Imagine seamlessly implementing a municipal program that provided financial benefit to residents in town – without having to encourage them to enroll or spend time researching their clean energy energy options. What if the program ensured that savings were provided first to low-to-moderate income residents (those who need it most)? And to round out your goals, the program would support the growth of renewable energy in New York, helping the state meet its goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030. 

**That’s the gist of New York’s ground-breaking, game-changing program: Opt-out Community Solar. In this article, we’ll dive into more detail about Opt-out Community Solar, and how it’s different from a traditional electricity supply CCA.**

### Community Solar, Defined

Before expanding on the new opt-out option, let’s first explain how Community Solar works. Community Solar is a state program that lets electric bill payers support the generation of solar energy without the hurdles of rooftop solar (for example, upfront investment, long-term commitment, property liability and risk, or just not owning your roof). With no cost to join and nothing to install, Community Solar is the easiest way for New Yorkers to support clean energy. Every meter enrolled in Community Solar is assigned a portion of the energy produced by a shared solar farm, based on their annual electricity usage. For the energy produced by each subscriber’s share of the farm, they receive a credit on their utility bill, reducing the amount owed to the utility each month. 

[Look here](https://ampion.net/explore-community-solar/membership-and-billing) for more information on Community Solar membership and billing, or watch the video below. 

[![What is Community Solar?](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1662667624-what-is-community-solar-video.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H26bd8uAl3U) 


### Opt-out Community Solar in Simple Terms

The Opt-out Community Solar Program enables municipalities in New York to enroll their residents (and small businesses) in Community Solar, providing guaranteed savings to community members, while further highlighting municipal climate leadership. 

Enrollments in Opt-out Community Solar are automatic for all qualifying residents and small businesses. This method of enrollment is meant to provide the benefits of solar power to community members who wouldn’t otherwise be able to take advantage of it, either because they can’t put a solar array on their roof or they aren’t aware of the Community Solar option– we all live busy lives, right? It also ensures access to the program reaches low-to-moderate income households who need the benefit most. Of course, everyone still has the option to opt out of the program if they wish.


### How is this different from a Traditional Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)?

Traditional Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) and the new Opt-out Community Solar model operate similarly, with the main difference being the product offered.

Traditional CCAs enable municipal governments to *purchase electricity supply from third-party suppliers* on behalf of their constituents. A municipality uses its purchasing power to negotiate an energy contract, securing an electric supply rate for the entire community. 

Opt-out Community Solar is another type of CCA. Except instead of using its municipal authority to purchase electricity supply on behalf of residents, municipalities sign up residents for Community Solar. Community Solar has a lot of advantages over fixed supply contracts, which we’ll explain below.

Both traditional retail energy CCAs and Opt-out Community Solar are conducted on an opt-out basis, through which everyone joins automatically and is given the opportunity to opt out at any time.

#### Retail Electricity vs. Community Solar

Retail electricity (the supply or generation of electricity) is the product offered through a traditional CCA. Retail energy operates on an open market that is constantly fluctuating because it’s driven by the supply and demand of electricity. A traditional CCA helps lock in a fixed rate for the supply portion for all residential and small commercial utility customers within a municipality. 

However, this arrangement does not guarantee that the rate offered through the CCA will be lower than the future price of electricity. After all, prices fluctuate every 5 minutes and no one can predict the future. Many people call this a hedge on the market because it does, at the very least, provide a stable, fixed price for a certain period of time when compared to real-time fluctuating prices. These traditional CCAs do not inherently come with savings. 

A retail supply CCA may provide a product that includes a percentage of renewable energy, but you should always have someone clarify what they mean by “renewable energy” in terms of the source, location and whether the generation is existing or new. Not all renewable energy certificates are created equal.

In contrast, Community Solar is a state-incentivized program that adds *solar credits* to customers’ utility bills for their participation in a local solar farm. These solar credits reduce the amount each subscriber owes to their utility, resulting in savings year after year. 

![Traditional CCA vs. Opt-out CCA](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1662656737-image-23.png)

While the credit value from a solar farm will fluctuate with the seasons (more sunlight = more credits), there is only upside to participation. Subscribers won’t pay more for their electricity than they would have before joining the program. Furthermore, participating in Community Solar does not exclude customers from choosing a retail or third-party supplier (instead of the standard utility supply). You can be part of a CCA and choose your own retail supply rate, so the two do not conflict. 

