For years, solar energy has been synonymous with homeownership—available primarily to those with ample roof space and the financial means for installation. But the reality is that nearly 44 million U.S. households are renters, living in apartments or multi-unit buildings without direct access to rooftop solar. The barriers seemed insurmountable—until the rise of shared solar programs, an innovative solution that’s bringing clean energy into reach for millions. Shared solar is democratizing renewable energy, making it accessible, affordable, and impactful for everyone.
This blog explores the inner workings of shared solar programs, their financial and environmental benefits, and why they’re tailor-made for apartment dwellers eager to embrace sustainability.

The Challenge: Solar Energy for Renters

Renting an apartment or living in a multi-unit building introduces challenges that have historically kept solar energy out of reach. These challenges include:

• No Roof Access: Renters typically don’t own their roofs and therefore can’t install traditional solar panels.
• Upfront Costs: Even with roof access, the initial investment for a solar system can exceed the budgets of many renters.
• Frequent Moves: Apartment dwellers often move every few years, making it impractical to commit to long-term investments like solar installations.

These hurdles have left renters with few options to contribute to the clean energy movement—until now. Shared solar programs are tackling these issues head-on by enabling participants to benefit from large-scale solar arrays without individual installations.

What Are Shared Solar Programs?

Shared solar, also known as community solar, allows individuals, businesses, and renters to subscribe to a portion of a larger solar installation located off-site. The concept is simple yet transformative, offering widespread access to renewable energy without traditional constraints. Here’s how shared solar works:

• Solar Farm Development: A developer builds a solar farm, typically on unused land or large rooftops in sunny regions. These farms can generate hundreds of kilowatts to megawatts of clean energy.
• Subscription Model: Apartment dwellers and other participants subscribe to a share of the solar farm’s energy output based on their usage needs.
• Energy Credits: Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills for the energy produced by their share of the farm, effectively reducing their monthly costs.

Shared solar programs are currently available in 41 states (source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL), with legislation expanding access to support community solar initiatives nationwide.

The Financial Benefits of Shared Solar

Participating in a shared solar program isn’t just about going green—it’s a smart financial move. Here are the key ways renters can save:

1. Lower Energy Bills

Subscribers typically save 5–15% on their monthly electricity bills. For example:
If your monthly bill is $100, you could save $5–$15 every month.
Over the course of a year, that’s $60–$180 in savings, with potential for even greater reductions depending on regional rates.

2. No Upfront Costs

Traditional rooftop solar installations often require significant upfront investment. Shared solar programs eliminate this barrier, requiring little to no upfront payment. Instead, subscribers pay a monthly fee that’s typically lower than their current electricity bill.

3. Flexible Contracts

Unlike long-term home solar investments, shared solar programs are designed with renters in mind. Most offer month-to-month contracts, allowing participants to cancel or transfer their subscriptions when they move—perfect for those with short-term leases.

The Environmental Impact

The benefits of shared solar extend beyond the wallet, offering substantial environmental advantages:
Carbon Reduction: On average, shared solar subscribers offset 1.5 to 2.5 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to:

• Planting 50 trees.
• Removing 1 car from the road each year.

Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence: Shared solar projects decrease reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner air and healthier communities.
These impacts may seem small on an individual level but are transformative when scaled to entire communities. Shared solar is a critical piece of the puzzle in meeting nationwide renewable energy goals.

Real-Life Example: Bright Apartments Community Solar Project

To understand shared solar’s potential, let’s examine the Bright Apartments Community Solar Project in Colorado. This 2 MW solar farm was specifically designed to serve apartment dwellers, proving the concept’s viability.
Impact Highlights:

• Financial Savings: Subscribers save an average of 10% on electricity bills, totaling approximately $120 annually per household.
• Environmental Gains: The project offsets 2,400 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 500 cars from the road.

By serving 400 households, Bright Apartments exemplifies how shared solar can scale to meet the needs of diverse communities while delivering meaningful results.

How to Get Started with Shared Solar

Ready to explore shared solar programs? Here’s your step-by-step guide:

• Check Availability: Use platforms like EnergySage or the Department of Energy’s Community Solar Platform to find programs in your area.
• Compare Programs: Look for options that offer:
  • No upfront costs.
  • Flexible contracts.
  • Guaranteed savings.
• Sign Up: Once you’ve chosen a program, simply subscribe and start reaping the financial and environmental rewards.

Why Shared Solar Is the Future

Shared solar is reshaping the clean energy landscape, creating pathways for renters, low-income households, and urban residents to participate in the renewable energy revolution. Here’s why it’s gaining traction:

• Inclusivity: By removing traditional barriers, shared solar ensures that clean energy is accessible to all—not just homeowners.
• Scalability: Solar farms can scale to serve entire towns and cities, addressing energy needs at the community level.
• Sustainability: Shared solar accelerates the transition from fossil fuels, playing a vital role in combating climate change.

With public and private sectors increasingly investing in shared solar initiatives, its growth is poised to revolutionize energy distribution nationwide.

Final Thoughts

For apartment dwellers eager to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint, shared solar programs are an ideal solution. These programs offer tangible financial savings, significant environmental benefits, and unparalleled accessibility—all without the need to install panels on your roof.
As clean energy options continue to evolve, shared solar programs stand out as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. Don’t let renting hold you back—explore shared solar programs in your area today and join the movement toward a cleaner, greener future.