The best way to beat global warming is by going solar. However, many people can’t go solar due to the following reasons:
- Home renters.
- Small roof homes.
- Apartment dwellers.
- Very shady homes.
Programs like community choice aggregation, community solar, and green energy plans help people power their homes by fitting solar panels onto them. In this article, you will learn how you can help the environment regardless of your ability to install solar panels in your home.
Community Solar
Community solar programs share the benefits of solar energy among people. They install a shared solar project collectively in a common geographic area. Participants can be nonprofit organizations, individuals, businesses, or others living in that area. Usually, the solar power will be made by an on-site multifamily solar model or an off-site array.
Multifamily Solar Models:
This is a way of distributing solar energy to all the people in housing complexes or apartments. A centralized rooftop solar installation is used for this.
Off-Site Array:
People sharing the array either buy it completely or lease it and then distribute the electricity bill among themselves.
Community Choice Aggregation
With Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), local governments can buy electricity on behalf of the customers in a specific area and get a wholesale price. This has many benefits, such as:
- Local community representatives control everything.
- Electricity at competitive prices.
- Local job creation and local energy projects are supported.
- Energy programs are made for the community.
- Reinvestment of revenue into the community.
CCA customers can choose which energy resource they want electricity from. After choosing, the local government will then buy electricity for the entire area at a reasonable price. Even though the customer buys the electricity, investor-owned utilities will still distribute and charge customers for the electricity.
Green energy supporters encourage people in CCA to opt for wind or solar energy. By choosing renewables, the message can get across to countries' leaders that their people favor these energy resources rather than sources harmful to the environment.
If you buy or rent a home in an area that has created a community choice aggregation program, you are automatically signed up for the program. You must opt out if you don't want to participate.
Community Choice Aggregation vs. Community Solar
Common Points:
- Community solar will majorly provide solar energy even though CCA might too.
- You must research to find them in your area; they aren’t available everywhere.
- Both serve groups rather than a single person.
The Differentiators:
- CCA has consolidated billing, but community solar doesn’t.
- CCA doesn’t require you to lease or buy solar panels.
Green Energy Plans
Renewable energy is green energy. Examples include biogas, wind, solar, geothermal, or other hydroelectric sources. If you sign up for a green energy electricity plan, you can choose to power your home with green energy without installing solar panels. You are giving that company to purchase a specific amount of electricity generated by renewable sources.
This energy will be added to the utility grid. Although it is not guaranteed that you’ll receive that energy, you’ll be helping add that renewable energy to the total energy present. You can contact your utility company to see if they provide green power options.
Renewable Energy Credits
You need Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) for green energy plans. 1 REC is equal to 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) or 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity generated by 100% renewable energy sources. It can be an amalgamation of different types of renewable energy.
RECs incentivize retail electric providers (REP) and utility companies to invest in green power without building any extra infrastructure to generate renewable energy. If someone opts for a green energy plan, the energy company purchases RECs equal to that of that consumer’s energy usage.
REC markets are specifically created to encourage the development of green energy generation. A properly established REC market will have more people making capital off of investing in green energy.
Pros And Cons Of The Plans
Advantages Of Community Solar:
- Flexible power plans.
- Higher electricity rate stability.
- Solar panel maintenance is shared.
- Home powered by solar energy.
Disadvantages Of Community Solar:
- All states don’t have community solar projects.
- Clearing areas for panels can lead to unforeseen environmental consequences.
- Unavailability of solar tax incentives.
Pros Of Community Choice Aggregation:
- A higher level of transparency with local control.
- It helps the higher-ups choose renewable energy sources.
- Cheaper than buying electricity individually.
Cons Of Community Choice Aggregation:
- Long-term dependence on the utility company for distribution and transmission.
- Zero guarantees of renewable energy meeting the energy demand.
Positives Of Green Energy Plans:
- Minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
- Incentivizes companies to invest in renewable energy.
- Supports future clean power developments.
- Decreased carbon footprint.
Negatives Of Green Energy Plans:
- Rates are competitive with brown electricity (no guarantee).
- Specific renewable resources are harmful to wildlife.
- Zero assurance that you will get green energy in your home.
Choosing Between The Plans
Solar power will be your best choice since it will save you money while being good for the environment. However, many people can’t install solar power. Those people can go for green energy plans, community solar, or community choice aggregation.
Community solar and community choice aggregation might not be available in many areas since they are new. They allow you to switch to solar without installing anything. Green energy plans tell energy companies which type of energy you hold dear while also providing you with green energy. Just reach out to your utility company to see what plans they offer.