A Community Solar farm is a small scale renewable energy generator and must be located within the same utility as the municipality. With Opt-out Community Solar, Ampion helps municipalities find one or more local solar farms for residents to join. You and your constituents will know the site’s location and can feel confident in the fact that you’re generating local clean solar energy for the community. 

### Summary

Both Opt-out Community Solar and traditional retail supply CCAs are viable options that municipalities have the authority to enact for their community. It’s important to understand each product and their differences in order to assess how each may help you achieve your municipality’s goals for your community. 

We view Opt-out Community Solar as the easiest, most impactful way to demonstrate your municipal leadership on climate change. Residents and businesses will appreciate the guaranteed savings on their electricity bills and the role they’ll play in helping New York meet its decarbonization goals with Community Solar. 

To learn more about Opt-out Community Solar, email us at [signup@ampion.net](mailto:signup@ampion.net) or give us a call at 800-277-3631. 

**Resources**
* [Opt-out Community Solar for Town Leaders](https://ampion.net/municipalities?utm_source=web&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cdg&utm_content=munis)
* [What is a NYSERDA Clean Energy Community?](https://portal.nyserda.ny.gov/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=00Pt000000auGIFEA2)
* [NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Guidance](https://portal.nyserda.ny.gov/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=00Pt000000auGIFEA2)
* [Grants for Clean Energy Communities](https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities/How-It-Works/Grants)



New York Town

What is Opt-out Community Solar?

At Ampion, we believe that you deserve to know your energy options and that you have the ability to choose to support cleaner sources of energy. This includes Community Solar, which is now available to Maryland residents and businesses! Community Solar is a state-backed program that enables homeowners, renters, businesses – anyone who pays an electric bill – the opportunity to support clean, renewable energy produced locally in Maryland and D.C. 

PEPCO and BG&E customers who opt in to Community Solar subscriptions are assigned a share of clean energy produced by local solar projects; the size of the shares depends on their monthly electricity usage. Community Solar is truly the easiest way to support clean energy in Maryland. Here are 5 things you can expect when you enroll in a [Maryland Community Solar](https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/community-solar-pilot-program/) project.

### There are no installation costs and no costs to join

You read that right! The biggest and often most surprising difference between rooftop solar and Community Solar is that you will not pay for any solar panel installations or maintenance– there is no cost to join. To incentivize participation in the clean energy transition, [Maryland passed Community Solar legislation in 2017](https://ampion.net/where-is-community-solar/maryland) to make it easier for residents and businesses to choose clean energy and ultimately meet its goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2040.

### You'll know where your energy comes from

You may have heard of other clean power options available to Maryland residents that claim to save you money. When you sign up for energy from these entities, known as retail energy companies, you won’t know where the energy is being sourced – or, often, what kind of energy you’re supporting (i.e. wind, solar, hydro, etc.). You may know that the energy you’re paying for is renewable, but you could be paying for energy produced in another state. 

So, what makes Community Solar a better option? Michael Rosenblum and Julian Goresko, professors of public health and environmental studies at Johns Hopkins University (respectively), explained it best in an article in The Baltimore Sun: “Unlike other green power options on the marketplace — which can be unclear or sometimes misleading — community solar is one of few opportunities where customers know exactly where their renewable energy is being sourced.”

With Ampion, you’ll know the name of the Community Solar farm you’re subscribed to as soon as you’re assigned. 

### You're billed for the solar energy at a fixed 10% discount

Due to state initiatives and the fact that the energy is locally-sourced, subscribers in Maryland can save up to 10% on their annual electricity spend – and we could all use an energy discount right about now. 

Marylanders who subscribe to Community Solar projects are billed for the energy produced by their share of the solar project. This typically offsets or nearly offsets what they owe to PEPCO or BG&E. Maryland’s Community Solar program doesn’t discount based on kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate; instead, Marylanders who subscribe to Community Solar receive a fixed 10% discount on the total amount of Community Solar credits they pay for. 

