Solar sharing
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Solar sharing is a way to finance a new solar power plant by pooling the investment resources of multiple people together. The concept was developed to promote new solar energy, while at the same time share the economic benefits that the energy produces among those who contributed to the projects.[1]
How solar sharing works
[edit]Solar sharing, also known as community solar or solar cooperative, is a collaborative investment model where multiple individuals or entities pool their financial resources to fund the construction of a large-scale solar farm. This approach is particularly popular in agrivoltaic systems, where solar panels are installed alongside agricultural activities. By sharing the costs and benefits, participants can access solar energy production without the need for individual rooftop installations.
In this model, each participant contributes to the funding of the solar project. Once the solar plant becomes operational, the energy generated is sold, often to the grid, and the revenue is distributed among the investors. The division of profits is typically proportional to the amount each participant initially invested.
Additionally, participants in a solar sharing scheme could use professional management and maintenance of the solar farm to reduce hands-on involvement, which may not be feasible for individual home installations.
Solar sharing also allows individuals who may not have the resources or appropriate space (such as renters or homeowners with shaded roofs) to participate in solar energy production. This model has been implemented in various regions as a way to promote renewable energy adoption, increase energy access, and reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation.
Examples of solar sharing
[edit]Several companies around the world have started to implement solar sharing strategies and started producing communal solar power. Some models involve installing solar panels at the ground level, in large open spaces. Other companies install the panels on rooftops.
Many solar cooperatives and associations offer either local financing or a few individual plants. These examples operate in Italy, Japan,[2] and the United States.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Ucilia Wang (2012-07-03). "Get ready for solar sharing communities". Gigaom. Retrieved 2015-05-20.
- ^ Close, Curt (16 October 2013). "Japanese Farmers Producing Crops and Solar Energy Simultaneously". Permaculturenews. Retrieved 2015-05-20.
- ^ Collier, Steven (2013-10-21). "Solar 'Gardens' Let Communities Share Renewable Power – The Great Energy Challenge Blog". Energyblog -nationalgeographic. Retrieved 2015-05-20.