Community Solar: The New Trend in Making Clean Energy Accessible for All
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar is a shared solar project, like a solar farm, where the electricity generated is sold or credited to multiple customers. Unlike traditional solar power, where homeowners must install panels on their own property, participants simply subscribe to a share of the project’s output. In return, participants receive credits on their electricity bills, making it a flexible solution for people who cannot install panels themselves (Wikipedia, 2024).
Community solar is the fastest-growing way to make clean energy accessible to everyone. With capacity set to nearly double by 2028, it’s opening doors for renters, LMI (Low-Middle Income) families, and businesses while driving local economies and advancing the clean energy transition.
Rapid Growth & Capacity Outlook
Popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2018, there was about 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of community solar installed in the United States. By 2024, this number has jumped to roughly 7.8 GW, with even more growth expected in the next few years. Experts predict that by 2028, total capacity could reach 14 GW, effectively doubling from today’s numbers (Wood Mackenzie, 2024). The market is growing at about 8% annually, and as more states adopt supportive programs, this rate could increase even further (PV Magazine, 2024; Wood Mackenzie, 2024).
Who Community Solar Serves
Community solar is especially beneficial for people who rent or live in apartments. Over 30% of Americans rent their homes and typically cannot install solar panels themselves. This bridges this gap, allowing more people to benefit from clean energy (Public Power, 2024; TIME, 2024; Join Solar Gardens, n.d.). Community solar also helps low- and moderate-income (LMI) families. LMI participation in these programs grew from around 2% to between 10–12% from late 2022 to mid-2024, and the average subscription cost dropped by about 30% over the same period (CBRE, 2024; Wood Mackenzie, 2024).
Economic & Social Benefits
Subscribers to projects typically save between 10–20% on their electricity bills, with no upfront costs or exit fees. The Department of Energy estimates that these savings can reach as high as 20% (Wood Mackenzie, 2024; PV Magazine USA, 2024; Wikipedia, 2024). Community solar also increases resilience, making clean energy available to homes with shaded roofs, renters, or anyone who cannot install their own panels (PV Magazine USA, 2024; Wikipedia, 2024; Join Solar Gardens, n.d.). Beyond savings, these projects boost local economies by creating jobs. Many projects are built on brownfields, rooftops, or unused land, revitalizing communities and adding economic value.
Policy & Market Enablers
More than 40 states and Washington D.C. now have at least one community solar project, and 19 states have legislation that specifically enables community solar or virtual net metering (Wikipedia, 2024; Neighborhood Sun, n.d.). At the federal level, the Inflation Reduction Act has extended investment tax credits and added incentives for LMI subscribers. The Department of Energy’s “Solar for All” program is dedicating $7 billion to help disadvantaged communities gain access to solar (Wikipedia, 2024; TIME, 2024).
Barriers & Bottlenecks
Despite the growth, some challenges remain. Interconnection delays can stall projects for 2–4 years. Municipal permitting and utility coordination also can be lengthy and inconsistent. Most importantly, growth still relies heavily on state policies, meaning there is significant room to grow as more states adopt supportive frameworks (Wood Mackenzie, 2024).
Commercial Real Estate Synergy With Community Solar
Commercial Real Estate Synergy With Community SolarCommercial real estate (CRE) properties, such as malls and warehouses, are now hosting community solar projects. Leasing space for solar installations creates new revenue streams and supports tenant sustainability goals (NREL, 2024; Public Power, 2024; CBRE, 2024; Wood Mackenzie, 2024). Rooftop and canopy solar installations on CRE properties also help properties achieve green certifications, reduce capital expenditures, and diversify their income (Public Power, 2024; CBRE, 2024).
Why Community Solar Matters for Energy Independence
- Inclusivity: Opens solar benefits to renters, apartments, and shaded homes.
- Equity: Reduces energy costs for LMI households with real savings and no upfront investment.
- Scalability: Projected to double capacity in under five years, rapidly increasing solar access.
- Economic Multiplier: Local projects create jobs, reuse land, and strengthen community wealth.
- Decentralization: Distributes renewable energy generation, easing stress on the grid and increasing resilience.
By breaking down barriers and expanding access, these projects are paving the way for a more resilient, equitable, and energy-independent future for everyone.
Community Solar Trends 2028 Forecast
References
CBRE. (2024). Community Solar: A Growing Opportunity Within Commercial Real Estate. https://www.cbre.com/
Join Solar Gardens. (n.d.). https://joinsolargardens.com/
Neighborhood Sun. (n.d.). https://neighborhoodsun.solar/
Public Power. (2024). Community solar for renters and LMI. https://www.publicpower.org/
TIME. (2024). Community solar’s important role in the clean energy transition. https://time.com/
Wikipedia. (2024). Community solar. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_solar
Wood Mackenzie. (2024). Community solar growth forecast. https://www.woodmac.com/