Clean energy is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
But not everyone has the space, budget, or resources to install solar panels on their rooftop. That’s where community solar comes in, making renewable energy accessible to everyone, no matter where they live.
In this guide, you’ll learn what community solar is, how community solar works, its benefits, and how you can join a community solar program in India through Solar Capital while earning rewards.
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar is a model that allows multiple individuals or organizations to share the benefits of a single solar energy project.
Instead of installing solar panels on your property, you subscribe digitally to a larger shared solar farm or project. The energy produced is fed into the local power grid, and you receive credits or rewards for your share of the electricity generated.
🌱 In simple words: Community solar is like a streaming subscription for clean energy—you pay for access, enjoy the benefits, and never worry about maintenance.
Key benefits of community solar:
- No rooftop ownership required.
- Lower costs compared to installing panels yourself.
- Hassle-free clean energy support.
- Contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
Learn how Digital Solar works →
What Is a Community Solar Program?
A community solar program connects local residents and businesses to a shared solar project. Participants subscribe and pay for a portion of the energy generated, reducing their electricity bills or earning rewards.
In India, Solar Capital offers an innovative digital model where anyone can:
- Subscribe to verified solar projects.
- Support clean energy generation.
- Earn monthly Green Credits without owning or installing solar panels.
How Community Solar Works
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how community solar works:
Step 1: Build or Identify a Solar Project
A solar farm or rooftop project is set up by developers or organizations.
These are often located on:
- Commercial rooftops
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Industrial facilities
Step 2: Individuals Subscribe
People join through a community solar subscription, purchasing a share of the project digitally.
No physical installation or government approvals are needed.
Step 3: Energy Is Generated and Fed Into the Grid
The solar project generates electricity, which is supplied to the local grid, benefiting the entire community.
Step 4: Subscribers Earn Rewards
Each month, subscribers receive:
- Green Credits based on actual energy production.
- Options to withdraw rewards, or soon, use them to pay electricity bills.
Start your subscription today →
How Does Community Solar Make Money?
Community solar projects generate revenue through:
- Energy sales to the local utility company.
- Subscriptions paid by participants for access to clean energy benefits.
- Government or renewable energy incentives.
Solar Capital shares this value with subscribers, creating a win-win ecosystem for both project developers and the community.
Cost of Community Solar in India
If you’re wondering how much does community solar cost, the answer depends on your chosen subscription level.
- Entry-level subscriptions: Start as low as ₹999 on Solar Capital.
- Flexible scaling: You can increase your subscription size over time.
- Zero maintenance costs: Unlike rooftop solar, all technical work is handled by the provider.
💡 Tip: Community solar is one of the most affordable ways to support renewable energy and earn rewards.
View pricing and project details →
Community Solar vs Rooftop Solar vs Solar Lease
| Feature | Community Solar | Rooftop Solar | Solar Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Very low (₹999 onwards) | Very high (₹60,000–₹1,00,000+) | Moderate |
| Ownership Needed | No rooftop required | Must own rooftop | Rooftop required |
| Maintenance | Handled by provider | Managed by owner | Managed by provider |
| Flexibility | Cancel anytime or sell subscription | Long-term commitment | Fixed-term |
| Best For | Renters, apartment dwellers, eco-conscious earners | Homeowners | Those avoiding upfront costs |
💡 Key takeaway: Community solar offers maximum accessibility, especially for urban dwellers.
Benefits of Community Solar
1. Affordable and Accessible
- Start with a small subscription and scale up.
- No need to invest in expensive rooftop systems.
2. Hassle-Free Management
All technical, operational, and reporting tasks are handled by community solar subscription management teams like Solar Capital.
3. Earn Passive Monthly Rewards
Earn Green Credits every month as your project generates electricity.
4. Environmental Impact
Your subscription directly helps India reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO₂ emissions.
5. Transparent and Verified
Each project is audited and monitored, ensuring your impact is real and measurable.
Community Solar Gardens and Solar Farms
You might hear terms like community solar garden or community solar farm.
Both refer to large-scale solar projects that multiple participants subscribe to.
- Community solar gardens: Smaller projects, often located in neighborhoods or cities.
- Community solar farms: Larger installations, often serving entire regions.
Example: Solar Capital’s projects are designed like virtual community solar gardens, making them accessible digitally.
How Does Solar Energy Benefit the Community?
Solar energy provides multiple benefits to local communities:
- Reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Lowers overall electricity costs over time.
- Creates local job opportunities in clean energy.
- Provides energy independence, especially during peak demand periods.
By joining a community solar project, you actively contribute to India’s renewable energy future.
Where Is Community Solar Growing?
Globally, community solar is expanding in countries like:
- The United States (e.g., community solar in Chicago).
- Europe (Germany, Spain).
- Emerging markets like India, driven by urban demand and government policies.
In India, Solar Capital is leading the movement by making community solar accessible nationwide through digital platforms.
Explore projects across India →
How to Start a Community Solar Project
If you’re interested in starting a community solar project, here’s what’s involved:
- Identify land or rooftop space for solar panels.
- Partner with a developer for design and installation.
- Work with local utilities to connect the project to the grid.
- Set up a subscription model for participants.
- Use a platform like Solar Capital for subscription management, billing, and reporting.
Solar Capital: Simplifying Community Solar in India
Solar Capital makes going green simple, affordable, and rewarding:
- Subscribe digitally to verified projects.
- Earn monthly Green Credits.
- Track your environmental impact in real-time.
- Exit anytime via our Peer-to-Peer marketplace.
🎁 Sign up now and get 100 free Green Credits:
Register today →
FAQs About Community Solar
1. What is community solar?
Community solar is a shared renewable energy model where multiple participants subscribe to a single solar project and share its benefits.
2. How does community solar work?
Subscribers pay for a share of a solar project. The energy generated goes to the local grid, and subscribers earn credits or rewards.
3. How much does community solar cost?
Subscriptions on platforms like Solar Capital start as low as ₹999, with zero maintenance fees.
4. How does community solar make money?
Community solar earns revenue through energy sales, subscriptions, and government incentives, with a portion shared with subscribers as rewards.
5. What is a community solar garden?
A smaller solar installation that local communities can subscribe to, often located in cities or towns.
6. How does solar energy benefit the community?
Solar energy lowers pollution, creates jobs, reduces energy costs, and supports local sustainability goals.
7. Can I exit my community solar subscription?
Yes! Solar Capital offers easy exit options and a Peer-to-Peer marketplace for selling subscriptions.
Learn more →