How does subscribing to a community solar project work? Subscribers are allocated a percentage of the solar production based on their usage history. Each month, electricity generated from the project offsets energy used by the subscriber and is purchased at a discount. If more is generated than used, the subscriber ‘banks’ the excess to be used during months when the opposite occurs. The goal is to cover most of your electricity load.
How should I choose a Community Solar Project? Contact the companies and see which project is likely to be ready to ‘go live’ soon. You are eligible for a Community Solar project anywhere in NYSEG Zone C*. In fact, some projects are open to all who live in any NYSEG utility zone. Call and learn what is available for you.
What if I’m already signed up with a third party ESCO (Energy Supply Company) for my electricity? Your relationship with your ESCO remains the same. The credits applied to your bill through your participation in a Community Solar program simply offset the electricity costs that appear on your NYSEG bill. If your bill is "consolidated" (meaning that your supply costs through your ESCO appear on your NYSEG bill), your community solar credits can offset these costs as well. If your bill is not consolidated, you can request that your ESCO consolidate your bill before the solar project you are participating in "goes live." Otherwise, you can still participate in the Community Solar project, but your supply costs will not be offset. You'll continue to pay them to your ESCO directly, without a discount, through your Community Solar program.
What if I already have solar panels on my property? Unfortunately, at this time, if your panels are grid connected, you are not eligible to enroll in a Community Solar project. If you require more electricity than your panels produce, consider enrolling with a 100% renewable ESCO to meet the remainder of your needs. Call 607-342-3159 and ask for a chart of 100% Renewable ESCOs to be sent to you, or visit our resource page to view the latest chart of 100% Renewable ESCOs available.
Will I still be served by NYSEG? Yes. Your current electric service will not be interrupted and you will still receive your electricity from NYSEG, as you do now.
How long must I wait to get my electricity supplied by the solar company after I enroll? It depends on the status of the Community Solar projects. If a project is built and ‘live’ (connected to the grid) and not yet filled with subscribers, it will take just a month or two to see the credits appear on your NYSEG bill. Your solar company can estimate your wait time.
How will the billing work? You will see solar credits on your NYSEG bill and subsequently be invoiced by the Community Solar company for 90% (or 95% for Solar Farms NY) of the value of the credits.
What happens if my situation changes such as needing more or less electricity or wanting to cancel for any reason? Contact your Community Solar company to make the change as soon as you can, as it may take a few months to make the necessary adjustment.
Could I save even more money by purchasing, rather than subscribing? Yes, there are Community Solar projects that offer solar panels for you to purchase. Call ETM Solar Works at 607-785-6499 or visit etmsolar.com. Call Renovus Solar at 607-277-1777 or visit renovussolar.com.
