Solar and the sharing economy: the rise of community solar projects

Solar power is no longer limited to people who can install panels on their rooftops. As the sharing economy grows, a new model is making clean energy accessible to almost anyone: community solar. It works on a simple idea. Instead of owning panels, you subscribe to a shared solar farm and receive the benefits of clean, cheaper power.

What is community solar?

Community solar refers to a shared solar installation that multiple households or businesses can subscribe to. Instead of installing your own panels, you “buy in” or subscribe to a portion of a larger solar array located elsewhere.

Your share of the energy produced is credited back to your electricity bill through a billing mechanism often called virtual net metering or energy credits. You get the benefits of solar power without the costs, space, or maintenance that normally come with owning a system.

Why community solar fits perfectly into the sharing economy

The sharing economy is built on access rather than ownership. Just like e-hailing lets you travel without owning a car, community solar lets you enjoy clean electricity without installing panels.

It solves key barriers many people face:

• No suitable roof: Renters, apartment dwellers, and shaded homes can finally access solar.

   

• Lower upfront cost: No need to pay for hardware, installation, or maintenance.

   

• Flexible participation: You can subscribe, cancel, or adjust plans depending on your needs.

   

• Scalable benefits: Larger solar farms often achieve better efficiency and output than individual systems.

   

How community solar works in practice

1. A developer or utility company builds a central solar farm.

    

2. Households and businesses subscribe to a portion of its output.

    

3. The energy produced is fed into the grid.

    

4. Subscribers receive credits on their monthly electricity bill based on how much their share generates.

    

All the technical work is handled behind the scenes. You simply pay a subscription fee and receive clean energy savings in return.

Why this model is gaining traction

Community solar is expanding globally because it offers a win for everyone:

• Consumers enjoy cheaper, greener electricity.

   

• Developers can build larger, more efficient solar farms.

• Governments can accelerate national renewable energy targets without waiting for homeowners to install panels.

   

• Local communities benefit from cleaner air, new jobs, and improved energy security.

   

Community solar and Malaysia’s renewable future

As Malaysia ramps up its renewable energy ambitions, community solar could play a major role. It can broaden solar access in dense cities, support low and middle-income households, and strengthen the grid as more renewable energy comes online. Combined with supportive policies like the Solar ATAP programme, this model can accelerate the transition to clean energy across the country.

The bottom line

Community solar makes clean energy democratic. It removes barriers, lowers costs, and turns solar power into something you can share instead of something you must own. As the sharing economy continues to evolve, this approach could redefine how entire communities access and benefit from renewable energy.

Thinking of going solar?

Visit the TERA website to explore trusted installers and financing options tailored to Malaysian homeowners.

Got questions? Reach out to us via WhatsApp at +60-197502386 or email us at [email protected] to kick-start your solar journey.

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