Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my LIHEAP or other energy & heating benefits if I sign up on community solar?
No. Community solar will not impact your other benefits. Community solar is an additional service that can lower your total electric costs
Are you guaranteeing 10% savings every month on the community solar program?
While you will see credits on your electricity bill every month, that amount will vary due to seasonality. During winter months when the sun is not shining as much, your solar farm produces less energy. In turn, your subscription generates fewer credits (the credits are what act as a discount off your utility bill). But in sunnier months when your solar farm is producing more energy, you may be banking extra credits—more than you may need. Those extra credits may accrue and be used in later months, like during the winter.
Where will I see my discounts?
You will see the credits generated for your portion of the solar farm directly on your utility bill from Eversource East. Different utilities call them different names, but in Massachusetts it will appear as “Net Metering Credit”.
Your Perch bill may come 1-3 months after you've already received credits for that given time period. For example, if in June you earned $100 credit discount off your utility bill, you may pay Perch $90 for those credits in August—still netting you with $10 savings but not during the same exact month. It’s important to think of community solar as a program that helps you save over time. Because every month may not look the same.
What is the cost/fees associated with this program?
Joining your state’s community solar program is free! Think of it as a reward for supporting renewable energy. States receive funding from the government and are incentivized to increase their clean energy generation to meet America’s aggressive carbon-zero goals. Community solar developers and solar farm owners get a piece of those incentives in the form of tax breaks, while subscribers like you, receive a discount off your bill. This entices more people to participate in community solar and ensures everyone is benefitting from clean energy. It's a win for you, a win for states, and a win for the planet.
If I am not able to pay my bill on time, will you disconnect my electricity?
No. Perch does not control electricity flow to your residence. However, you should be sure to pay your regular electricity bill because your community solar subscription may not cover your total electricity charges for each of your monthly charges. If you do not pay your Perch bill, you will be removed from the solar farm and you will no longer receive discounted credits.
Are you switching me from the utility or my retail energy supplier?
No. While Perch works directly with your utility to provide you savings, we are not affiliated with your utility, we do not replace your utility, and we are not a third-party electricity supplier. You will still have your regular electricity utility account after signing up for community solar.