Investing in Solar as a Community

Editor’s Note: A few years ago, I explored heating my home with solar, but the contractor said I would produce too much heat for just my home, so he would have to find some place to "dump" the excess. I said, "wouldn’t it be great if I could share it with my neighbors?" He laughed, but now the idea is gaining ground! By Dana Hall, James Rose & Laurel Varnado Have you ever been tempted by a vacation time-share? It’s cheaper than buying a vacation home, you get the benefit of relaxation just when you want it, and you don’t have to worry about maintenance or keeping up with the bills. Now imagine if you neighbor came to you with a great deal on a solar energy "time-share." Just the right amount of electricity from solar panels would power your lights and appliances, but you don’t have to worry about installing the panels on your own roof or the upfront capital to pay for it. Solar developers will tell you this idea would be quite popular with their customers. Developers frequently turn people away who want to invest in solar but can’t because of tree shade, roof condition, building configuration […]

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