Community solar in Ohio

What is community solar?

Community solar makes it possible for everyone to go solar.

With community solar, you can purchase or lease a “share” in a community solar project or start a project with your neighbors. Every month, you receive a credit on your electricity bill for the energy produced by your share.

Learn the basics

Everyone should have access to community solar

We believe that everyone should be able to go solar, whether on their home or through a subscription to a community solar project. Solar is a way to reduce your energy bills, save money, and live your values.

Community solar began with a simple idea. People shouldn’t have to put a solar panel on their own roof to benefit from the electricity it generates. This idea is in the process of dramatically changing the way we get our electricity. In the digital age, it should be easy to take production somewhere on your local electric grid and attribute it to your utility bill account. Consumers no longer need to depend on analog wires and dials. Community solar, when done right, can provide solar access to everyone.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a study in 2015 that examined community solar’s potential. NREL found that community solar could grow to nearly half of the solar PV market by 2020, if the market is allowed to fully develop. This is a critical question as community solar is currently only available in a handful of states. In order to change this, lawmakers will need to pass new laws and rewrite utility regulations.

Take action

We are anticipating the introduction of a new piece of legislation very soon in the Ohio House that would create a community solar pilot program in Ohio. Add your name to the growing list of Ohioans who demand community solar. Sign the petition now. You can also opt-in to receive updates on bill progress and get notifications on how you can help make the Ohio community solar program a reality.

Sign the petition

Join the movement

Solar United Neighbors helps you fight for your solar rights. Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about how you can get involved. And, consider becoming a member.

Learn what other states are doing to fight for community solar

A number of states across the country have already passed legislation to allow community solar. And others are fighting for the ability to develop their own community solar projects.