Renters Can Go Solar Too: Your Complete Guide to Community Solar Without a Rooftop
For decades, the promise of solar energy came with a catch: you needed a roof to put panels on. If you rented your home, lived in an apartment, or had a shaded property, solar simply was not an option. But community solar has changed all of that, and renters across the country are now saving real money on their electric bills while supporting clean energy.
The Renter's Solar Problem — Solved
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, nearly half of American households are unable to install rooftop solar panels. Whether it is because you rent, live in a multi-family building, have a shaded roof, or simply cannot afford the upfront cost of a solar installation, traditional solar has been out of reach for millions of people.
Community solar flips the script entirely. Instead of installing panels on your own roof, you subscribe to a share of a large, local solar farm. The electricity generated by your share is fed into the grid, and you receive credits on your existing utility bill. It is that simple.
How It Works for Renters
The enrollment process is straightforward and typically takes less than five minutes:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility. You need to have an active utility account in a state that offers community solar programs. Currently, programs are available in states including Maryland, Delaware, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, and New Mexico — and more states are joining every year.
Step 2: Choose Your Subscription. Based on your average monthly electricity usage, you will be matched with an appropriate share of a community solar farm. Your subscription is typically sized to cover a portion of your monthly electricity consumption.
Step 3: Start Saving. Once enrolled, solar credits begin appearing on your regular utility bill. Most subscribers see savings of 10 to 15 percent on their electricity costs, with some low-to-moderate income programs offering even greater discounts of up to 25 percent.
Step 4: Enjoy the Benefits. There is no equipment to maintain, no installation to schedule, and no changes to your daily routine. Your utility company stays the same, your power keeps flowing, and your bill gets smaller.
No Credit Check, No Long-Term Lock-In
One of the most common concerns renters have is whether they will be locked into a contract that follows them if they move. The good news is that most community solar programs allow you to cancel at any time without penalty. If you move within the same utility territory, you can often transfer your subscription to your new address. If you move out of the service area, you can simply cancel.
There is also no credit check required in most programs. Community solar is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and no equipment to purchase.
Real Savings, Real Impact
The savings from community solar are not theoretical — they show up directly on your utility bill every month. Across the states where Community Solar Representatives operates, subscribers typically save between 10 and 20 percent on their electricity costs. For a household with a $150 monthly electric bill, that translates to $180 to $360 in annual savings.
But the benefits extend beyond your wallet. Every kilowatt-hour of solar energy that replaces fossil fuel generation means less carbon pollution in our atmosphere. According to the EPA, a single household powered by solar instead of fossil fuels avoids approximately 9,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year — the equivalent of not driving 18,000 miles.
Which States Offer Community Solar for Renters?
Community solar availability varies by state, but the list is growing rapidly. Community Solar Representatives currently helps renters and homeowners enroll in the following states:
| State | Savings Range | Key Utilities |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 10-15% | BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, SMECO |
| Delaware | 10-15% | Delmarva Power |
| Colorado | 10-15% | Xcel Energy |
| Minnesota | 10-20% | Xcel Energy |
| Illinois | 10-15% | ComEd, Ameren |
| Maine | 10-15% | Central Maine Power, Versant |
| New Jersey | 10-15% | PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric |
| New Mexico | 10-30% | PNM |
Getting Started Is Easy
If you are a renter interested in lowering your electric bill while supporting clean energy, community solar is the easiest way to do it. There is no installation, no upfront cost, and no risk. Visit our state pages to find the specific program details for your area, or fill out our enrollment form to get started today.
The future of solar energy is not just for homeowners — it is for everyone.