Community solar in Florida
- Factsheet
What is community solar?
Community solar makes it possible for everyone to go solar. Unfortunately, community solar is limited in Florida.
With community solar, you can purchase/own 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.
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 energy 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.
A 2015 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study examined community solar’s potential. NREL found that community solar could grow to nearly half of the solar photovoltaic (PV) market by 2020 if the market is allowed to develop fully. This is a critical question as community solar is currently only available in a handful of states. To create change, lawmakers will need to pass new laws and rewrite utility regulations.
According to 2023 Solar Industry Research Data, over the past 10 years, community solar has experienced an average annual growth rate of 80%, reaching approximately 6.49 gigawatts (GW) at the end of 2023. To keep momentum going, lawmakers will need to pass new laws and rewrite utility regulations.
Take action
Community solar is limited in Florida. To have community solar, your utility must agree to voluntarily participate in community solar, or be forced to allow it by state-level legislation. In Florida, utilities offer “green/solar subscription” programs that are not true community solar.
But with enough momentum and political power, we can change Florida’s policies. Solar United Neighbors helps you fight for your solar rights. Join the thousands of solar activists in your state who share your vision.
Join the movement
Solar United Neighbors helps you fight for your solar rights. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about solar (including community solar) in Florida and learn more about how you can get involved.
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