Community Solar gives everyone the opportunity to share in the benefits of clean solar energy without rooftop installations.

Here’s how it works:

• Solar arrays are built on rural land; typically non-producing farmland and other “brownfield” sites, such as landfills or quarries. The electricity produced on the solar farm goes into the local utility grid. 
• Each month, the utility credits customers’ bills with the value of the solar electricity produced at the farm.
• Customers then pay Altus Power for the solar credits, discounted by at least 5%, each month.
• Customers don’t receive solar electricity directly from the solar farm. Rather, they benefit indirectly by increasing the amount of renewable energy the utility uses each month to supply all customers.

You are a NYSEG customer living in the footprint of our service area. Our solar power is already being provided to the local utility grid – this program allows you to receive the savings from it.

No, it’s free. There are no sign up fees, no hidden fees or long-term commitments. If you move or change your mind, you can cancel anytime without penalty.

You can save at least 5% on the costs of electricity. Your utility will credit your monthly bill with your share of our solar power as “solar credits.” Then, you pay Altus Power for the value of those solar credits, discounted by at least 5%.

When you enroll with Altus Power, you’ll continue to pay your fixed monthly rate to NYSEG as community solar credits accrue on your account. This means you may pay more up front each month — your fixed NYSEG payment plus the cost of solar credits — but your total electricity cost over time will be lower with your Altus Power discount.‍

Here’s how it works:
1. Your fixed monthly payment to NYSEG remains the same each month based on your average past usage.
2. Solar credits are applied to your account, lowering your actual kWh of electricity used within that month. You’ll receive a separate statement from Altus Power for the value of these solar credits with your guaranteed 5% discount applied each month.
3. Your solar savings build up as a credit instead of lowering each monthly bill right away.
4. During an annual “true-up” with NYSEG, your future payments will be adjusted, or you’ll receive a credit based on the total value of the solar credits you’ve accrued as an Altus Power member, ensuring you always save money with community solar!‍

Please note, if keeping monthly costs low and predictable is a priority, community solar may not be the best fit — even though you will save money over time!

As a member of Altus Power, you’ll receive credits that are guaranteed to lower the cost of your electric bill. You’ll receive a separate statement from Altus Power for the value of those credits, discounted by 5%, which is why a payment method is required. Rest assured, you won’t receive a statement from Altus Power until after your utility applies credits to your electricity bill. 

As a member of Altus Power, solar credits will be applied to your monthly utility bill, lowering your electricity costs. 

Then, you’ll receive a separate statement from Altus Power for the value of the solar credits you receive each month, with your 5% discount applied.

Photovoltaic panels use direct and indirect sunlight to generate electricity. Panels are most effective in direct sunlight but still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds.

Your utility provider remains the same. Each month, you’ll see solar credits on your utility bill for the portion of solar power allocated to your account. The amount of your credit will be reflected at your discount on your monthly Altus Power bill.

You can rent or own your home. The discount is available to every NYSEG account holder in New York.

None. The only difference is that when you turn on a light, you’ll know that you’re doing something good for the planet and your wallet.

Community Solar farms have been around for years but are growing dramatically in popularity. Most likely, you’ll be hearing more about this renewable energy initiative in our state!

Community Solar farms generate electricity from the sun. Solar power is a form of renewable energy, like wind energy or energy generated by the motion of waves in the ocean. Renewable energy offers a clean and affordable alternative to burning fossil fuels — and our solar farms help harness it for you to use.

Renewable energy displaces fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and fuel oil, which reduces or eliminates carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants.

Solar farms are not without their critics. In some states, productive farmland could be covered with solar panels, preventing the growth of crops. We at Altus Power prefer to support solar farms that are built on so-called “brownfields,” which is land that is not productive farmland, such as landfills, rocky soil and quarry sites.

Simply put, clean energy generated with 100% New York sunshine!

Community Solar allows homeowners, renters and businesses to share the benefit of clean solar energy without the hassle or cost of installing panels.

Your community also benefits through our Clean Energy Partner program. We partner with local organizations to help constituents save money on their electricity costs every month, while also helping support the organization.