Solar electricity without solar panels: changes in consumption behavior due to community solar programs

How does electricity consumption behavior change with different energy sources? We seek to understand how consumers change their consumption behaviors when they begin to use renewable electricity via a community solar program. Previous research has found that consumers distinguish the power sources of electricity and even change their consumption behavior. Recent studies have explored changes in consumption associated with utility-run green electricity programs and rooftop solar, finding mixed results; however, studies on community solar programs are lacking. This study explores household-level consumption behavior after adopting solar electricity without panel installation. We use household-level monthly electricity consumption data from a large electric co-op in Georgia, U.S., ranging from 2015 to 2023, for both community solar subscribers and non-subscribers. We use staggered difference-in-differences, along with matching, to compare consumption changes before and after the subscription. Findings reveal that the consumption does not change after subscription, but subscribers' monthly bills increase by about 3–4 %, indicating they pay more to make the grid greener. This study will broaden the understanding of electricity sources and consumer behavior by adding the analysis of prevalent but under-studied community solar electricity programs in the U.S. Southeast context. It will help utility planners understand the changing demand as a result of renewable energy adoption.