There are several benefits to the consumer including:

• decreased utility bill due to solar credits
• ability to support green energy without having to install rooftop solar
• simple way to support local environmental projects
• no early cancellation fees

Yes! In Maryland, community solar is often referred to as shared solar. Both terms are interchangeable as they represent the same concept.

• In Maryland, subscriptions are generally structured so that you pay a discounted price for the community solar credits that you receive. For example, if your subscription is priced at a 5% discount off the bill credit, that translates into savings on your utility bill when those bill credits are applied. While the credit rate varies over time, with a subscription price indexed to the bill credit rate, you are always saving 5% on the bill credit rate each month. The specific pricing terms will be disclosed in the subscription contract, so be sure to review those details carefully before signing. 

• Regarding subscription pricing, remember that:
• • • Subscription prices are for community solar subscriptions only and do not include any tax, commodity, utility distribution or transmission charge, or any other fee or charge.
    • Community solar subscription pricing is not regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

In Maryland, we work with Arcadia to offer community solar. When you enroll, Arcadia will take over your electric billing. Do not worry, you still have full transparency into your bills and statements. When you sign up, here’s what happens:

1. Arcadia Power will begin paying your electric bill to the utility. 
2. They will, in turn, send you a bill with your community solar credit applied.

For example, let’s assume your bill credit is 5% off your bill credit rate and your bill credit rate of $300 offsets your total utility bill of $300:

• Your utility will apply $300 of bill credits for your community solar subscription
• If there is any balance due, Arcadia will pay your utility balance
• Arcadia will then send you a bill for $285 (which includes your 5% bill credit rate discount of $15) plus any charges that were not paid with the bill credits
• You saved $15 this month, and you will continue to save money each month that you continue with your community solar subscription

We know what you’re thinking. In fact, before we began recommending community solar to our energy customers, we thought the same thing! After thorough research, we came to learn of the legitimacy of community solar projects all across the United States. Here are some resources from Maryland government and utility websites so you can do your own research:

• PEPCO website
• Public Service Commission website
• BGE website

Yes! Since each solar farm project has limited space, the developers only enroll a set number of customers to meet the total electricity needed.