Chugach Community Solar

Chugach Community Solar
Chugach is preparing to launch Alaska’s first community solar program that will allow members to voluntarily subscribe and receive solar energy from the project. Chugach’s plan is for a 500-kilowatt (kW) AC, four-acre community solar project with about 1,560 panels to be built next to its Retherford Substation on E. 94th Avenue next to the railroad tracks, about a half mile south of the Dimond Center. Members may voluntarily subscribe to pay for 1 to 20 panels and have the energy from those panels credited to their bill. After a one-year minimum subscription, members may continue or end their subscription at any time.

The project is expected to start producing power in summer 2025. The cost of subscriptions will be announced after proposals are received and other costs are finalized.

Chugach will provide several months for members to enroll for community solar in advance of the start date. If there is more interest than panels available, a random drawing will occur to determine who receives subscriptions and who is placed on a waiting list.

To receive project updates and announcements of when enrollment begins, please fill in the interest form below.

Interest Form

AKPIRG Support Letter

What is Community Solar?

Community solar is a shared solar energy program that allows multiple individuals or organizations to subscribe to a central solar facility. By subscribing, participants receive credits on their electricity bills that reflect their share of the energy produced. This setup enables subscribers to benefit from clean, renewable solar energy without paying a large upfront cost, and without having to install solar panels on their own property, making solar accessible to more people including renters and those without suitable rooftop space.

Who can participate?

If you're a current Chugach member, you’re eligible! The program will be open to all retail members, including residential, small general service, and large general service members.

Where is the project located?

The 500 kW AC community solar project will have 1,560 panels and will be built on Chugach-owned land adjacent to the Retherford Substation located at 800 East 94^th Avenue.

Timeline

Feb 2024 – Chugach received regulatory approval
Jul 2024 – Chugach issued a request for proposals to build the solar facility
Jan 2025 – Winning bid was awarded
Feb 2025 – Updated filing submitted to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA)*
Mar 2025 – RCA approved Community Solar filing
April 2025 – Initial enrollments open
May 2025 – Initial enrollments close; lottery conducted if needed
Jun 2025 – Substantial construction expected to be completed
Jul 2025 – Chugach Community Solar launched

*The project is expected to receive the federal Investment Tax Credit. All tax credit savings reduce subscription costs.