1. Check Availability
Community solar is only available in certain states, and each of our gardens has limited space. Simply enter your zip code and your utility provider to instantly see if you’re eligible.
Energy Assistance
Accepted Programs
Do You Qualify?
To qualify for SunShare’s Energy Assistance Program, you must currently meet one of the following criteria:
- Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line for your family size.
- Your household income is at or below 80% of the area median income for your area.
SunShare uses your participation in a needs-based Federal, State, Tribal, or utility program with income limits at or below the levels listed above to determine your eligibility. Below is a list of assistance programs that qualify. If you are currently receiving or have received benefits from one of these programs within the last 12 months, you are eligible. If you have participated in another state or regional program that follows these guidelines but is not listed, you may still be eligible. SunShare will never directly ask for proof of income.
3. Track Your Impact
Securing your spot in one of our local solar gardens today ensures that your subscription will start generating clean, local energy as soon as possible. Once you’re placed in a local solar garden, you’ll start receiving credits on your utility bill, where you can track the impact of your contribution to a cleaner, brighter planet.
- Energy Outreach Colorado
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
- MinnesotaCare
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP)
- Head Start (income qualifying standard)
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid/Medical Assistance
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for 1 and 2 person households
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Lifeline (discounted phone and internet service)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribally administered Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
If you are not receiving benefits from any of the above programs but are a part of another state or regional program that also meets these income requirements, you may still qualify. Select “other” on the sign-up form, and SunShare will review this program to ensure it meets the criteria.
What Documents Can I Upload?
To confirm your eligibility for SunShare’s Energy Assistance Program, you simply need to upload program documentation from the past 12 months showing your participation in one of the accepted assistance programs.
This could be an award letter, benefit statement, a program participation card (e.g., SNAP card) or any other official documentation indicating current participation with your legal name on it. Please note, the name of the household member receiving benefits must match the name on the household’s Xcel Energy account and community solar subscription. No additional personal information, such as your social security number or other personal details, should be uploaded. Our goal is to make the process as simple and secure as possible for you.
If you have any questions regarding qualifying documents, please feel free to reach out to our friendly customer care team at customercare@mysunshare.com
