If you’ve recently signed up—or are thinking about signing up—for community solar in New York, you might be wondering: How do the solar credits actually show up on my utility bill?
It’s a smart question, and the answer is one of the things that makes community solar so appealing. At PureSky Energy, we’re here to break it down clearly, so you know what to expect when the savings start rolling in.
When you join a community solar program, you subscribe to a portion of a local solar farm. The panels on that farm generate electricity and send it into the power grid. Your share of the energy produced earns you solar credits, which are applied to your monthly electric bill.
Think of it like a rewards program—but instead of points, you’re earning dollars off your utility costs.
Community solar doesn’t replace your electricity provider—it simply adds credits to your utility bill. If you're a customer of Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson, or another New York utility, you stay with them.
Each month, your share of the solar farm produces a certain amount of electricity. That production is translated into dollar-value credits, which reduce the charges on your utility bill.
With PureSky Energy, you typically save 10% off the value of the credits. That means if you get $100 in credits on your bill, you pay just $90 to PureSky—and keep the $10 difference.
Once your subscription is active, your utility bill will show a new section, often labeled something like:
This section lists the value of the credits applied to that billing cycle, which reduce the total amount you owe to the utility.
As the name implies, in this system you'll receive two bills. Your utility bill will have the solar credits applied to it. You’ll receive a separate bill from PureSky for the discounted cost of the credits. So, while you’ll still see a utility bill, your total out-of-pocket cost will be lower than if you weren’t subscribed.
Let’s say:
What you pay:
As you may have guessed, consolidated billing means you receive only one bill from your utility. This option definitely offers a better customer experience, and PureSky is working on moving our older community solar programs to consolidated billing.
Let’s say:
What you pay:
Unlike rooftop solar, community solar doesn’t require you to install anything on your home or make a long-term commitment. It’s one of the most accessible, flexible, and affordable ways to participate in New York’s clean energy transition.
PureSky Energy is here to guide you through every step—from enrollment to understanding your bill. Our mission is to help more New Yorkers plug into clean, local energy and lower their monthly costs—without the fine print or frustration.
Join thousands of New Yorkers already saving with community solar. Ready to get started?
Check your eligibility today ➜ What is Community Solar? | Community Solar | PureSky Energy