Member Brief: Are Customers of Community Solar Programs Actually Buying Renewable Energy? (February 2016)

Are community solar programs actually providing solar?

Actions by state regulators in Vermont, Illinois, and other states have highlighted concerns about renewable energy certificates (RECs) management within community solar program design and marketing. These concerns include questions about whether community solar subscribers should retain the REC attributes – particularly as most programs market the opportunity to “go solar”. Examining community solar selling points, program setup, and associated REC ownership structures, SEPA provides clarity on how RECs are managed today and alternative marketing approaches for community solar programs.