### You'll receive your electricity as normal, no matter the season

One of the most common questions we hear has to do with the seasons and how it impacts your home or business’ electricity. When you subscribe to Community Solar, you’ll receive your electricity like you always have. Only now, you are contributing your home or business’ share of electricity to the grid so that your community can benefit. Community Solar helps to diversify the grid with local clean energy and pave the way for more renewable energy generation due to your support for it. 
You’ll also get to keep your utility!

It’s true that seasonality has an impact on how much energy solar panels generate. In the summer months, the solar farm’s energy production is naturally going to be higher than winter. However, most Community Solar companies, including Ampion, distribute the solar credits you’re billed for over the course of the year. In this way, you avoid overpaying for your energy in the summer. 

### Free cancelation (with notice)

With Community Solar, there is no cost to join or leave. Unless you’re moving states or utility territories, we’re not sure why you would want to opt out of Community Solar. However, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free at any time. We just ask that you give us a few months’ notice so that we can replace your allocation. 

“The process and environmental benefits are straightforward,” according to The Baltimore Sun. “Instead of paying a cost premium for green power, you will receive financial savings and can take pride in knowing exactly where your renewable power comes from.”

To learn more about how you can access Community Solar and save,visit [ampion.net/maryland](https://ampion.net/maryland ). 



Maryland Community Solar

Maryland Community Solar: 5 Things to Know

Is Community Solar worth it? Yes. Community Solar almost always lowers the average cost of electricity for end users. Community Solar allows local communities and local businesses to benefit from clean energy without having to install panels or invest anything.

In particular, Community Solar is very much worth it for renters, those who cannot afford the cost of solar panels or their installation, and those who don’t have a property suitable for solar panels (e.g. they don’t get enough direct sun). Instead, local solar farms generate electricity from sunlight and send it to the utility grid where it becomes part of the overall power supply.

Community Solar subscribers generally save between 10-20% on their monthly electricity bills. See a state-by-state breakdown below.

### How does Community Solar work?

Locally-operated solar farms, equipped with hundreds of solar panels, produce power which is then plugged directly into the already existing local grid. This means the end user isn’t burdened by hefty rooftop solar panel investments, home construction bills, maintenance bills, etc.

Plus, if you’re a renter, you can still benefit without convincing your landlord to install panels. Community Solar users are provided with energy the way they always have been – only now it’s a little greener.

Solar farms provide more than just clean energy to communities — they drive job growth, boost local economies, and keep more money in people’s pockets by delivering consistent utility bill savings.

Community Solar uses sunlight to generate electricity instead of dirty fossil fuels, making it the innovative, climate-friendly energy option. Dozens of states are [encouraging Community Solar development](https://ampion.net/about/blog/public-support-for-solar-continues) through legislation, using tools like renewable energy credits, tax incentives and special funding packages to help speed up their states' clean energy transitions.


### How much can I save with Community Solar?

It depends on where you are, but savings typically range between 10-20% off your monthly electricity costs. See our graph below for current average savings numbers. (Updated: March 2022)

* Massachusetts - Typical Savings: ~10% savings
* Colorado - Typical Savings: ~10% savings
* Maryland - Typical Savings: ~10% discount on bill credits
* Washington D.C. - Typical Savings: ~10% discount on bill credits
* New York - Typical Savings: ~5-10% discount on bill credits
* California - Typical Savings: Green energy for the brown rate, no added costs
* Minnesota - Typical Savings: 5-15%
* Maine - Typical Savings: ~15% savings from kWh reductions or discounts on bill credits
* New Jersey - Typical savings: 10-15%
* Illinois - Typical Savings: ~20% discount on bill credits for electric supply


### How are Community Solar projects set up?

Community Solar projects come in a few shapes and sizes, but generally fall into two categories: on-site and off-site.

##### On-Site Community Solar Projects
On-site Community Solar projects are created when real estate developers integrate solar arrays into residential, commercial or mixed-use developments. These types of Community Solar projects are not connected to the local electrical grid; rather, the electricity generated stays within the development via a private power grid.

On-site Community Solar often provides better savings because its isolation from the local power grid allows it to avoid transmission and distribution fees to utility providers. One downside is that these projects and savings are only available to those lucky property owners or tenants in a community with an on-site Community Solar project. Projects are also expensive to build, and usually require a number of years to pay back the cost. Typically, these are newer developments.

