Community solar projects are providing clean, affordable electricity in states around the country. According to a recent study, they are contributing other benefits, too.

In April, the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) released its analysis, “The Economic Impact of Community Solar Accelerating Jobs, Private Investment, and Local Economic Growth at Unmatched Speed.”

The analysis shows that community solar projects are contributing significant economic growth and jobs where they are installed. Referencing impact reports conducted in numerous states around the county, the analysis finds that, on average, 750 megawatts (MW) of community solar projects delivers approximately $2.1 billion in economic impact and creates over 14,000 local jobs.

Those are significant numbers at a time when states and their localities are facing the compound challenges of rapidly accelerating demand for clean energy and the need for economic growth.

The study notes that community solar developments have a unique advantage over large, utility-scale generation projects, which can sometimes take as long as a decade to install. In contrast, community solar arrays, which average in size around only 5 MW, can be online in as little as 12–18 months.

This delivers clean power with low up-front costs to households and businesses quickly and often in underserved, rural and low-income areas. It helps those communities become energy resilient and independent, and it spurs economic growth.

The analysis examined economic impact studies of community solar in numerous states. For example, a University of Washington study found that developing 500 MW of community solar over 10 years would generate $1.76 billion in gross state product, 16,521 job-years and $76 million in state tax revenue. Enabling policies would need to be adopted to support this dynamic.

An impact report for California found that the development of community solar there could deliver $12 billion in economic impact, including 25,000 full-time jobs.

Other impact reports project similar results in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.

A report at the national level estimates that community solar development could deliver $120 billion in total economic value across the county, including new jobs and investment.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 7.87 GW of community solar were in operation in the United States as of June 2024. Community solar projects are located in 44 states and localities, including the District of Columbia. However, most projects—over three-quarters of the total market—is concentrated in Florida, New York, Massachusetts and Minnesota.