Austin Energy operates one of Texas's largest community solar programs, letting customers subscribe to a share of utility-owned arrays without rooftop panels. Income-qualified customers receive deep bill credits through Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program partnerships.
Austin Energy's Community Solar program lets residential customers subscribe to a share of utility-owned solar arrays at the LCRA Decker site and other utility installations and receive bill credits for the energy produced. Subscribers pay no upfront cost and avoid rooftop installation altogether, making solar accessible to renters, condo dwellers, and shaded properties. Subscriptions transfer between Austin Energy service addresses if the customer moves. The program reserves a substantial portion of capacity for income-qualified Customer Assistance Program participants, who receive enhanced bill credits funded by sustainability charges. The program complements Austin's Climate Equity Plan target of community-wide net-zero by 2040. Texas does not preempt utility-owned community solar in municipally owned utilities like Austin Energy.
Not applicable as a regulatory ordinance. Customers who breach subscription terms may have their share reassigned and lose enhanced CAP credits, but no civil or criminal penalties attach to enrolling, exiting, or transferring a community solar share.
Austin, TX
Austin Energy and Austin Development Services run an expedited Solar PV permit pathway for typical residential rooftop systems. Standardized plans, online su...
Austin, TX
Solar panel installations in Austin require a building permit through Austin Development Services. Residential rooftop systems must comply with the Internati...
See how Austin's community solar rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.