Community Solar Survey

Across the United States, there is a growing interest in community solar programs. These programs allow for greater participation in solar energy, without requiring the purchase of solar arrays for one’s own home. The benefits of community solar programs include:

• Adding a new solar installation in the local area
• Choice of energy sources for customers
• Cutting carbon emissions and slowing climate change
• Increasing energy independence and security
• Buffering against rising fuel costs
• Creating local jobs

Through a community solar program, customers can use a local solar energy system to provide electricity to their homes.

As an example, Madison Gas and Electric (Madison-area power utility) recently launched a community solar program called Shared Solar. MG&E customers were given the option to participate in the program for a buy-in fee that varied depending on the customer’s desired level of participation. This buy-in fee also allowed customers to pay a set rate for their solar power for 25 years. The Shared Solar program sold out, and MG&E built the solar array through an arrangement with the City of Middleton on the roof of their new Municipal Operations Center building. The Shared Solar program has been considered a success and is currently generating power for over 250 customers.

While there are many different community solar models, the following questions are designed to gauge overall local interest in this type of program for Shorewood and nearby residents. The Shorewood Conservation Committee invites you to participate in the following short survey so that we can investigate available options for our community to lower its carbon footprint and participate in the renewable energy revolution.