Each choice that consumers make is an opportunity to generate a positive environmental impact rather than a negative one. Whether choosing to shop for locally made goods or locally generated clean energy, your purchasing decisions can help support your local economy, address inequalities, and reduce carbon emissions.
To help reach its sustainability goals, JHU is partnering with Neighborhood Sun, a local certified B Corporation and community solar company, to provide JHU community members living in Maryland with access to solar savings and a healthier energy source than fossil fuels through the state's Community Solar Program.
Residential solar has grown exponentially in the U.S. over the past two decades, frequently by the installation of solar panels on the roofs of houses. But as many as three-quarters of American households are unable to access rooftop solar, whether because they rent their home, live in an apartment building, or can't afford a rooftop system.
Enter a simple concept: community solar. Neighbors who are unable to build their own solar systems can join a community solar array nearby and use the energy it provides to power their homes. Like many simple concepts, however, the details can become overwhelming. JHU has partnered with Neighborhood Sun to help its community understand the details.
Is there a basic definition of community solar?
Customers subscribe to a local solar farm to receive a share of the project's energy at a discounted rate. The solar panels generate power, and subscribers receive credits that reduce their utility bills.
Do I save money by signing up for community solar?
Yes. Neighborhood Sun guarantees savings on the credits you receive for up to 25 years. Savings can vary between 10% and 30%, depending on project availability and income qualifications. (Income-qualified residents getting electricity from BGE or Potomac Edison can save up to 30% off the cost of solar electricity applied to their bill. Savings vary depending on community solar farm availability and subscriber's income qualifications.)
Key benefits
By subscribing to community solar, you'll:
- Save between 10% and 30% on monthly energy costs, depending on project availability and income qualifications (see above)
- Support locally produced clean energy
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Continue to use your current utility provider (no need to switch)
- Pay nothing to enroll or to cancel with advance notice
In addition, members of the JHU community who subscribe through JHU's partner page or use the promo code JHU23 during the sign-up process will receive a $100 gift card usable at more than 100 retailers and charities after they pay their first community solar invoice. The sign-up bonus will be distributed within three to four months of subscribing.
Where can I get more information?
If you live in Maryland and get your electricity through BGE, Pepco MD, Potomac Edison, or Delmarva Power & Light, you can subscribe to community solar to start saving money and fighting climate change with every electric bill. Visit neighborhoodsun.solar/JHU to read more.
RSVP to learn more at a virtual information session co-hosted by JHU and Neighborhood Sun at noon on Tuesday, June 27.
Posted in News+Info, Benefits+Perks
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