Community solar is local
Program names, eligible utilities, credit rules and subscriber protections change across state lines. These guides begin with current government sources.
Solar Renter’s original site focused on California, Maine, Massachusetts and Minnesota. We rebuilt those pages first and will only add a state when we can maintain a reliable, source-checked guide. For anywhere else, use the national path below.
State guide
California has several shared-renewables pathways, but the right one depends on your utility or community choice aggregator, income eligibility, and location. Start with your electricity provider and the CPUC program page; do not assume every program is open in every territory.
Read the California guideState guide
Maine calls its community-solar credit system Net Energy Billing. A customer of Central Maine Power or an eligible Versant Power district can subscribe to a project in the same utility territory and receive kilowatt-hour credits, usually while paying a separate solar-company bill.
Read the Maine guideState guide
Massachusetts renters may be able to join a community shared solar project and receive credits on an electric account without installing panels. Availability and credit mechanics depend on the project, utility territory, account eligibility, and contract.
Read the Massachusetts guideState guide
Minnesota’s current Low- and Moderate-Income Accessible Community Solar Garden Program is open to Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota, subject to project capacity. Customers enroll with a state-approved private operator and receive monthly solar credits on their Xcel bill.
Read the Minnesota guideNot in one of these states?
Start with the utility shown on your electric bill, then check your state energy office or regulator, the Department of Energy and the written project offer.
Find your next step →