TWO PATHS TO SOLAR
COMMUNITY SOLAR OR
ROOFTOP SOLAR?
Both use the sun to lower your bill. They work completely differently. Here's how to pick.
Quick answer
Which one fits your situation?
Choose community solar if:
You rent
You want $0 upfront
You want to start saving this month
You might move soon
Choose rooftop solar if:
You own your home
You plan to stay 10+ years
You want maximum long-term savings
Your roof has 10+ years remaining life
Full comparison
Side-by-side breakdown
Green highlights the winner for each category. Backup power is a draw - neither option keeps the lights on unless you add a battery.
| Feature | Community Solar | Rooftop Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Who can get it | Renters + homeowners | Homeowners only |
| Upfront cost | $0 | $15,000-25,000+ |
| Installation required | No | Yes |
| Utility approval | No | Yes - can take months |
| Monthly savings | 5-15% off bill | Can offset bill entirely |
| You own equipment | No | Yes |
| Moves with you | Cancel anytime, resubscribe elsewhere | No - stays with house |
| 25-year savings potential | $2,250-6,750 | $20,000-50,000+ |
| Backup power during outage | No | Only with battery added |
* Backup power: Community solar never provides backup. Rooftop solar only provides backup if you add a battery. Neither keeps your lights on by itself.
CAN YOU DO BOTH?
Yes. Many homeowners start with community solar while saving for or planning a rooftop installation. There's no rule against subscribing to community solar and later switching to or adding rooftop solar.
Ready to choose?