As the demand for clean and affordable energy grows, community solar is emerging as a powerful solution for people who want to benefit from solar power but cannot install panels on their own property. Whether you’re a renter, apartment owner, or a homeowner with a shaded or unsuitable roof, community solar makes renewable energy accessible to everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explain what community solar is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s an ideal option for renters and homeowners — while also highlighting how APS (Australian Premium Solar India Ltd) supports reliable, high-quality solar solutions across Australia.
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar (also known as shared solar or solar gardens) is a model where multiple households or businesses subscribe to a single, off-site solar power plant. Instead of installing solar panels on your own roof, you purchase or subscribe to a portion of the electricity generated by a community solar project.
The energy produced by the solar farm is fed into the local electricity grid, and subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills based on their share of the power generated.
This model removes common barriers like roof ownership, space limitations, or high upfront costs — making solar energy more inclusive.
How Do Community Solar Projects Work?
Community solar projects follow a simple and transparent process:
- Solar Farm Development
A large-scale solar system is installed at a suitable location with optimal sunlight exposure. - Subscription or Ownership
Residents and businesses subscribe to a portion of the solar capacity or purchase specific kilowatts of the system. - Power Generation
The solar plant generates clean electricity and feeds it into the grid. - Bill Credits
Subscribers receive credits on their electricity bills proportional to their share of the solar generation.
APS supports high-efficiency solar modules, inverters, and balance-of-system components that are ideal for large-scale solar installations, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Why Choose Community Solar
- Access to solar energy without roof modifications
- Lower upfront investment compared to rooftop systems
- Predictable energy savings
- Contribution to sustainability goals
- Reduced carbon footprint
For homeowners planning future upgrades, APS also offers premium rooftop solar systems & inverter solutions, giving flexibility to transition from solar to on-site solar when ready.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Promote large-scale clean energy adoption
- Optimise land use through shared infrastructure
APS’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and high-efficiency solar technology ensures every kilowatt generated delivers maximum environmental impact.
Cost-Effectiveness
Yes. It typically offers:
- No upfront installation costs
- Savings on electricity bills
- Protection from rising energy prices
Subscribers usually pay a lower rate for solar energy compared to traditional grid electricity, making it a financially smart option for many households.
Community Solar vs Rooftop Solar: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Community Solar | Rooftop Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | Not required | Required |
| Installation | Off-site | On-site |
| Maintenance | Managed by provider | Homeowner responsibility |
| Upfront Cost | Low or none | Moderate to high |
| Best For | Renters & unsuitable roofs | Long-term homeowners |
How APS Supports Shared Solar Projects
APS (Australian Premium Solar India Ltd) is a trusted name in the solar industry, offering:
- High-performance solar modules manufactured to global standards
- Reliable inverters and energy storage solutions
- Expertise in residential, commercial, and community-scale solar projects
- End-to-end support from design to long-term performance
Looking to explore solar solutions that suit your lifestyle? APS is here to help you make the switch to smarter energy. Click here to contact us.
