Community Solar Subscription Model
A community solar subscription model allows customers to purchase a share of a solar project's output and receive bill credits proportional to their subscription. Utilities or third-party providers manage metering, crediting, and customer billing, enabling renters and small businesses to access solar benefits without installing rooftop systems.
Subscription models vary between fixed blocks, percentage-of-use, or pay-as-you-go structures. Programs often target low-to-moderate income customers, providing guaranteed bill savings mandated by state policy.
Developers rely on subscription forecasts, attrition assumptions, and credit underwriting to finance projects. Utilities integrate community solar output into distribution planning and Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance reporting.
Regulators evaluate subscription transparency, data sharing, and consumer protections to maintain trust and equitable access.
Technical Details
- •Allocates production shares to subscribers via virtual net metering
- •Credits appear as line items on customer bills
- •May require anchor tenants or credit guarantees
- •Programs track churn, waitlists, and savings metrics
- •Policies define project size caps, subscriber mix, and REC ownership
Why It Matters
Community solar expands renewable access and creates distributed portfolios that interact with grid planning. Tera tracks subscription models, policy rules, and project pipelines so investors can evaluate market saturation and customer demand.
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