Community solar installations surged to unprecedented levels in 2024, marking a significant shift in how businesses and residents access renewable energy. This growth trend continues into 2025 as more regions embrace shared solar infrastructure to meet ambitious climate goals whilst reducing energy costs.
New York has emerged as a frontrunner in community solar deployment, accounting for 49% of all community solar capacity growth in 2024. The state’s commitment to expanding renewable energy access has resulted in 2.9 gigawatts of community solar production, representing nearly half of its total solar output.
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A recent project in Long Island demonstrates this momentum. The 1.3-megawatt rooftop installation at the Medford Logistics Centre showcases how commercial properties can contribute to clean energy generation whilst benefiting local communities. This installation alone will serve approximately 200 households and offset roughly 1,500 metric tons of CO₂ annually – equivalent to removing the emissions from 170,000 gallons of petrol.
Breaking Down Barriers to Clean Energy Access
Traditional solar adoption often faces hurdles such as high upfront costs, unsuitable roof conditions or rental property limitations. Community solar programmes address these challenges by allowing residents and businesses to subscribe to shared solar installations without requiring on-site equipment.
‘With a shared mission to expand accessibility in the renewable energy transition, we are bringing cheaper, cleaner energy from our latest community solar project to local households and businesses in Long Island’, notes Rezvan Ahmed, Senior Manager of Offtake at UGE.
Corporate Sustainability Goals Drive Adoption
Major corporations are increasingly turning to community solar to meet their sustainability targets. T-Mobile’s participation as an anchor subscriber in the Medford project aligns with their 100% renewable energy goal, setting an example for other enterprises seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The project’s use of US-made solar modules from Heliene also highlights growing support for domestic clean energy manufacturing, creating a ripple effect across the supply chain.
Market Growth and Future Outlook
According to recent industry data, community solar installations increased by 35% nationally in 2024, with cumulative installations reaching 8.6 gigawatts DC. New York, Maine and Illinois led this growth, accounting for 83% of national volumes.
However, the sector faces certain challenges. Jeff Cramer, CCSA President and CEO, points out that ‘barriers such as interconnection delays and policy red tape are leaving dozens of gigawatts of new local power, tens of billions of dollars in investment and millions of customers on the sidelines’.
Technology and Innovation Drive Efficiency
Modern community solar projects benefit from technological advancements in both hardware and software. Streamlined platforms for subscriber management and billing have become crucial for project success, enabling faster enrollment and reliable revenue flow for developers.
Aviv Shalgi, CEO of Solar Simplified, emphasises this point: ‘By handling the full customer lifecycle and eliminating acquisition and billing risks, we’re empowering developers to focus on what they do best: building and financing great solar projects’.
As community solar continues to mature, these projects represent a crucial component in the broader transition to renewable energy, offering a scalable solution that benefits both the environment and local economies.
