Solar energy can be generated anywhere the sun shines, from your rooftop to the open fields outside of town. In 2021, there are a few different ways individuals can adopt solar energy, with many homeowners opting for rooftop installations or participation in shared renewable energy programs.
If you are debating between rooftop solar or purchasing energy from a solar farm, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each choice as they relate to your specific energy costs and goals.
Apollo Energy is a locally owned and operated B corp certified solar company based in Denver, Colorado. In this article, we will outline the advantages and disadvantages of rooftop solar vs solar farms to help showcase which solution may be best for your home's energy.
Solar Farms
A “solar farm” is a large photovoltaic (PV) array that generates electricity for multiple users. Solar farms are also called “community solar” and “shared solar,” and may be available for individuals to purchase or lease energy. After signing up, participants typically receive virtual renewable energy credits (RECs) to their ordinary electricity bills.
Pros
Allows easy adoption of green energy to lower a home’s carbon footprint
Available for renters and those with unsuitable roofs or properties for solar
May be able to reduce costs of monthly utility bills
Occasional flexible options and payment models to suit your financial needs
Typically easy to sign up or cancel your home’s participation
Cons
May not be available in every area
Could increase your monthly energy expense
Processing, administrative, and hidden costs and fees
You rarely “own” your energy and still pay a monthly rate
Bottom Line
With low barriers to entry, solar farms make it easy to virtually adopt renewable energy in your home. Although the door is open for many people (such as those who rent), participation in a community solar farm is not always available to everyone. Find out if there is a solar farm accepting participants near you by clicking here to view the National Renewable Energy Laboratories Community Solar Project Database.
Rooftop Solar
For most homes, there are two ways to install rooftop solar: complete system ownership or a solar panel lease, which may be called a purchase power agreement (PPA). Apollo Energy empowers homeowners to maximize their energy independence with full solar energy ownership, supplying industry-leading production, performance, and maintenance guarantees.
Pros:
The easiest way to maximize ROI and lower long-term costs energy costs
Helps reduce electrical costs from Time of Use billing rates
Increased property value in the event of a move
Full eligibility for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
Option to add solar storage or EV charging
Cons
Reserved only for property owners with suitable roofs or yards
Typically high upfront costs (financing is available)
Possibly long waiting periods before installation. but not with Apollo Energy!
Can be considered riskier than opting into a shared solar
Bottom Line
If you have a good roof (or property) with the space to generate solar energy, owning your solar power system is the best way to reduce your long-term electricity costs. In 2021, incentives and financing options are available to make going solar as affordable as ever.
Conclusion: Rooftop Solar vs Solar Farms
In conclusion, we believe that if your property is suitable for an installation, a rooftop solar panel system is the best way to go solar in 2021. With the right company, a high-quality rooftop solar installation can ensure decades of energy production to lower the electricity costs and carbon footprint of your home.
Want to know how much you can save? Apollo Energy provides free consultations for homeowners all along the front range looking to go solar in Denver, Pueblo, Cheyenne, and everywhere in between.
Contact us today to set your no-obligation assessment. If you are not sure where to begin, feel free to review our questions to ask solar companies.