Has anyone had experience with their congregation subscribing to community solar? There are a lot of them out there, which one is the best? Have you encountered any surprises or problems?
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One lesson learned was a resistance to what people saw as an endorsement of a for profit service to congregants. This had two facets, a concern for liability from the house of worship if a congregant was unhappy and second that it was favoring a particular business earning a profit.
Personally, I think this happens all the time with fundraisers such as if a local business offers a percentage of the profits as a donation if people eat at their restaurant on a certain night etc. I think people generally know that they have choices on the products or services that they choose. Rather, if they were in the market for eating out or whatever, this choice would also benefit the organization.
So, back to the best practice... with this in mind I think it is really important to make clear that members should thoroughly research all their options and if they believe community solar is right for them (and the planet) choose the option that is right for them (as there are some other choices for community solar which are listed in the downloadable presentation on the website). Sample wording is also provided on the sample newsletter blurb on the website. The main point is that Community Solar has the potential to be a win-win-win... good for the planet, good for your pocketbook and good for your parish.