What Is Community Solar—and Can You Join One in Canada?
Written by Solenery
2 min read
Introduction
Don’t own a home, but still want to go solar? You’re not alone. Millions of Canadians rent or live in buildings where rooftop panels aren’t an option.
But that doesn’t mean you’re locked out of clean energy.
Community solar—also called shared solar—is an increasingly popular way for Canadians to access solar power without putting panels on their own roof.
Whether you’re in a downtown condo or rural rental, community solar lets you subscribe to or co-own a share of a solar project and get credits on your electricity bill.
In this article, we break down what community solar is, how it works in Canada, and whether you can join one where you live.
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar lets multiple participants benefit from a single solar project—without needing to install or maintain anything themselves.
There are two main models:
- Subscription model: You “rent” a portion of a solar farm and receive credits on your utility bill based on your share.
- Co-op ownership: You become a member of a solar co-op and co-own part of the system, often with voting rights and dividends.
Canadian context: While more developed in the U.S., community solar is expanding in provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia—especially through utilities, co-ops, and First Nations-led projects.
Who Can Join? (Hint: Probably You)
Community solar is ideal for:
- Renters
- Condo or apartment dwellers
- Homeowners with shaded or unsuitable roofs
- Small businesses
- People who want to support local renewable energy
Eligibility usually depends on:
- Proximity to the solar project (often within the same utility zone)
- Willingness to sign a subscription or ownership agreement
- Availability of spots—many projects fill up quickly!
Tip: Even if your landlord won’t install rooftop panels, you can still join a community solar project and offset your power use elsewhere.
Where Is Community Solar Available in Canada?
Here’s a snapshot of where and how community solar is growing:
| Province | Program Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Co-op & subscription | Bow Valley Green Energy Co-op, Newo Global |
| Nova Scotia | Community feed-in tariffs | Solar Scotia Energy (various partnerships) |
| Ontario | Limited; growing interest | Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-op (OREC) |
| BC | Pilot projects | Nelson Hydro Community Solar Garden |
| Quebec | Non-profit & co-ownership | Coopérative solaire Montréal |
Note: Some provinces allow virtual net metering, meaning you get credits on your bill even if the solar farm is off-site.
Subscription vs. Ownership: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Subscription | Co-op Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Monthly fee or pay-as-you-go | Upfront investment (can be small) |
| Returns | Bill credits only | Bill credits + potential dividends |
| Control | Fixed terms | Voting rights & input on decisions |
| Portability | Often transferable | May require membership changes |
Example: A renter in Edmonton joins a subscription project for $20/month and gets $25 in bill credits each cycle. Another joins a co-op with a $500 share and receives annual dividends plus bill savings.
Tip: Co-op models often align with community values like local control, equity, and environmental education.
How to Find and Join a Community Solar Project
Ready to sign up? Here’s how to start:
- Search locally: Look for solar co-ops, community power groups, or utility-led pilots in your region.
- Check eligibility: Confirm your utility allows bill credits or net metering from community sources.
- Compare models: Understand subscription length, exit clauses, and financial commitments.
- Use Solenery Insights: We help you find community solar opportunities based on your postal code and utility zone.
Bonus: Some projects offer low-income access tiers or donation-based participation if you’re not able to pay upfront.
Conclusion
You don’t need a roof—or even to own a home—to go solar in Canada.
With community solar programs expanding coast to coast, renters, condo owners, and small businesses can plug into clean energy, reduce their bills, and support local sustainability.
Key Point: Whether you prefer a flexible subscription or a co-op with ownership perks, there’s a model that can work for you.