What is Community Solar?
Community Solar allows homeowners, renters, and businesses to benefit from clean energy produced by local solar farms, while lowering their monthly utility bills. These are offsite solar farms, so there is no installation of panels on your property or roof. Electricity customers virtually subscribe to receive a discount on their solar credits from a local solar farm.
What are Solar Credits?
Participation in Community Solar is a great way to save money and foster a sustainable future! Through your Community Solar subscription, you will receive a discount on your solar credits on your monthly Orange & Rockland statement. The amount of credits you receive each month is based on two criteria: 1) your average annual electricity usage and 2) the amount of energy produced at your assigned solar farm, which is unique to the farm itself.
Does it cost anything to enroll? Are there any fees?
There is no cost to enroll in Community Solar; you simply will see a discount on your bill for the solar credits you earned that month. There is no subscription fee. If you are not satisfied with your Solar Simplified subscription, you may cancel at any time without penalty. It’s completely risk-free.
Will I receive two bills?
No, Solar Simplified’s solar credits with the discount appear only on your Orange & Rockland bill. You will see the discount on the first page of your bill.
Do I have to own a home to qualify for Solar Simplified?
No. Whether you own or rent, you are welcome to participate in Community Solar. Commercial properties and businesses are welcome to participate as well.
What if I’m already subscribed to another Community Solar farm?
If you are currently receiving solar credits from a solar farm – even if the credits do not cover the entirety of your utility bill – you are not eligible to subscribe to another Community Solar farm. Please contact Solar Simplified at (888) 420-9831 to find out if you can get a larger discount with one of their Community Solar farms.
Will I keep my current energy supplier?
Yes! Everything will stay the same. Your utility or current alternative electricity supplier will continue to supply and/or deliver electricity to you without any interruption to your service. Participating in Community Solar does not affect your existing energy service. They virtually apply the discount for solar credits to your utility bill.
Will my electricity ever stop?
No, your utility will continue to deliver electricity to you without interruption. In the event of a power outage or an emergency, please contact Orange & Rockland.
Community Solar sounds too good to be true. Is it?
Community Solar is regulated by the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS). Community Solar was created in an effort to make renewable energy accessible for all constituents, residents and businesses alike.
For further questions, please call Solar Simplified at (888) 420-9831.