Key Takeaways

  • Community solar can lower bills for households with EVs or home batteries, but savings depend on how credits are calculated and any daily export caps.
  • Check the crediting period (daily vs monthly netting), expected kWh-per-share, credit value ($/kWh), and caps in kWh/day before joining.
  • With smart charging and simple schedule changes you can often recover an extra 5%–15% in savings; larger gains require batteries or time-of-use adjustments.

What You Need to Know

  • Crediting period matters: daily netting means production and consumption are compared each day; monthly netting totals across the month. Daily netting can reduce credits for households that export midday solar but charge EVs at night.
  • Daily export caps are limits on how much solar generation can receive credit per day. Current program designs typically impose caps in the range of ~5–25 kWh/day per account according to current market figures; caps vary by state and utility.
  • Typical retail electricity rates vary regionally, commonly $0.10–$0.30/kWh. Community solar credit values often range from $0.02–$0.10/kWh of generated energy, meaning percentage savings typically fall between 5% and 20% compared with retail rates, depending on program specifics and fees.
  • Solar production estimates: a community solar share sized at 1 kW of capacity commonly yields roughly 1,000–1,400 kWh/year depending on location (according to current market figures). Translate that to daily average generation of ~3–4 kWh/day per kW of share.
  • Typical household storage and EV figures: many EV batteries are 40–100 kWh, and home storage systems are often 5–20 kWh. These sizes matter because larger batteries let you store midday credits and avoid wasted export under tight daily caps.

How to Save Money

  1. Check the crediting period: If the program uses daily netting, expect lower midday export crediting for EV charging that occurs overnight. Plan charging to coincide with credited hours when possible.
  2. Confirm daily cap in kWh: If the cap is low (for example 5–10 kWh/day), a single 7 kW PV-equivalent share could hit the cap on sunny days; that reduces credits you might otherwise bank. Consider multiple shares if allowed and economic.
  3. Ask the provider for expected kWh-per-share/year: Use that number to estimate annual credit value: Expected kWh × $/kWh credit = annual credit. For example, 1,200 kWh/year × $0.05/kWh = $60/year before fees.
  4. Size charging and storage strategies: With a 10–20 kWh home battery, you can store midday solar that would otherwise be lost to a cap and use it for evening EV charging or home loads, increasing realized value by several percent.
  5. Use smart charging and timers: Shift EV charging to late afternoon or early evening windows when solar credits apply or when time-of-use rates are lower. Smart charging can reduce charging costs by $0.02–$0.10/kWh compared to uncontrolled charging depending on rates.
  6. Compare fees, escalators, and contract terms: Watch for annual credit reductions or fixed administrative fees that can cut projected savings. Many programs list a projected annual percentage reduction or a fixed monthly charge—factor that into savings calculations.
  7. Verify transferability and move/termination rules: If you move, can you transfer your subscription? Some programs limit portability, which affects long-term value for homeowners planning to sell within a few years.

Bottom Line

Community solar can benefit EV and battery owners but program design details—especially whether credits are netted daily or monthly and whether there are daily export caps—strongly influence real savings. Before joining, request the expected kWh-per-share, the $/kWh credit, any caps in kWh/day, fees, and contract terms; then model expected annual credit versus your EV and battery charging behavior to see if the subscription increases or reduces your utility costs.