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Community Solar Potential Growing

July 22nd, 2024 | by Anne Brock
Solar built for community solar projects

Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Anne Brock

Community solar is growing across the United States.  It has potential to grow even more, including those who would not otherwise have access to clean, reliable solar energy.  The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that community solar could theoretically serve all home customers who don’t have access to add their own behind-the-meter solar.  That is about 42% of households nationwide.  Here is a look at that NREL report.

NREL notes these benefits of community solar:

  • Greater Household Savings
  • Low/Moderate Income Access
  • Resilience & Grid Benefits
  • Community Ownership
  • Workforce Development

Community solar has most commonly been developed by local power companies, although it could also be built by nonprofit entities or special business groups.  Solar Alliance has designed and built community solar for multiple utilities in the Southeast.

Below is a flyover look at mutiple 500-kilowatt array segments that Solar Alliance constructed in Kentucky for LG&E and KU.  These enable residents or businesses to subscribe to the Solar Share program to be a part of this renewable energy transition.

In Tennessee, Solar Alliance has also developed and maintained the megawatt array of Community Solar for Knoxville Utilities Board, which is highly visible from Interstate 40 West near downtown Knoxville.

Previously, under a prior company name, we assisted an early Tennessee adopter of this concept build Community Solar:  Appalachian Electric Cooperative in Jefferson County.  This effort continues to produce clean energy while offsetting carbon each year.

Solar Alliance has years of experience in designing solar projects to meet the needs of community solar development.  This includes years of working cooperatively with local power providers, as well as working in Tennessee Valley Authority territory.  This expertise translates into commercial solar projects for business clients, as well.  Contact us today to get started on your project.