Key Takeaways

  • Shared solar programs vary by state and utility; check caps, credit types, and transfer rules before subscribing.
  • EVs commonly add roughly 200–400 kWh/month to household load and batteries are typically 5–15 kWh; both change how much of your load can be offset by a shared-solar credit.
  • Typical savings often range from about 5%–20% on your electric bill depending on credit rate and contract terms; run a simple kWh × $/kWh math to estimate dollars saved.

What You Need to Know

  • Program caps and eligibility: Many programs limit the total capacity available (program cap) or how large a single subscriber share may be. A cap can mean waitlists or shorter-term offers. According to current market figures, subscription terms commonly run from 1 to 25 years; check early-exit fees and transferability if you move.
  • How credits are applied: Shared solar credits may be bill credits per kWh, a percentage discount, or a fixed $/kWh credit. Credit values typically fall in a wide range (about $0.05–$0.20 per kWh in current market figures). Some utilities apply credits at retail rates, others at avoided-cost or wholesale-equivalent rates—this changes the dollar value of each kWh generated.
  • Netting and stacking rules: Some programs net generation against on-site usage hour-by-hour (best for batteries/EV charging) while others allocate monthly or annual credits. If credits are monthly-only, midday solar may be less valuable for an EV you charge at night unless you have battery storage.
  • EVs and batteries: A typical EV adds about 200–400 kWh/month to household consumption (according to current market figures). Home batteries are commonly 5–15 kWh usable. If your shared solar share is small, an EV or battery may consume most of your credits; alternatively, pairing solar credits with a battery that shifts daytime solar to evening EV charging can increase bill savings.

How to Save Money

  1. Calculate your baseline: Use your last 12 months of bills to get average kWh/month (most U.S. households are in the ~800–1,100 kWh/month range according to current market figures). Add expected EV consumption to estimate future needs.
  2. Compare credit values: Ask the provider for the exact $/kWh or percentage discount and whether credits are applied monthly, annually, or hour-by-hour. Example: If the credit is $0.10/kWh and you get 200 credited kWh/month, savings = 200 × $0.10 = $20/month ($240/year).
  3. Match share size to load: Buy a share that offsets a portion of your bill you expect to be steady (baseload + EV charging). If you expect heavy EV charging, consider a larger share or a plan that credits at retail rates.
  4. Use batteries strategically: If allowed, a 10–13.5 kWh battery can store daytime solar credits to cover evening EV charging. Check whether program rules let you claim credits for energy dispatched from storage.
  5. Watch for escalators and fees: Contracts may include annual fee increases (e.g., 1%–3%/year) or enrollment/termination fees. A higher initial credit can be wiped out by steep escalators over 10–20 years.
  6. Check transferability: If you sell or move, will your subscription transfer to the next occupant or domicile? Non-transferable contracts reduce long-term value for homeowners.
  7. Verify interconnection and meter requirements: Check these details before signing to avoid surprises.
  8. Get examples: Ask the provider for a sample bill showing how credits would apply to your actual usage pattern.

Bottom Line

Shared solar can be a cost-effective way to access solar without installing panels, but outcomes depend on credit type, program caps, contract length, and how well the share size matches household demands—especially if you own an EV or a battery. Do the kWh math, compare the $/kWh credit and any annual escalators, and confirm transfer and exit rules. Small changes—choosing hourly netting, pairing storage, or upsizing your share to cover EV charging—can shift savings from modest (single-digit percent) to substantial (double-digit percent) over time.