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Community solar is transforming the way people access renewable energy, making sustainability both affordable and convenient. Instead of installing solar panels on your roof, you can subscribe to a portion of a local solar farm and receive credits for the energy produced. This not only helps reduce your electricity costs but also supports the transition to clean, renewable energy, lowering your carbon footprint. But how does the billing process actually work? Let’s explore how community solar billing allows you to benefit from sustainable energy while saving money.

Understanding Community Solar Billing

When you subscribe to a community solar program, you are essentially purchasing a share of the energy produced by a local solar farm. Here’s how the billing process works in practice:

Each month, the solar farm generates electricity, which is sent to the local utility grid. You are awarded credits based on your portion of the solar farm’s production. These credits appear on your utility bill and reduce the amount you owe to your utility company.

As a community solar subscriber, you typically receive two bills. One is your regular utility bill, which shows your total electricity consumption and the solar credits that have been applied. The second is a bill from the community solar provider, charging you for the solar credits you received—at a discounted rate, so you still save on your overall energy costs. With US Light Energy, you save a guaranteed 10% on your energy bill credits.

The key advantage is that you pay less for the solar credits than the value they offset on your utility bill. Community solar billing offers a transparent, straightforward process that allows you to support renewable energy while cutting down on your energy expenses. There’s no need for upfront investment, maintenance, or rooftop solar installation, making it accessible to homeowners, renters, and businesses alike.

6 Things to Know About Community Solar Billing

You Still Receive a Utility Bill

Even though you are subscribed to a community solar farm, you will still receive a utility bill as usual. Your utility company continues to supply you with electricity, but now, a portion of that electricity is offset by the solar credits from the community solar farm. The credits appear as a reduction on your bill, lowering the amount you owe.

Two Separate Bills

Subscribers to Community Solar will receive two bills each month. Your regular utility company will send you the bill with the applied solar credits added to your balance, which typically reflects a very low, if not negative/credited balance. U.S. Light Energy provides your membership information to the utility company to ensure the appropriate credits are applied to your monthly bill.

The second bill you receive will be from the community solar provider. It reflects the value of the credits you received for that particular month along with the price you pay with the 10% discount applied. How the discount is itemized on your bill may vary depending on your state. For instance, New Yorkers will see the credit listed as a “CDG generation credit” or “CDG Value Stack Credit.” CDG stands for “Community Distributed Generation.” For those in Massachusetts, the credit may be listed as “NEM” or “net metering.” Regardless of how the credit is designated, you want to look for a negative charge on your bill, representing your credit.

Your Energy Provider Doesn’t Change

Even though you are part of a community solar program, your energy provider remains the same. You will still receive electricity from your local utility, and the reliability of your energy supply doesn’t change. The only difference is that a portion of your energy usage is offset by the solar energy credits from the community solar farm, which appear as savings on your bill.

No Upfront Costs or Long-Term Commitment

One of the key benefits of community solar is that there are no upfront costs or long-term contracts. You don’t need to purchase solar panels or pay for installation. As a community solar provider, U.S. Light Energy offers flexible subscription terms, allowing you to subscribe or unsubscribe without penalty, making it a low-risk option to support renewable energy. With U.S. Light Energy, subscribers “pay-as-you-go” without the worry of subscription fees.

Easy to Monitor and Track

Many community solar providers offer online dashboards or apps that allow you to easily track your solar credits, monitor the farm’s energy production, and see how much you save each month. This transparency lets you stay informed and engaged in energy consumption and savings.

Discover Community Solar with US Light Energy

U.S. Light Energy (USLE) is a New York-based renewable energy development company specializing in community solar. We offer an easy and effective way to participate in community solar without needing personal solar panel installations or upfront costs. By subscribing to one of our solar farms, you’ll support clean, renewable energy while enjoying the financial benefits of reduced electricity bills. Our pay-as-you-go model eliminates the burden of subscription fees or long-term contracts. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business, community solar is available to anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint and energy expenses; all you need is a utility account to participate. Apply for community solar and start saving today! U.S. Light Energy is leading the charge for a new generation.