Renewable Energy

Going Solar

Thinking about going solar? Here’s help identifying your options.

Location

Talk to solar contractors for details, but in short, solar requires southern exposure for maximum output, although east or west orientation may work.

For best performance, there should be little or no shading year-round. Even partial shade on one portion of a panel can seriously degrade its output. Consider not only current shade but also what future shade might be caused by trees growing taller or nearby construction of tall buildings.

Understanding the Process

It also helps to have the big picture. Solar Partners, a solar education non-profit, offers Solar Basics workshops and an easy overview of How To Go Solar to help you.

Community Solar

Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credit on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. This model for solar is being rapidly adopted nationwide.

Our community solar program provides homeowners, renters, and businesses equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy generation regardless of the physical attributes or ownership of their home or business. It expands access to solar for all, including in particular low-to-moderate income customers most impacted by a lack of access, all while building a stronger, distributed, and more resilient electric grid.