Solar for Renters: Community Solar Options

Solar Is Not Just for Homeowners

If you rent your home, you might assume solar energy is out of reach. After all, you cannot install panels on a roof you do not own. But the solar industry has evolved to include options that work for renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who cannot install rooftop solar.

Community solar is the most popular option, but there are several other paths to clean energy savings. Here is everything you need to know.

Community Solar: The Best Option for Most Renters

What Is Community Solar?

Community solar, also called shared solar or solar gardens, allows you to subscribe to a portion of a larger solar installation located somewhere in your utility's service area. You receive credits on your electric bill based on your share's energy production, without any panels on your roof.

How It Works

A community solar developer builds a large solar array, typically 1 to 5 megawatts.

Local residents and businesses subscribe to shares of the project's output.

The solar array feeds electricity into the local grid.

Subscribers receive credits on their utility bills proportional to their share's production.

Subscribers pay the community solar provider a rate lower than their utility rate, pocketing the difference as savings.

Typical Savings

Community solar subscribers typically save 5 to 15 percent on their electricity bills with no upfront cost. Some programs offer higher savings, especially in states with strong community solar policies.

For a household with a $150 monthly electric bill, community solar savings of 10 percent translate to $15 per month, or $180 per year. While this is less than the savings from rooftop solar, it requires zero investment and zero commitment beyond a subscription agreement.

Subscription Terms

No upfront cost: Most community solar programs are free to join.

No long-term commitment: Many programs allow cancellation with 30 to 90 days notice.

Transferable: If you move within the same utility territory, you can often take your subscription with you.

No credit score requirements: Most programs do not require a credit check, making them accessible to everyone.

Where Community Solar Is Available

Community solar is available in over 40 states, with the most developed markets in:

New York: The largest community solar market, with hundreds of projects.

Minnesota: A pioneer in community solar legislation with strong subscriber protections.

Massachusetts: Active market with competitive subscriber savings.

Illinois: Growing rapidly under the Illinois Shines program.

Colorado: Well-established market with diverse project options.

New Jersey: Expanding community solar pilot programs.

Maryland: Growing market with increasing availability.

Other Solar Options for Renters

Portable Solar Panels

Portable solar panels can be placed on balconies, patios, or in windows. While they cannot power your entire home, they can charge devices, run small appliances, and reduce your overall electricity consumption.

Balcony solar kits: 300 to 800 watt systems that plug into a standard outlet. In some areas, these micro-solar systems can feed electricity back through your apartment's wiring, offsetting consumption. Cost: $400 to $1,200.

Portable solar generators: Combine a small solar panel with a battery pack. Useful for charging electronics, running a fan, or powering lights during outages. Cost: $200 to $2,000 depending on capacity.

Green Energy Plans

Many utilities and competitive electricity suppliers offer green energy plans that source electricity from renewable sources including solar and wind. While these plans do not reduce your bill (and sometimes cost slightly more), they ensure your electricity consumption is matched by renewable energy generation.

Negotiate with Your Landlord

If you have a good relationship with your landlord, consider proposing a solar installation on the property. Some arguments that may resonate:

Solar increases property value by $15,000 to $25,000.

Solar panels extend roof life by protecting shingles from weather.

The federal ITC reduces the cost by 30 percent.

Solar can attract quality tenants willing to pay higher rent.

Some landlords may agree to install solar, especially if they can pass along a portion of the savings through a modest rent increase that is still less than the tenant's electricity savings.

Solar Co-ops

Solar cooperatives are groups of homeowners and sometimes renters who band together to negotiate bulk pricing on solar installations. While co-ops primarily serve homeowners, some include community solar subscriptions as an option for renter members.

How to Sign Up for Community Solar

Step 1: Check Availability

Search for community solar projects in your area. SmartEnergyUSA can help you find available programs based on your ZIP code and utility company.

Step 2: Review the Terms

Before subscribing, understand the key terms:

What percentage discount do you receive on your electricity?

Is there a subscription fee or cancellation fee?

What is the contract length?

Can you transfer your subscription if you move?

Step 3: Subscribe

Most community solar signups take just a few minutes online. You will provide your utility account information so the solar credits can be applied to your bill.

Step 4: Start Saving

Within one to two billing cycles, you should see community solar credits appearing on your electric bill, reducing your total amount due.

The Future of Solar Access

The solar industry recognizes that expanding access beyond homeowners is essential. Legislative efforts in many states are making community solar more widely available, reducing barriers, and increasing subscriber savings.

Federal programs are also prioritizing solar access for low- and moderate-income households, with dedicated community solar incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act that can further reduce costs for qualifying subscribers.

The Bottom Line

Renting your home does not mean you cannot benefit from solar energy. Community solar offers a simple, risk-free way to save on your electricity bill and support clean energy. Portable solar solutions and green energy plans provide additional options.

Visit SmartEnergyUSA to explore community solar options in your area and take the first step toward cleaner, more affordable energy, no rooftop required.