Community Solar generally means groups of individuals, businesses, and organizations pool their resources together to create solar energy projects. In Washington State, community solar projects must be owned by more than one entity and must be placed on real property owned by a local government in order for the projects to be qualified as Community Solar. This model is designed to enable greater participation in solar energy.  Those who are interested but do not own land/buildings, do not have enough sun on their personal property, or the roof is not suitable for solar modules installation can partner with others to develop community solar projects. Potential solar hosts are any local government entities and quasi-government organizations with excellent solar site assets.  This is an innovative and sensible means to bring people together and expand the opportunities for everyone to participate in renewable energy.

Community Energy Solutions played a key role in the passage of the Community Solar bill in Washington State. Senator Phil Rockefeller, Community Solar bill prime sponsor says,

“the concept of community solar was introduced to me by Joe Deets at Community Energy Solutions. I thank him for all his invaluable expertise and assistance which enabled me to become an advocate for community solar.”

As a leader in the emerging Community Solar field, we have special expertise in:

 > legal structures for Community Solar to capture the federal tax credits, WA state incentives, and netmetering.
 > design and installation of solar energy systems
 > community outreach
 > renewable energy education

We offer a menu of Community Solar development services:
• Advise Solar Hosts, Utilities, Community Groups, and Solar Businesses
• Assist in Contract Negotiations
• Advise on Marketing Strategies
• Represent Solar Host
• Represent Solar System Owners
• Administer Projects
• Design and Install Solar Systems
• Operate, Maintain, and Monitor System Performances
• Assist in Public Outreach

If you are interested to create a Community Solar project, Community Energy Solutions can help you at any step of the process, whether you are a prospective Solar Host, a community organization/neighborhood group, a solar installer, green building designer, or a prospective solar investor. See Joe Deets' presentation to Solar Washington on March 14, 2011.

The success of your Community Solar project is our goal!

For Local Governments – Solar Host
For Community Organizations/ Neighborhood Groups
For Solar Installers and Green Building Designers/Professionals
For Prospective Owners-Investors
Frequently Asked Questions

For Local Governments – Solar Host
If you are a Washington municipality, county, school district, a local taxing authority, and own structures or properties such as a city hall, administration and maintenance buildings, schools, fairgrounds, fire stations, courthouses, or parks, you may be sitting on unrealized solar asset. Under the Community Solar legislation, you can lower your operating costs by becoming a Solar Host.

Community Energy Solutions has the expertise to help you become a successful solar host, increasing your revenue stream, creating local jobs, and becoming a leader in renewable energy.

Community Organizations/ Neighborhood Groups
Does your organization or neighborhood group want to bring a vision of a clean energy future into action? Do you want to create a Community Solar Garden, but don’t know how?

Community Energy Solutions has the expertise to help you open the door for community solar. We bring together local governments, local owners/investors, skilled local contractors and workforce, all to grow local clean energy.

Solar Installers and Green Building Designers/Professionals
Do you want to increase your business and install Community Solar projects in your area? Do you want to participate in a Community Solar project but don’t know how?

Community Energy Solutions has the expertise to help you, and will work with you to create a successful project.

Together we will grow more solar energy through Community Solar Gardens!

Prospective Owners-Investors
Are you an individual who wants to participate in solar but:
- Have too much shade?
- Rent your home/business?
- Have neighborhood covenants?
- Don’t have time to do the research?
Community Solar Gardens allow those to participate in renewable energy who otherwise could not.
Community Energy Solutions has the expertise to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I create a Community Solar Garden?
You need a Solar Host, investors, and a project administrator. Community Solar Gardens that involve private ownership must take into consideration issues such as investors’ ability to utilize available incentives, the host entity’s transparency in handling public assets, and the compensation for electricity generated. A successful structure must address these properly and be in compliance with all applicable Federal and Washington State laws. Community Energy Solutions has the expertise to help you.

What are the advantages?
Community Solar Gardens empower the community by:
  > Generating clean electricity locally
  > Putting energy dollars in the community
  > Creating local jobs
  > Reducing reliance on fossil fuels
  > Inspiring environmental stewardship
  > Reducing operating costs for local governments

How do I get more involved with solar in my community?
Stay up to date here on our website and sign-up for our e-news. Attend renewable energy events in your community and be an active citizen. Get in touch with your local government representatives and let them know the advantages of Community Solar.