Community Solar Ownership vs. Subscription

Community Solar

Community Solar: Ownership vs. Subscription Models

At ReVision Energy, we offer Member-Owned Community Solar, which gives you the full benefits of going solar without having to install solar on your roof or property. 

streamside CSF sunsquatch.jpegIn our unique model, the full benefits of the solar investment go to the individual member-owners of the community solar project. Member-owners are eligible for the residential solar federal tax credit, which is available at 30%. They also experience greater long-term savings than those in a traditional subscription-based "community solar farm." 

Some folks come to ReVision already part of a community solar option, usually through a utility. While these subscription-model programs can be a great way to gain some financial advantages, they do not offer the full benefits of solar. Luckily, you can still join Member-Owned Community Solar with ReVision.

Here are some more detailed answers to common questions we get about this issue:

Ownership vs. Subscription Community Solar FAQs

I’ve already signed up for community solar through my utility. Is this the same thing?  

No. You are enrolled in a subscription-based community solar farm. 

You have chosen an alternative supplier through a subscription-based community solar farm share. In doing so, you have entered a low-commitment contract with a supplier at no upfront cost.  

This allows you to save 10%-15% off your annual electricity expenses, while also securing “greener” energy sources. This is a great way to explore the benefits of renewable energy, without having to make an upfront investment.  

However, you do not see the full financial benefit of going solar.  

How can I gain the full financial benefits of solar if I can't install panels on my roof or property?

Go full solar through our Member-Owned Community Solar model.

Member-Owned Community Solar offers offsite clean energy generation that allows you to fully benefit from the advantages of going solar. ReVision builds large, member-owned solar arrays anywhere within your utility's territory.  

Here's how it works:

  • You would make an upfront investment and become a part owner of this solar array. This allows you to qualify for the federal tax credit and reap 100% of the financial benefit of going solar (compared to the 10%-15% from subscription solar).  
  • Your community solar share is an asset that you own. It’s also transferable. If you move out-of-state, you can sell or gift your share to someone. You can also leave it to someone in your will.  
  • If you move within your utility territory (if you change apartments, or buy a house in the next town over, etc) your community solar share travels with you. It’s linked to your utility account, not a piece of property. 
  • You achieve the same environmental and financial benefits as if you had solar panels on your roof.  You can achieve 100% energy offset and optimal economics and production since we are not limited to the size/orientation of your roof. This is a great option for people who do not own their roofs (condominiums or rented apartments), or people with site feasibility issues (shading, roof age, orientation, roofing materials, etc.) 

How does ReVision's Member-Owned Community Solar differ from other community solar options?

Member-Owned Community Solar allows you to support a 100% employee-owned company. Your solar array is for local communities, built by locals. 

We take pride in building our solar arrays using the most sustainable practices possible.  We work with local landowners to responsibly develop suitable land so that it benefits the landowner and supports them financially.

Through our land lease program, we develop solar projects with a focus on:

ReVision has been building largescale solar projects in New England for over ten years— including the very first community-owned solar project in Maine!. ReVision is comprised of over 450 employee-owners who live and work in our local communities. By joining an Member-Owned Community Solar project through ReVision Energy, you’re ensuring that your energy savings are pushing forward the local clean energy movement and supporting local jobs in the process.