BY David Nosnik, Vice Chair Sustainability Committee
You can participate in the clean energy revolution by joining a Community Solar Farm. Community solar farms, also called solar gardens, let you benefit from solar energy without installing your own panels. These large solar arrays are owned by third-party developers and are situated on land or rooftops.
Here’s how it works:
Development: A developer finds a suitable location and gets permits to build a community solar farm.
Subscription: People and businesses in the area buy shares based on their estimated electricity needs. Some plans do not require the purchase of shares in the project to share in the savings. Details vary by sponsor organization. Compare the plans offered by the different sponsors.
Energy Generation: The farm converts sunlight into electricity, feeding it into the local grid.
Credit Allocation: Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills for the energy generated.
Utility Billing: The utility company keeps delivering electricity, but bills reflect credits from the solar farm.
Benefits:
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduces carbon emissions and promotes clean energy.
• Cost Savings: Lower electricity bills with earned credits.
• No Upfront Costs for Panels: No need for costly solar panel investments.
• Low Maintenance: No responsibility for farm upkeep.
Considerations:
• Subscription Fees: Possible initial fees or enrollment costs.
• Share Availability: Limited shares in a community solar farm.
• Contract Terms: Carefully review contract details, duration, cancellations, and price changes.
• Location: Not available everywhere.
Community solar offers an affordable way to support solar energy and sustainability.
In Maine, multiple developers offer community solar projects:
• Ampion Energy: Leading provider with projects in Vassalboro, South Berwick, and Scarborough.
• Arcadia: Prominent provider with projects in Portland, Freeport, and Falmouth.
• Nexamp: Large-scale developer offering projects in Sanford, Biddeford, and Gardiner.
• ReVision Energy: Local company with projects in Brunswick, Knox, and Vassalboro.
• Perch Energy: Newer entrant with projects in Buxton and Saco.
Compare plans and prices to find the right one for your energy needs and budget. Online resources like EnergySage can help you compare providers in Maine.
