Community Solar FAQ Sheet
(When you’re ready to sign up, click here to go to the UUCA-Neighborhood Sun Web Page)
1) Why is UUCA Green Initiative team promoting Community Solar?
Rapid growth of renewable energy sources is essential to fighting climate change and driving energy independence. Before the community solar idea gained traction, the only way a household could go solar would be to install panels on rooftops or in large backyards. Even with federal and state tax credits, residential solar installations sometimes require a large upfront investment by the homeowner and, just as important, are available only to homeowners. Community solar offers the benefits of solar to all households, both renters and owners, by allowing utility customers to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm’s output. The State of Maryland has committed to community solar with a program that forces electric utilities in Maryland to connect with solar farms participating in the program. UUCA concluded that our mission of climate justice is highly compatible with the Community Solar concept.
2) Why did UUCA choose to partner with Neighborhood Sun to promote Community Solar?
In 2021, the Green Initiative Team researched Community Solar providers in our area. We were impressed by Neighborhood Sun for the following reasons:
- Neighborhood Sun is a participating provider in the State of Maryland’s program;
- It is one of few providers based in Maryland (Silver Spring);
- Founder and CEO Gary Skulnik has a long history as a green advocate;
- It has several “partners” in the religious community;
- Registered as “B” Corporation (allowed to have a community service goal as well as a profit goal);
- Neighborhood Sun’s discounts to ALL subscribers are competitive in the industry;
- NS has a flexible cancellation policy (with a 90-day notice);
- NS is committed to offering high discounts to Low or moderate-income customers and offers online and phone help to clients access those discounts.
3) Does community solar cost me anything?
No. There are zero fees or additional costs– only money saved.
4) How quickly will I see the benefits of subscribing?
It depends on the status of your community solar farm. If the community solar farm is already generating power, you could see your solar credits on your electricity bill as soon as the next billing cycle. However, in most cases, the community solar farm still needs to finish construction, so it can be six-to-eight months until you start to see your community solar credits. Keep an eye on our newsletters for monthly updates or visit our website to see the status.
5) If I sign up with Neighborhood Sun, what will happen to my regular utility bill?
Once your subscription is activated, your utility bill (BGE, Pepco, etc.) will show a credit each month, based on the amount of electricity (kWh) you consume and the utility’s going price of supplying and distributing that electricity. So, you will pay less to BGE. But you will get a separate bill from Neighborhood Sun, for that credited amount, minus a fixed percentage discount (generally 5% to 10% depending on the solar farm you join. Higher discounts for LMI subscribers.) The percentage discount is guaranteed for the life of the contract with Neighborhood Sun, so if BGE’s rate per kWh increases, your discount in dollar terms increases, too.
6) What if I want to drop out of the Community Solar plan? Do I have to pay a cancellation charge?
No. You may cancel your plan at any time, with a 90-day notice. Under the Maryland program, the solar farm you are subscribed to through Neighborhood Sun must honor your contract for 20 or more years.
7) What information will Neighborhood Sun require when I sign up through the UUCA-Neighborhood Sun connection?
- You will need a recent copy of your utility bill to register for the program.
- You will need to have a current credit or debit card handy, or your bank information located at the bottom of your checks.
- If you have trouble with either of those requirements, contact our Neighborhood Sun representative listed below for help. Or access the CHAT function on the sign-up page.
8) I already have an alternative supplier that bills through my utility. Can I still sign up for Neighborhood Sun?
Third-party suppliers and community solar are compatible, so residents can have both. There is no need to cancel your supplier to subscribe to Community Solar. Then, go to UUCA’s page on NS’s website to enroll in the NS program.
9) What are the benefits for customers with moderate or low incomes?
Some solar farms represented by Neighborhood Sun offer higher discounts to customers with low to moderate incomes. The LMI discounts range from 15% to 25% depending on the farm. To qualify as a moderate-income customer, a household’s gross income must be under $72,000 per year. To qualify as a low-income customer, the household income is based on 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, which range by family size up to about $90,000 per year.
As with all customers, those who qualify for the LMI discounts can sign up through UUCA’s web portal to Neighborhood Sun. Sign Up Here for UUCA-Neighborhood Sun Community Solar.
10) If I have a question while signing up, where can I get help?
You can chat directly with an online Neighborhood Sun representative while signing up on the website, or you can email Neighborhood Sun’s UUCA customer service representative:
Natalia Franco (240-985-8641); natalia.franco@neighborhoodsun.solar
11) If I have questions or comments to share with UUCA about community solar, who do I contact?
Judy Wagner, a member of the Green Initiative team and UUCA’s first Roots and Wings class, will be happy to field questions and comments: Call her at 301-229-8425 or email her at jwagner25@icloud.com.
12) I’m ready to sign up! What should I do?
BE SURE TO SIGN UP THROUGH THE NS-UUCA WEB PORTAL.
PLEASE NOTE: If your application gets interrupted, be sure that you see the UUCA logo on the sign-up screen when you return.