Solar Choice Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Shared Solar?
Community Shared Solar, also known as Community Solar, is a solar system that is shared by more than one household/business. For a more detailed explanation see: Community and Shared Solar [Source: Dept of Energy].
Can anyone sign up for Solar Choice?
All RMLD customers who are in good standing are eligible to participate in the Solar Choice Program. Each Solar Choice project will have a participation limit based on the size of the project. Customer participation is currently limited to one share per customer per Solar Choice project. There are currently two Solar Choice offerings:
- Solar Choice - available to all customers
- Solar Choice Business (equal to five times the amount of Solar Choice) - available to commercial, industrial, and municipal customers
How much does it cost to enroll?
Customers who join a Solar Choice Project after the first twelve months of that project's operation will be charged a one-time enrollment fee of $30.00. This charge will be applied to the RMLD bill.
After the initial enrollment fee has been paid, participating customers will begin receiving the current monthly billing adjustment for the Solar Choice Project they are slotted into.
How will Solar Choice appear on my bill?
Fees and/or credits associated with each Solar Choice Project you participate in will be listed as a separate line item on your bill (i.e., if you sign up to participate in two Solar Choice Projects, there will be two Solar Choice line items on your bill).
How is the Solar Choice rate I see on my bill calculated?
The energy produced by the Solar Choice Projects has been more expensive than energy from most other sources that the RMLD purchases from the New England wholesale market. This additional cost is offset by savings from reducing transmission and capacity costs associated with the purchase of electricity from the wholesale market. Transmission and capacity costs are determined by our total system load during critical peak times when the electrical grid is most stressed – click here to learn more. Solar Choice generates electricity within RMLD’s service area, thereby reducing these costs.
If the costs associated with the project are greater than the savings for a given period, the Solar Choice rate will be a charge. If the savings are greater than the cost, the Solar Choice rate will be a credit. The rate for each Solar Choice Project is reviewed and adjusted every six months based on actual project performance.
While savings cannot be guaranteed, it’s estimated that Solar Choice participants will receive net credits of as much as $300 over a ten-year period. Solar Choice Business net credits are estimated to be as much as $1,500 over a ten-year period.
How long is the Solar Choice Program term?
10 years
Can I cancel at any time?
A 30-day notice is required for removal from the program.
How many Solar Choice “shares” can I buy?
Solar Choice participation is currently limited to one share per customer per Solar Choice project.
What is the difference between RMLD’s Solar Choice program and customer-owned solar generation?
Customer-owned solar generation refers to customers who choose to purchase, install and operate solar generation equipment on their property.
The Solar Choice Program is a Community Shared Solar program for customers who opt to share the benefits/risks of a large solar array installed within the RMLD service territory without incurring the capital cost of installation.
These programs are independent from each other. RMLD customers are welcome to participate in both programs.
Where are the Solar Choice Projects located?
Solar array(s) for the Solar Choice program are installed at commercial locations within RMLD’s service territory. There are currently two Solar Choice Projects:
Solar Choice Project 1: 326 Ballardvale Street, Wilmington, MA
Solar Choice Project 2: 40/50 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA