Solar gardens function through the installation of a solar farm in a sunlit area or by placing solar panels on the roof of a significant energy consumer. Participants, also known as solar gardeners, have the option to buy panels within the solar system initially and subsequently obtain consistent credits on their electricity bills.
What is a Community Solar Garden?
It refers to a cluster of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, centrally located and connected to the grid, enabling numerous households and businesses to benefit financially from solar energy. These gardens are typically built in sunlit areas within the current electricity grid, generating clean, renewable electricity that can be supplied to the grid.
Through a solar garden, consumers have the option to buy or subscribe to a portion of the panels, thus gaining the financial advantages of harnessing solar power. This approach is particularly useful for individuals unable to access solar energy on their personal properties.
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How Does a Community Solar Garden Work?
It is typically operated by a third-party company responsible for maintaining the solar panel array. Consumers can then lease or buy specific panels within the garden, often referred to as a plot, to access solar power benefits. Consequently, the solar gardener receives financial incentives on their energy bill for the electricity generated by the panels within their plot, usually in the form of a bill credit.
It’s important to note that customers solely receive the financial advantages of solar energy. Since the solar panels are linked directly to the grid rather than the customer’s home, they do not directly receive solar energy supply on their property through a solar garden. The primary aim of the garden is to replicate the financial rewards and credits achievable through solar energy generation for customers who cannot access solar, typically due to renting or high initial costs.
What are the Benefits of Joining a Community Solar Garden?
Certainly, here are the benefits of joining this project presented as bullet points:
- Solar energy access without installation: Joining a community solar garden allows you to enjoy solar benefits without worrying about installation, making it an ideal option for renters without direct solar access.
- Lower costs: Buying a plot of panels within a solar garden can sometimes be more cost-effective than installing a rooftop solar system.
- Portability of credits: Even if you move homes, its participation often allows you to retain access to your solar credits, contingent on your continued association with the provider.
- Outsourced maintenance: These are typically managed by third-party companies, relieving participants of the responsibility for maintaining and servicing the panels, which is overseen by the operating company.
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