If you live in an apartment, residential solar probably isn't an option because you don’t own the roof. Community Solar is the program built exactly for this situation.
The Short Answer
Community Solar works for apartment residents the same way it works for anyone else: you subscribe to a local solar project, receive credits on your existing electric bill, and pay a discounted rate. Nothing is installed. You can cancel anytime. Typical savings: $10-$40 per month for apartment-sized bills.
Why Apartments Can't Do Residential Solar
1. You Don't Own the Building
So you can’t authorize any building modifications, like installing solar panels.
2. The Person Paying Isn’t Always the Person Saving
In most apartment buildings, the landlord would have to pay for the solar panels. But because tenants usually pay their own electric bills, they would be the ones getting most of the savings, making solar less appealing for building owners since they wouldn’t be directly benefiting.
3. Limited Roof Space Shared Among Tenants
Since there’s often one roof serving many units, there typically isn’t enough usable space to install panels for every unit. Even if panels fit, the building would still need a fair way to decide who gets the solar benefit, which makes residential solar more complicated than it is for a single-family home.
4. High-Rise Roof Constraints
Apartment roofs are typically dedicated to HVAC equipment, elevator machinery, water tanks making space limited.
5. Building Codes and HOA Restrictions
Even when a building owner is interested in solar, HOA and condo association rules can limit what can be installed. That means solar panels may not be allowed, may only fit in a small area, or may require approvals that make the project slower and more expensive.
How Community Solar Solves the Apartment Problem
The solar project is built somewhere else, like in a field or capped landfill, so there are no panels that need to be installed on your building.
What's Required
- A utility account in your name
- An eligible utility in a Community Solar state
- A recent utility bill
What's Not Required
- Ownership
- Landlord approval
- Building modifications
- Roof access
- Credit check
- Physical installation
What Changes in Your Apartment
Nothing! You’ll still receive electricity from your existing provider, and nothing about that service will change.
How It Works for Apartment Residents
- You keep your existing utility account.
- You subscribe to a Community Solar project.
- Solar credits appear on your utility bill.
- You pay the provider a discounted rate.
- You can cancel anytime.
High-Rise vs Low-Rise Apartments
Community Solar works identically regardless of the building type. Only your utility account matters.
Condo Owners: Same Mechanics
Community Solar works the same for condo owners as for renters. Your condo association isn't involved because nothing physical happens.
Example: Three Apartment Dwellers, Three Cities
Maya in Brooklyn (1BR Apartment)
- Con Edison bill: $135/month
- Monthly savings: ~$11
- Annual savings: ~$130
James and Rosa in Boston (2BR Condo)
- Eversource bill: $185/month
- Monthly savings: ~$19
- Annual savings: ~$225
Priya in Chicago (Studio Apartment)
- ComEd bill: $95/month
- Monthly savings: ~$8
- Annual savings: ~$95
Special Cases for Apartment Residents
Your Lease Doesn't Matter
Community Solar doesn't require anything of your lease.
Moving to Another Apartment
Same utility territory: transfer subscription. Different utility or state: cancel with no penalty.
Subletting or Roommate Situations
Community Solar is tied to the utility account holder.
What If My Apartment Has Utilities Included?
You can't sign up directly. Suggest to your landlord that they enroll.
Low-Income Apartment Residents
Several states have dedicated LMI tracks with 25-50% guaranteed savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can apartment residents get solar?
Yes, through Community Solar.
Do I need my landlord's permission?
No. Community Solar is tied to your utility account.
How much can I save?
$6-$30 per month, $72-$360 per year.
What if my apartment is part of a larger building with shared electricity?
If you have your own utility account, you can sign up. If electricity is included in rent, your landlord could sign up.
Does Community Solar work in high-rise apartments?
Yes, identically to garden apartments.
What happens to my Community Solar if I move?
Transfer within the same utility territory, or cancel with no penalty.
Is Community Solar a scam for apartment residents?
No. Programs are state-regulated.
Can I have Community Solar as a short-term tenant?
Yes, with month-to-month providers.
Does Community Solar work in apartments with electric heat?
Yes, and may save you more since electric heat means higher bills.
The Bottom Line
Community Solar is the solar program designed for apartment residents. No installation, no roof access, no landlord permission, no upfront investment. Under 10 minutes to sign up. $72-$360 per year in savings for the typical apartment.
See Community Solar options in your state →
Altus Power is one of the largest owners and operators of commercial-scale solar in the United States, with 1.3+ GW of operating solar across 30 states and Washington DC. One of the pioneers of Community Solar, Altus serves more than 40,000 subscribers across 9 states including New York. Learn more about Altus Power or explore our Community Solar FAQ.
Interested in getting started with Community Solar?
Reduce your electricity costs and help your community go green with Community Solar.
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