*Note:  This page will be updated once the new CEC Program is announced in 2026.

What is a community solar campaign and why should my municipality start one? 

Completing a Community Campaign can be an effective way to encourage adoption of community solar in your municipality while earning points in the CEC and Climate Smart Communities (CSC) programs for your municipality.  A community solar campaign can help residents save money on their electricity bill while advancing state and local clean energy goals.  Campaigns are typically short-term, local efforts that bring together groups of potential customers through widespread outreach and education.  Community Campaigns are eligible for points under the Climate Smart Communities Program.

In addition, the Regional Clean Energy Hub in our Region, Mid-Hudson Energy Choices, has Energy Advisors available to assist with campaigns and outreach to residents about clean energy.  Information about their team can be found here.  The Hub is a fantastic resource to share with your community, and advisors can help residents access programs to make their homes more comfortable & energy efficient; please do reach out to them.

How do I start a community solar campaign? 

Under previous rounds of the NYSERDA CEC Program, to get credit for completing a campaign, you first needed to fill out and submit a Scoping Document before you started counting sign-ups from residents.  Regardless of participation in the CEC Program, creating a plan for outreach, including your intended audience and how many folks you would like to have sign up is a great place to start planning for a campaign.  Please reach out to your CEC Coordinator for assistance in starting a campaign and completing a scoping document.  Find your Mid-Hudson CEC Coordinator here. If you live elsewhere in the state, you can use this list to find a coordinator.  You can learn more about earning credit under the CSC Program here.

How should my municipality choose community solar providers as partners? 

Although partnering with a community solar provider is not a requirement for a community solar campaign, it can make tracking registrations much easier.  To identify reputable community solar providers, please see the NYSERDA Community Solar Project Map.  

Community solar array on the roof of the Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains courtesy of DSD Renewables