##### Off-Site Community Solar Projects
Off-site Community Solar is created when a plot of land is developed solely for solar panel electricity generation. These projects typically serve a much larger number of consumers than on-site solar and are integrated into local electric grids. Consumers subscribe to a portion of an off-site Community Solar project that equals or is nearly equal to their property’s monthly electricity usage. Although most programs are subscription-based, ownership stakes are also sometimes available.

Though a subscription to an off-site Community Solar project does not mean that the electricity supplied to your house is generated entirely from solar, it contributes a percentage of green energy to your community’s overall grid. In essence, Community Solar works to reduce carbon emissions by incrementally decreasing the need for brown energy or fossil fuels. Who wouldn’t want that? Visit [ampion.net/join](https://ampion.net/join ) to see if you’re eligible!


Mom and Daughter

Is Community Solar Worth It?

Washington D.C. is embracing a unique solar project that harnesses the power of the sun while providing welcome shade to cars! These solar panels are positioned on top of carport canopies over parking spaces at the Anacostia Metro Station. This project is the first of four Community Solar gardens that will be constructed on WMATA stations.he rest are expected to be built this summer. The Anacostia site hosts approximately 240 solar panels and will produce enough clean energy to power 165 homes each year. 

According to news channel WUSA9, “Three more metro stations will also get solar carports, including Southern Avenue Station, Naylor Road Station and Cheverly Station. Installation for the projects will be completed by spring 2023.” Read more [here](https://www.wusa9.com/article/traffic/dc-anacostia-metro-station-installs-solar-canopy-wmata/65-29a8b9bb-225f-4603-a2bc-1d15aa7d8507). 

Ampion is enrolling residents and businesses in D.C. and Maryland in this Community Solar project, giving PEPCO utility customers the opportunity to generate clean, renewable energy at no additional cost while saving on electric bills. As more and more D.C. and Maryland residents feel the pinch of rising electricity costs, enrolling in Community Solar with Ampion can help residents and businesses save up to 10% on their electric bills.

Ampion’s Community Solar program is available to PEPCO customers of all kinds (homeowners, businesses, renters – you name it!). Learn more and see if you’re eligible at [ampion.net/dc-md](https://ampion.net/dc-md). 


Ampion Community Solar Metro Station DC

Ampion Filling Community Solar Carport Projects in D.C. 

During Earth Month, we’re reminded of the need to put our planet at the forefront. Faced with the colossal problem of climate change, it’s natural for people to feel like there’s nothing they can do. In Earth Month 2022, we’re providing ways that you can help the environment – both locally and globally – and make a real difference.

## 1. Sign Up for Community Solar
We may be a little biased on this one – but joining a Community Solar program is truly the easiest way to help the planet this Earth Month! When you sign up for Community Solar, you can feel good about fueling the grid with clean, climate-friendly energy. The best part? Signing up for Community Solar means you can support clean energy at no additional cost – and even save money – no rooftop required!

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1650641784-farm-grid-community-1.png)

**Here’s how it works:** 
1. Ampion matches you to a solar farm and assigns you a share of the electricity it generates based on your typical monthly usage. 
2. The solar farm produces clean energy and delivers it to the grid, increasing the renewable energy available to your community. 
3. Credits are applied to your bill each month depending on the size of your share of the solar energy produced. You’re charged for the energy at a discounted rate (either kWh rate reductions or a fixed discount, depending on your utility company).
4. Want to learn more about Community Solar and see if you’re eligible? 


Want to learn more about Community Solar and see if you’re eligible? 


[![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1650643950-let-s-go.png)](https://ampion.net/join)



## 2. Write to Congress
We believe that global changes begin on a local level. When it comes to helping facilitate the clean energy transition, the best place to start is in your own community. Change can start by making your voice heard to changemakers – specifically, members of Congress. To make your voice heard this Earth Month, write a letter or an email to your local representative asking them to support clean energy, and explain why it’s important to you. 

Although customized emails and letters tend to be the most effective, you can find pre-written emails online written by organizations supporting climate activism. Those messages are crafted so that mass amounts of people can convey a meaningful message quickly and easily. (Tip: Be sure to mention that you’re a constituent of that representative right off the bat.)

