Subscribe to Community Solar
What is community solar?
Community Solar gardens are off-site solar arrays that produce energy sent to the electric grid, so individuals and organizations can subscribe to the energy produced at a reduced rate.
A community solar subscription allows community members to offset their electricity usage with solar. Energy is produced at a reduced rate at the community solar garden, and savings are applied as credits to the subscriber’s monthly energy bill.
Renter friendly | No roof needed
With community solar, homeowners & renters now have access to solar energy, regardless of their roof’s characteristics or available capital. With no upfront costs, community solar garden subscribers are guaranteed to save on energy each month while achieving their sustainability goals
Start saving today!
You don't need solar on your roof to access the cost saving benefits of solar. Subscribing to an offsite solar garden will save you money on your electricity bill every month.
It takes less than 5 minutes to signup for community solar, save on your monthly electric bill and help lower emissions in your community.
Click the button below to start saving with New Energy Equity and our partner Common Energy!
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Who does community solar benefit?
Why Community Solar?
Guaranteed Savings
Solar energy produced by the garden is available at a reduced rate, and the subscriber’s energy costs are stabilized. With a community solar subscription, your organization is protected from utility company rate hikes and is guaranteed to save.
No Capital Expenditure
Subscribers are cashflow positive from day one. There’s no need to provide up front capital expenditure, or to finance a community solar subscription. Simply subscribe to a garden and your organization can start saving.
Sustainability Goals
Community solar garden subscribers can offset 100% of their energy usage, becoming carbon neutral in one step. Subscribers can meet sustainability goals, while resonating with stakeholders who value sustainable practices.
Hands-Off Solar
Solar energy is now accessible for organizations of any size. With community solar, the need for construction and ideal rooftop condition is eliminated, providing the subscriber with a turnkey solution for solar immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Solar?
Community Solar gardens are off-site solar arrays that produce energy sent to the electric grid, so individuals and organizations can subscribe to the energy produced at a reduced rate. A community solar subscription allows community members to offset their electricity usage with solar. Energy is produced at a reduced rate at the community solar garden, and savings are applied as credits to the subscriber’s monthly energy bill.
What is the cost to participate in Community Solar?
There is no cost to the customer to participate in Community Solar. The Customer only pays for a portion of the solar credits applied to their bill back to the Community Solar Garden owner, saving the difference and resulting to 10% savings on their electricity.
Why would someone NOT sign up - this seems too good to be true?
We understand this feels too good to be true, but we’ve been developing these community solar gardens for almost a decade in Minnesota. This program is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission and all rates are published so your saving can be locked in from the start. This is a great program for those who can’t install solar on their home, and it’s a small way to save a few dollars while supporting solar.
When I sign up, do I immediately pay my bill through Common Energy?
Yes, Common Energy connects with your Xcel account and bill transfer should be complete in 60-90 days after enrollment. Common Energy will notify each customer with specific details on when to expect the first Common Energy invoice.
When will I start to see savings on my electricity?
Once the Community Solar Garden comes online, you will start to receive savings on your electricity. Most customers will wait a few months before savings will begin. As you can imagine, our construction season is fairly short in Minnesota, but crews are working hard during the Spring, Summer, and Fall to get these projects fully constructed.
What information do I need to provide to participate?
To sign up you will need to provide Common Energy with your Xcel Energy Account Number and Premise Number; both can be found on your monthly Xcel invoice.
Do I need to re-sign every year?
No, the Common Energy Community Solar Garden Agreement has a 1-year contract that will auto renew unless terminated by the customer.
Can I set up auto-pay with my subscription?
Yes, Common Energy provides autopay to each customer.
Do my Xcel gas charges also transfer over to Common Energy?
Yes, the customers’ entire Xcel bill transfers over to Common Energy.
If I move, can I keep my Community Solar Garden subscription?
Common asks that the customer provides 90-day notice if moving to a new location. At that time Common Energy can either terminate the agreement free of charge by the customer or move the existing subscription agreement over to a new eligible location.
Will the terms of this agreement ever change throughout my subscription?
No, the Common Energy Community Solar subscription agreement is valid for the life of the solar array. (25 years)
If there is an issue with my bill, who do I contact?
Please call Common Energy with any bill related issues.
Who do I contact if there is a power outage in my area?
Contact Xcel Energy for updates on when power will be restored to your area. Please note that subscriptions are only a program that helps you save a bit of money on your bill, and your actual energy still comes from Xcel’s grid per usual.
If I want to cancel my subscription, what do I do?
You can cancel this subscription at any time, by providing a 90-day notice and no penalty assessed.
If I cancel, do I need to contact Xcel energy to return my normal invoice?
No, Common Energy will notify the termination from the Community Solar Garden to Xcel on the customers’ behalf. The customer will start receiving invoices directly from Xcel 60-90 days after termination.
