The Clearway Advantage

Clearway Community Solar stands apart from competitors through scale, financial backing, and operational excellence:

How Clearway Community Solar Works

Clearway's program makes supporting renewable energy both accessible and practical:

1. Enroll Online or By Phone Sign up through Clearway's website, speak with an Energy Consultant, or work with their permitted outside sales team. You'll need a recent utility bill to evaluate your energy consumption and determine appropriate subscription size.
2. Pass Soft Credit Check Clearway conducts a soft credit check that won't impact your credit score. While they don't publicly list a minimum credit score, the qualification process ensures program sustainability.
3. Get Assigned to a Solar Farm Clearway assigns you to a local solar farm subscription sized to match your annual electricity usage. Assignment typically occurs within 6 months, though some farms may still be under construction.
4. Farm Generates Clean Energy Your subscribed portion of the solar farm produces renewable electricity that flows directly to the local power grid, replacing polluted fossil fuel generation with clean solar power.
5. Receive Automatic Bill Credits Your utility company applies solar bill credits (also called "Net Metering Credits") to your monthly statement based on your subscription's production. These credits reduce your total utility charges.
6. Pay Clearway at Guaranteed Discount Clearway bills you for the solar bill credits at a guaranteed 20% discount (in IL, MA, NY markets). Even with two bills, your total costs decrease because you're paying less for those kWh than utility rates.

Where Clearway Operates

Clearway Community Solar currently operates farms across four states with active programs:

Massachusetts

• Coverage: Greater Boston, Spencer, Pepperell, Freetown, and expanding communities
• Landmark Project: Spencer farm is the largest community solar farm in the United States, built on 200 acres of historic St. Joseph's Abbey property
• Milestones: First farm (Freetown) activated July 2015; second farm (Pepperell) activated July 2016; Spencer farm serves 1,500+ customers
• Savings: Guaranteed 20% discount on solar bill credits

New York

• Coverage: Hudson Valley communities in Orange & Rockland and Central Hudson Gas & Electric territories
• Impact: Eight active solar farms creating over 30 million kWh annually for Hudson Valley residents
• Largest Farm: Minisink solar farm with over 16,000 solar panels
• Savings: Guaranteed 20% discount on solar bill credits

Illinois

• Coverage: Greater Chicago area and communities statewide including Lena, IL
• Program: Illinois Shines Approved Vendor status
• All Projects: Completed and operational (no waitlist for farm assignments)
• Savings: Guaranteed 20% discount on solar bill credits
• Compatibility: Works alongside ComEd Hourly Pricing and Ameren Power Smart Pricing programs

Minnesota

• Coverage: Big Lake, Pine Island, Wabasha, and expanding communities
• Development: First farm (Pine Island) activated 2017; four additional farms built since
• Environmental: Farmington farm features pollinator-friendly plantings and bee apiaries for honey production
• Status: Currently at capacity with new customers on waitlist as spots open

Understanding Your Bills and Savings

Clearway's billing structure involves two separate bills, but guaranteed savings ensure your total costs decrease:

How the Two-Bill System Works

Example Savings Calculation

Here's how a 20% guaranteed savings works in practice:

Seasonal Production Variations

Solar energy generated by farms varies with seasons and degree of sunlight:

• Summer months with longer, sunnier days generate more solar energy
• Winter production continues effectively but at lower levels due to shorter days
• Clearway's program design accounts for seasonal ebb and flow
• Rate and pricing structures in your Customer Agreement factor in these variables
• Annual savings benefits remain consistent even with monthly fluctuations

Why Choose Clearway?

• Largest provider scale: 55+ active farms with 50+ in development provides stability and availability
• Guaranteed savings: 20% discount guarantee in IL, MA, NY markets removes uncertainty
• No upfront costs: Zero enrollment fees, installation costs, or maintenance responsibilities
• No cancellation fees: Move within utility territory and keep your subscription; move outside and cancel without penalty (60 days written notice required)
• Established track record: Operating since 2015 with 15,000+ satisfied customers
• Financial strength: Backed by Clearway Energy Group with massive renewable energy portfolio
• Local job creation: Each farm construction creates 65-150+ local jobs
• Environmental stewardship: Pollinator-friendly plantings and ecosystem-supporting farm design
• Alternative to retail suppliers: No green power premiums or retail energy teaser rates
• Educational commitment: Extensive resource center with guides, glossaries, and savings calculators

Environmental Impact

In just your first year as a Clearway Community Solar customer, you help offset carbon emissions equivalent to:

• Driving over 16,400 miles removed from roads
• Planting 7.9 acres of forest in the United States
• Supporting local pollinator populations through native plantings

What Customers Say