This page will be a place for you to see where we’re doing business, and will be updated to include key information like Active Utilities, Customer Type (Open vs. LMI), Billing Type, and Discount Percentages, as well as links to market-specific training materials.
We also know that questions are bound to arise with any new product or market, so here’s some information to help you better communicate with customers who are curious about subscription and billing:
What is my Community Solar “subscription”? Do I pay a monthly fee?
We know that when you hear the word “subscription,” you tend to think of Netflix, the gym, or any other recurring payment you might make. This works differently, as it doesn’t require an upfront cost.
With community solar, the “subscription fee” is the amount paid to the solar farm on your behalf for the credits you receive, minus the noted discount. (For example, 10% for Open customers in Illinois and 20% for LMI.)
What are the different types of billing methods?
Dual Billing (CO, ME, MD, MA, MN, NJ, NY (O&R and Central Hudson), RI, DC): Dual Billing means customers will receive two bills: One from their utility with solar credits, and another from the community solar provider for those credits at a discount.
- Utility Bill: After connecting to a designated solar farm, residents receive a utility bill with solar credits applied. Residents are responsible for paying any remaining balance directly to the utility.
- Community Solar Bill: Residents also receive a bill from their provider (Arcadia, etc.) for their solar credits, which are offered at a discounted rate.
Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB) (IL, NY, VA): Through Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB), the community solar program is integrated with residents’ existing utility bills, maintaining their usual payment process.
What types of payment options are accepted in Dual Billing markets?
Generally speaking, dual billing customers are able to pay with either credit card or ACH unless otherwise noted here and/or in their Product Card descriptions on ThinkEnergy.com. Our aim is to offer as many options as possible, so be aware that utilities may include separate products with the same discount, but different payment options (ie. ACH only or Credit Card only).
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We’re currently live in:
Colorado | Solar 3
Xcel: Open | Dual Billing – Credit Card| 5% Discount | PAUSED AS OF JUNE 14, 2024
Colorado: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Illinois | Solar 2
Ameren: Open | UCB | 10% Discount
Ameren: LMI | UCB | 20% Discount
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd): Open | UCB | 10% Discount
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd): LMI | UCB | 20% Discount
*These markets were originally opened with 5% and 10% discounts. The change was announced on March 22, but any customers submitted prior to this date will still receive the increased discount.
Illinois: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Maine | Solar 1
CMP: Open | Dual Billing | 15% Discount
CMP: LMI | Dual Billing | Minimum 10% Discount
CMP: LMI | Dual Billing – ACH Only| 25% Discount
Versant Bangor Hydro: Open | Dual Billing | 15% Discount
Versant Bangor Hydro: LMI | Dual Billing | Minimum 15% Discount
Maine: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Maryland | Solar 3
Delmarva: Open | Dual – Credit Card Only | 5% Discount (Arcadia)
Pepco: Open | Dual – Credit Card Only | 5% Discount (Arcadia)
Pepco: LMI | Dual – Credit Card Only | 15-25% Discount (Arcadia)
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE): Open | Dual – Credit Card Only | 5% Discount (Arcadia)
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE): Open | Dual – ACH Only| 10% Discount (IGS)
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE): LMI | Dual – Credit Card Only | 15-25% Discount (Arcadia)
Potomac Edison: Open | Dual – Credit Card Only | 5% Discount
Maryland: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Massachusetts | Solar 3
National Grid: Open | Dual – ACH Only | 10% Discount
National Grid: LMI | Dual – ACH Only | 10% Discount (Arcadia)
NSTAR: LMI | Dual – Credit Card Only| 10% Discount
WMECO: LMI | Dual – Credit Card Only | 10% Discount
Massachusetts: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Minnesota | Solar 3
Xcel: Open | Dual- Credit Card Only| 5% Discount
Minnesota: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
New Jersey | Solar 3
Jersey Central Power & Light: Open | Dual Billing | Minimum 20% Discount | LIMITED TO SELECT ZIP CODES — SEE MARKET EXPANSION TRAINING
Jersey Central Power & Light: LMI | Dual Billing | Minimum 20% Discount
PSE&G: Open | Dual Billing | Minimum 20% Discount | PAUSED AS OF JUNE 14, 2024
PSE&G: LMI | Dual Billing | Minimum 20% Discount
Atlantic City Electric (ACE): Open | Dual Billing | Minimum 20% Discount | PAUSED AS OF JUNE 14, 2024
Atlantic City Electric (ACE): LMI | Dual Billing | Minimum 20% Discount
New Jersey: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
New York | Solar 2 (UCB) and Solar 3 (Dual Billing)
National Grid: Open and LMI | UCB | Minimum 5% Discount
Central Hudson: Open | Dual Billing – ACH Only | Minimum 10% Discount*
NYSEG: Open and LMI | UCB | Minimum 5% Discount
Orange & Rockland: LMI | Dual Billing – ACH Only | Minimum 10% Discount*| PAUSED AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
Rochester Gas & Electric: Open and LMI | UCB | Minimum 5% Discount
New York: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
*Discounts increased as of July 2, 2024
Rhode Island | Solar 3
Rhode Island Energy (RIE): Open | Dual – Credit Card Only | 10% Discount
Rhode Island: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Virginia | Solar 2
Dominion Power: LMI | UCB| 10%
Virginia: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
Washington, DC | Solar 3
Pepco: Open | Dual – Credit Card Only | 10%
Washington, DC: Community Solar Market Expansion Training
