Community Solar's Economic Impact

Since 2007, community solar (otherwise known as shared solar) has proven to be a game-changer in local energy production, and its popularity has risen accordingly. But it’s not just a renewable energy solution; it's a catalyst for widespread economic growth and social benefits. Keep reading to better understand why American voters want their local representatives to support legislation that drives growth for shared renewables.

To easily educate your neighbors or constituents about the function and benefits of community solar projects, download and share our guide: Everything You Need to Know About Community Solar.

Americans Support the Energy Transition Across Party Lines

The United States is at a pivotal moment in the transition towards building a more sustainable power grid. Regardless of political affiliation, most of your neighbors and constituents want to see the government prioritize the development of renewable energy over fossil fuels. These Americans appear to recognize that renewable energy is better for their economy, environment, and the health of humanity.

A recent Washington Post-University of Maryland poll has shed light on a surprising and heartening trend: Americans are more accepting of solar and wind farms in their communities than you might think. In fact, a significant majority of respondents expressed their comfort with the idea of living near these renewable energy facilities. Here are some key findings from the poll:

Three-quarters of all Americans are comfortable living near solar farms.
Nearly 7 in 10 Americans are comfortable living near wind turbines.
The acceptance of solar and wind farms crosses party lines, with a majority of both Republicans and Democrats expressing their comfort with these renewable energy installations.

These findings dispel the myth that renewable energy projects are met with widespread disdain or opposition. Contrary to what a disproportionately vocal coalition of residents want you to believe, most Americans recognize that solar energy infrastructure is necessary and delivers real benefits to all — including individuals, families, renters, homeowners, local municipalities, small businesses, churches, schools, and other key community institutions.

The Economic Benefits of Community Solar

Community solar projects represent a significant step towards bridging the gap between renewable energy acceptance and the actual implementation of clean energy projects. Without community solar, roughly half of all American consumers and businesses would be incapable of accessing solar energy, meaning they’d miss out entirely on the economic benefits.

Individual Benefits

Community solar subscribers can save money on their monthly utility bills without installing any equipment on their property. This makes renewable energy more affordable and accessible to a broader spectrum of the community, reducing energy bills and contributing to long-term cost savings for millions of Americans.

Communal Benefits

The wide-ranging benefits of local community solar projects aren’t limited to its subscribers. They also provide:

Jobs: Solar projects create well-paying job opportunities for locals, including jobs in construction, engineering, operations and maintenance, and more.
Funding: Solar farms generate hundreds of thousands of dollars of property taxes over their operational lives, generating a new stream of funds for your schools, libraries, and roads.
Resiliency: Distributed energy resources, such as solar farms, offer resiliency in the face of climate disasters and severe weather — limiting the negative impact of electric grid outages. (Additionally, solar developers often pay to upgrade the local electric grid, installing more advanced and reliable grid-management tools.)
Consistency: Since solar energy is produced locally, communities and the nation as a whole are less vulnerable to oil price spikes.

Partner with Pivot and Engage Your Constituents

The transition to clean energy should be as seamless and beneficial as possible for all communities across the United States. By supporting legislation that encourages the development of more community solar projects, your city, school district, local businesses, and more will be well on its way to unlocking the full economic potential of community solar. Let's work together to make your community a shining example of sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy generation. Contact us today; together, we can power a brighter future for all.