How Winter Weather Affects Community Solar Savings

If you’ve been an Altus Power Community Solar subscriber for at least a full revolution around the Sun, you may have noticed your solar credits and savings varying by the season. Don’t worry — that’s expected.

With the hemisphere tilted away from the Sun during winter, our days are shorter, and they tend to be cloudier, too. The solar projects that power our Community Solar program are still operational during these colder months.  
For Community Solar subscribers in states impacted by winter weather, the shorter days and cloudier conditions mean you’re likely to get fewer solar credits for some portion of the year. It’s all part of normal seasonal fluctuation, and you’ll start to see your credits increase again as winter turns into spring, and the days get longer and sunnier.

Another factor to consider: The amount of solar credits you receive from Altus Power each month is directly related to the energy generated by your share of the solar farm and the amount of energy your household used in the corresponding bill period. Household energy usage can fluctuate significantly throughout the year. For example, you might use less electricity during winter months if you heat your home with natural gas or oil, or if you live in a building with a shared heating system. If your home has electric heaters, you may see your energy usage increase during the winter or stay consistent.  

Seasonal fluctuations have a potential upside, too: In the summer months, you’ll get more credits and maybe even a surplus that can save you a bundle in the winter. (Read more about that here.)

The good news? No matter your situation, Community Solar is still saving you money overall. Subscribers get guaranteed solar savings of 5-20%, depending on location. Not only that, but subscribers are also helping their communities go green while contributing to a more resilient and reliable energy grid.

If you have any questions about this seasonal fluctuation — or any other aspect of Community Solar — reach out to Altus Power’s Customer Experience Team at hello@altuspower.com. And to check your eligibility and apply to join Community Solar, go to join.altuspower.com.