. Check your eligibility online. It takes about five minutes, and there is nothing to upload. Start here: Check your eligibility.
  2. A CSR representative calls, usually within one business day, to confirm details.
  3. CSR matches your household with a project that has room.
  4. You review the subscription agreement before signing.
  5. After activation, credits begin to appear on your utility account.

If you have questions at any step, we are happy to explain how credits work with your utility bill and what timelines to expect.

Helpful tips for renters

  • Keep the electric account in your name if you want to subscribe
  • Your account and the project are generally in the same utility territory
  • Save your utility account number and recent bill for reference when you talk with us
  • Tell your subscriber organization right away if your address or account changes

Community solar can fit the way you rent. Keep your utility account in your name, and let your subscriber organization know if you plan to move. If you are new to the idea, read Community Solar 101, then check your eligibility when you are ready.