Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a community solar garden?
A community solar garden (CSG) is a solar array that supplies electricity into the local power grid. Members to the CSG earn solar credits on their utility bill even though the CSG is not located on their property. When you join a CSG, you will be supporting clean energy while cutting your electricity costs by approximately 10-15%..
How do I become a member of a community solar garden?
Becoming a member is easy. If you are looking to reserve your spot right away, you can enroll online in under 10 minutes, here.
How much money will I save?
A subscription for the average household using 12,500 kWh save an estimated $125 annually.
Your savings are equal to the difference between the bill credits you receive from your utility and the discounted payments you make to Join Solar. We don’t know the exact amount you’ll save because everyone’s electricity usage is different, but we can estimate the energy production and corresponding bill credits to give you an idea of what to expect. Savings to you are guaranteed but will vary based on a few factors, including actual weather conditions and how fast the utility’s rates increase each year.
It seems too good to be true. Is there a catch?
We get this all the time! to guarantee you these savings is because this program is a win-win for all parties involved. You get to be a part of this solar garden that saves your money and helps the local community. The utility company gets closer to their renewable energy goals and gains a more resilient and stabilized local power grid. Your membership allows us to construct these solar gardens – which benefits local farmers, the environment and Surrounding communities!
If anything the catch is based on availability and eligibility. Space in each garden is limited to local households on a first come first served basis, and availability is dependent on where you live.
Why should I join a community solar garden?
You should join a community solar garden if you want to save money, are looking to make a positive environmental impact, and help transition to a sustainable energy future without investment cost or hassle! Also, you are supporting local jobs as well as landowners in your area that are hosting these gardens.
Will my utility provider change?
As a subscriber, you will experience no change in how you receive your electricity.
Do I need to put anything on my roof?
Nope! Community solar offers a way for virtually anyone to go solar without installing solar panels on their roof or their property. You get all the benefits of clean energy without having to change or install anything at your home, property, or business.
What if I move or want to cancel?
We have very flexible terms for transferring or cancelling your membership. You are able to do so at any time without penalty, we just need up to 60 days to process this with your utility company. If you move somewhere locally that is within eligible territory, we may be able to transfer your membership to your new home. Otherwise, we will take care of finding someone to take over your spot in the solar garden.
How much does it cost to sign up?
It’s free to join and there are no taxes or hidden fees. You’re guaranteed to save money on your electricity bill!
What happens if a year is very cloudy or energy production is low?
You only pay for the energy that is produced. This means that if production is lower, you may not save as much money as expected, but you are not harmed financially. This structure incentivizes us to use quality materials and to maintain the solar garden properly. Keep in mind that not all years will produce the same amount of energy. Some years may have less energy, and some years may produce more, but as long as the garden is producing energy you are saving money.
How does billing work?
When you join a community solar garden, you’ll be assigned a share of the solar panels to meet your electricity needs, based on your annual kWh energy use. Each month as your share produces electricity, the amount of electricity generated is applied to your utility bill in the form of a solar credit, deducting it from the amount you’d owe to your utility. One month later, you pay us back for the credits you received at a fixed discount rate, saving you money and directly supporting this local renewable energy project.
How is my community solar allocation determined?
Each member is allocated a share of solar panels based on their historical electric usage that can be adjusted over time as needed. This ensures members can maximize their savings by receiving the right amount of solar credits.
How will I see the savings on my utility bill?
Each month, you’ll first see your solar credits applied to your utility account, reducing your electric bill. Next, we’ll send you a statement that verifies that credit amount and what you’ll pay us back for those credits at the fixed discount rate. There are no taxes or added fees, and all maintenance and repairs are our responsibility. The average household saves about 10% – 15% on their annual electricity costs.
What parts of my utility bill will my solar credits cover?
Your solar credits will be applied towards both the supply and delivery charges of your utility bill.
How can I verify if this program is legitimate in Maine?
Click here to view a basic overview of the program from Maine’s Public Utilities Commission, who regulates the program.
What is LMI?
Households whose income is up to 150% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI) are classified as LMI.
This new initiative is the Low and Moderate-income Accessible Community Solar Garden Program (LMI-Accessible CSG Program), launched by the Department of Commerce. It aims to provide greater access to solar energy for low-to-moderate-income households, enhancing their ability to benefit from renewable energy sources.
Benefits of LMI Program
The Low and Moderate-Income (LMI) program offers significant benefits to eligible households by ensuring savings on utility bills. Participants in the program receive discounted rates on their energy costs, making renewable energy more affordable and accessible. Additionally, LMI households are given priority access to community solar gardens, which means they are more likely to secure a spot and start enjoying the benefits sooner.
Who is eligible for the LMI program?
Subscribers qualify for higher bill credits when they are up to 150% of their County’s Area Median Income (AMI) for their household size.
Check your household size and income for your county by using: 2024 Area Median Income.
You will also be eligible for the LMI program if you are participating in any of the following federal, state, municipal, or utility programs that are administered or approved by the Department. Please check the list here for approved programs.
You can also use the LMI Eligibility Criteria Calculator on our website during registration. Click to join today!
Where can I find my solar credits on my utility bill?
Solar credits will be posted to your utility account monthly and will detail the kilowatt hours of energy generated in the garden on your behalf. The solar credit will be applied to the total bill amount that is due.
How can I verify if this program is legitimate in Minnesota?
Click here to view a basic overview of the program on Xcel Energy’s website. This program started in 2013 with the MN Public Utilities Commission.
How do the payments work?
Each month, you’ll first see your solar credits applied to your utility account, reducing or eliminating your electric bill. Next, we’ll send you a statement that verifies that credit amount and what you’ll pay us for those credits at the fixed discount rate. On the 30th of the month that payment to us will be processed automatically. We enroll our members in autopay for convenience and simplicity, so beyond signing up your savings are entirely hands-free! There’s nothing else you will ever be charged for aside from the previous month’s credits, as the cost of all maintenance and necessary repairs are on us. The average household saves ~10% on their annual electricity costs.
For example, Nick joined a community solar garden and is excited to start saving on his monthly utility bill. The solar project started generating energy on November 1, and on Nick’s December utility bill, he saw a solar credit of $100. At the end of December, Nick will pay $90 to the project (Novel) for that credit, saving 10%!
Where do I find my premise number?
Your premise number can be found on pg 2 of your monthly utility bill under the ‘Electricity Service Details’ summary.
How do I access the membership portal?
You can access our membership portal, here.
Need more information ?
If you are a subscriber, call 833-217-6399 to speak with our representative for any assistance or inquiries.
