When people think about homeowners and solar panels, they know what they are thinking about. They are not alone but somehow the project advisory is two-thirds of Americans that cannot install solar panels in their homes. The reasons are far and many.
This is where community solar comes in. It serves as an excellent alternative to rooftop solar energy systems, making solar energy more accessible and viable. Plus, it makes the energy available to more people, especially those who are on rent, apartment dwellers, and condo owners.
Community solar programs are available in the USA but in select locations. Many states have solar farms and plants in place. But wherever community solar plants are available, they usually don’t take in new subscribers. There are some exceptions for condo owners. They still have the option of going with rooftop solar.
A slight refresher
A condo is the short form of the term condominium. It is an individually owned residential unit in either a building or a complex. They have many other residential units too. Condo owners have a share in the common space and usually pay association fees for maintaining the following:
- Amenities.
- Common Space.
- Security.
- Maintenance.
- Other resources.
A common perception about condos is that they are luxurious. Luxury condos are available as they provide exceptional quality, and upscale amenities, and are in prime locations. The thing that defines them is their special attention to architecture and design. Renowned architects and interior designers make spaces that combine functionality and style.
Do you understand community solar and how condo owners can sign up for it?
Community solar Is a solar energy project that gives solar electricity to the following:
- Businesses.
- Families.
- Individual customers.
- Other relevant entities.
Community solar subscribers often buy or lease a project’s part. They receive credit on their electricity bills for the electricity produced. This comes from their share in the system through virtual net metering.
When condo owners and residents sign up for a community solar project, they can save between 5 and 15 percent annually on their electricity bills. This makes it easy for most people who cannot install solar energy panels in their homes. This is something project advisory professionals find interesting.
Notes for condo owners in going solar
People do know what a condo is. It is a privately owned residential unit that is in
- A large building.
- A complex of buildings.
- A complex of homes.
Condo owners have many standard amenities and shared expenses especially:
- Fitness Centers.
- Green Spaces.
- A tennis court.
- Roofs.
Condo owners will pay monthly charges/fees to the homeowners association (HOA). These fees are for the maintenance and upkeep of condos. The HOA decides on certain features and rules of the condo/condo complex.
Residents of single-family homes have electricity bills tied to the meter. It monitors electricity usage. But this can be more complicated in a condominium. One electric meter can be tied to multiple condo units. Hence electricity bills are tied under the HOA charges.
The practice can’t be good. It can potentially cause restrictions for going solar on homes. Even subscribing to an off-site community solar project won’t be that easy either.
An Overview of home solar for condo Owners
The structure of Home Owners Associations (HOAs) is complicated. Many condo owners usually avoid installing solar energy systems on their properties. The problem is due to roof ownership. This is available in a case-by-case scenario. It can be time-consuming. Most often, it is usually considered a shared space.
But there are some cases where condo owners can own roof rights to all or a portion of a condo’s roof. If the condo is also connected to its electricity meter, it can be able to install a solar energy system. The benefits are enormous.
At times, condo owners in a HOA can opt for installing this system on existing ones. Newer condo buildings or units may have one installed on them. In these cases, the electricity the solar system generates is shared by all condo owners in the HOA/complex. This can apply to the collective bill if multiple units have one electric meter.
But if the condo units have separate individual electricity meters, they can choose to power common areas like:
- Gyms.
- Pools.
- Sports amenities.
- Hallways.
Either way, solar energy systems can help them save a considerable amount of money. The cost of electricity is rising. Solar energy systems can help curtail electricity costs.
Community solar for condo owners
If condos are connected to their electricity meters, then residents should be easily able to sign up for community solar projects. They do not need the HOA’s permission.
For one electricity meter connected to multiple condo units, residents won’t be able to subscribe to community solar plants. They need the approval of the HOA. In most cases, they will receive two monthly electric bills if they sign up for a community solar project. The bills come from the following:
- One from the electric utility company.
- One from the community solar provider.
The community solar bill comes as part of the HOA fees on one condition: If all members of the HOA collective agree on signing up for community solar energy. The bill from the usual electric utility provider falls under HOA fees but at a much lower rate.
Quantum Analysis professionals are in favor of community solar. They believe it will help many condo owners get affordable electricity in the best possible manner.
Conclusion
Community solar is indeed a good thing. Suburbs have been gaining full benefit from it. Condo owners were looking forward to using solar energy but they were worried about electric utility providers, especially in terms of options.
This is where community solar comes in quite handy. It not only helps halve the bill but also does not force everyone to buy their solar energy system. Community solar benefits everyone as it prevents the local power utility face strain in providing electricity. This system helps alleviate the burden of power companies in providing electricity to everyone.