To learn more about how to write a letter to your representative, [read more here.](https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/advocacy/how-to-write-a-letter-to-congress/) 

## 3. Attend an Earth Day Event Outside (or Online)
A quick Google search should result in at least a few Earth Month events and opportunities in your community. No matter where you live, there are likely Earth Month-related events such as hikes, cleanups, or demonstrations that you can take part in. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1650646389-beach-cleanup-earth-month-2022-2.png)


Although outdoor events can get you in the spirit of Earth Month, there are plenty of online events you can attend right from your couch. National and state climate organizations take Earth Month as an opportunity for webinars, Facebook Live events, and other educational events that you can participate in from home. Visit [earthday.org](https://www.earthday.org/) to learn more.

## 4. Get Gardening 
Help support our pollinators and local agriculture by planting flowers, grasses, and native plants. 

Plants and animals (including humans) are dependent on pollinators like bumble bees, dragonflies, and hummingbirds for survival. Pollinators cultivate crops, food sources, and trees that provide us with oxygen. Unfortunately, however, pollinator populations have been declining for decades due to deforestation and changing temperatures. 

Starting your own pollinator-friendly garden is the perfect way to help plantlife, animal life, and the environment this Earth Month. 

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/50319/1650646281-gardening-photo.png)

## 5.  Join or Support Climate-Positive Organizations
Become a member of local, national, or international organizations enabling climate change solutions. Some examples include the Sierra Club, 350.org, Greenpeace, Climate Action Network, The Climate Reality Project, and many more. 

These organizations send members regular updates on climate initiatives and ways to help, so you can take part in Earth-friendly activities all year long, in addition to Earth Month. 

Tackling a global problem like climate change is going to take a lot of individual action. And that means it can start with you!



Earth Month 2022: Activities that Make a Real Impact 

POLAND, ME — Maine residents and businesses are now saving on their electric costs ahead of Maine’s drastic electric supply rate increases by tapping into the solar energy produced by the Peppertree Solar Farm in Poland, ME. As of late-January 2022, the Community Solar farm is actively producing energy on behalf of  hundreds of residents and businesses, including [Foundation Brewing](https://foundationbrew.com/) in Portland, who are subscribed through Ampion Renewable Energy. 

“We just learned that our assigned solar farm is now live, and we are excited to start seeing electricity credits on our bills,” said Tina Bonney, Business Manager of Foundation Brewing in Portland. “More so, we are proud to be doing our small part in moving towards a more sustainable climate future. We are excited to be part of this first wave of Community Solar farms in Maine, and know that our brewery is supporting a renewable energy source through Ampion.” 

Located off of Lewiston Junction Road in Poland, the Peppertree Solar Farm has a capacity of 7.8 million kilowatt hours (kWh), and an [annual energy production](https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator) equivalent to taking nearly 1,200 cars off the road for a year, or planting 6,744 acres of forest. Peppertree works in conjunction with Ampion, a company founded in Bar Harbor in 2014 that connects Maine residents, businesses, and municipalities to local renewable energy projects. 

Upon subscription, Ampion matches utility customers to a portion of the solar farm that aligns with the size of their property. That energy completely - or very nearly - offsets the energy generation charges on their personal utility bills each month. In Maine, the subscriber is billed at a fixed 15% discount for their share of the solar farm’s energy production, which appears on their electric bill in the form of credits or kilowatt-hour (kWh) reductions.

“We are thrilled to have this Community Solar project begin producing clean energy on behalf of Maine subscribers,” said Nate Owen, CEO of Ampion and Maine native. “Particularly in this environment of rising electricity rates, we’re glad to help Maine residents and businesses access clean energy and save money on their electric bills. Ampion is proud to support Maine’s sustainability goals and the clean energy economy. We look forward to providing environmentally-friendly energy and meaningful electric bill savings to Mainers for years to come.”
###


About Ampion: 
Ampion offers the easiest way to join the clean energy movement through Community Solar. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Ampion believes in giving people the power to make homes, businesses and communities more sustainable and prosperous. By connecting residents and businesses to local solar farms, Ampion boosts sustainability in communities and supports local economies.



News & Updates

What is Opt-out Community Solar?