NYC Community Solar: Lower Your ConEd Bill Without a Roof
Updated July 3, 2026 · Independent guide by Meltek — not Con Edison
Most New Yorkers cannot put panels on a roof they do not own — which is exactly the problem community solar solves. You subscribe to a share of a solar project somewhere in the region, its output generates credits on your ConEd bill, and your effective cost of electricity drops.
New York's community solar market is among the largest in the country, and ConEd customers have been setting participation records. Renters are the core audience.
How the credits work
You sign up with a community solar provider (not ConEd itself), which allocates you a share of a project's output. The credits land on your ConEd bill, and you pay the provider for them — at a discount, which is where your savings come from. Terms vary by provider: typical offers discount the credits by some percentage, with no equipment and no change to your ConEd service.
Nothing about your physical electricity changes; this is a billing arrangement layered on the same grid power.
Income-eligible households get more
ConEd's savings pages include community solar offers specifically for income-eligible renters and homeowners, and New York programs have directed extra value to households on assistance. If you are EAP-enrolled, check the income-eligible community solar path first — the economics are typically better than open-market offers.
Vetting a provider
The market is legitimate but uneven. Before signing:
- Confirm the discount structure (percentage off credit value beats vague “savings up to” claims)
- Check cancellation terms — good subscriptions have no or short exit penalties
- Confirm there is no upfront fee and no credit check surprise
- Read how credits appear on your ConEd bill and how you pay the provider
- Search the provider's name with “complaints” — five minutes of diligence filters the bad actors
Frequently asked questions
- Can renters in NYC get community solar?
- Yes — renters are the primary audience. No roof, equipment, or landlord permission is involved; it is a subscription that applies credits to your ConEd bill.
- How much does community solar save on a ConEd bill?
- Savings come from paying a discounted rate for the bill credits your share generates. Discount structures vary by provider and offer, so compare the effective percentage rather than headline claims.
- Does community solar change my ConEd service?
- No. ConEd still delivers your power and bills you; the solar credits and the provider charge are additional line items in the arrangement.
- Is community solar a scam?
- The model is legitimate and state-supported, but providers vary in quality. Vet cancellation terms, fees, and reviews before subscribing — and be wary of door-to-door signups that rush you.
Official Con Edison pages for this topic
Meltek is an independent Con Edison Smart Usage Partner, not Con Edison. Program details, amounts, and deadlines are set by Con Edison and change over time — always confirm on the official pages above.
Turn peak hours into payouts
Meltek pays ConEd customers cash for reducing electricity use during summer demand response events. Free to join with your ConEd account — no devices required, leave anytime.
See if your home qualifies