Common Energy Surpasses 1GW in Community Solar, With 500MW Operational

US community solar provider Common Energy has surpassed 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar projects under management, with more than 500 megawatts (MW) operational and generating renewable electricity. Announced on 12 November 2026, the milestone covers more than 280 projects across 11 states and Washington, D.C. The company says its managed portfolio supplies approximately 700 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity to the US grid annually, while helping households and businesses reduce their electricity costs.

Common Energy currently serves more than 26,000 electricity accounts, including over 5,000 low-income households, generating approximately $650,000 in combined monthly electricity bill savings. Community solar allows households, businesses and nonprofit organisations to subscribe to shared solar projects without installing panels on their properties. Subscribers receive credits or savings on their electricity bills, while the projects generate renewable power for the local grid. Typical community solar installations range from 1 MW to 8 MW and can help utilities meet state renewable electricity requirements.

 

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Founded in 2017, Common Energy has expanded from New York into markets including Illinois, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and Oregon. Its portfolio connects to 22 major utilities, including ComEd, Ameren, National Grid, Consolidated Edison, Xcel Energy and Baltimore Gas & Electric. The company currently works with 15 solar project developers and manages more than 180 operational projects through its technology platform.

Richard Keiser, Founder and CEO of Common Energy, said, "Together, we’ve built a platform of renewable energy assets and software that provides 700 million kWh of clean electricity to the grid annually, and helps thousands of households save money by making energy more affordable."

Common Energy's platform provides project and subscriber management, utility integration, payment collection monitoring and financial reporting services. Chief Operating Officer Christophe Charpentier said the company's experience managing operational solar assets helps developers improve project performance. The expansion highlights the growing role of community solar in broadening renewable energy access, particularly for households unable to install rooftop systems, while supporting electricity affordability and clean energy deployment across the United States.