Community Solar Doubled In 2017

SEPA report: U.S. doubled community solar capacity in 2017; Minster case study underlines need for program flexibility -- and patience

May 1, 2018 (Smart Electric Power Alliance)

“Community solar capacity in the United States more than doubled between 2016 and 2017, from 347 megawatts (MW) at the end of 2016, to 734 MW at the end of 2017. At present, 228 utilities in 36 states have active community solar programs, [according to Community Solar Program Design Models from the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)]…Third parties now account for 67 percent of community solar programs, versus about 33 percent for utilities…The average subscription rate for community solar projects is 83 percent; with subscription rates for third party-owned community solar over 90 percent…Utilities are starting to explore the use of community-scale, distributed solar as a grid asset for improved reliability and grid support services…Many of the community solar projects in service are targeted at low-to-moderate income customers, renters and residential customers who live in multifamily buildings…” click here for more

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