Local Guide · Residential solar installers · Austin, TX
What does it take to go solar in Austin?
Austin Energy offers a home solar rebate and credits all the power a system produces at its Value of Solar rate. Here is how it works and what to check first.
Austin Energy customers can apply for a home solar rebate through the utility's Solar Rebate Quiz and a participating solar contractor. Austin Energy keeps billing standard residential rates for the power a home uses and gives a monthly bill credit for all the solar energy the system produces, called the Value of Solar rate.
Key facts for Austin, TX
- Austin Energy offers a rebate for eligible home solar projects.
- Austin Energy pays solar customers for all the power their system produces, through a monthly bill credit called the Value of Solar rate.
- Austin Energy solar customers continue to pay standard residential rates for the electricity their home uses.
- Austin Energy says a roof should get direct sunlight for at least 5 to 6 hours a day for panels to work effectively.
- Austin Energy recommends at least 10 years of roof life left before installing solar.
- Austin Energy says typical home systems need 200 to 400 square feet of roof space.
- Austin Energy keeps a list of participating solar contractors for its program.
How does Austin Energy credit solar?
Austin Energy keeps charging standard residential rates for the power your home uses. Separately, it gives a monthly bill credit for all the solar energy your system generates, at what it calls the Value of Solar rate. The rate is published on Austin Energy's Value of Solar page.
This differs from places where only exported power earns a credit, so ask installers to model savings using Austin Energy's actual structure.
How do you get the Austin Energy rebate?
Austin Energy offers a rebate for eligible home solar projects. It says to read its home solar guide, take the Solar Rebate Quiz, and work with a participating solar contractor from its list.
Is your Austin home a good fit?
Austin Energy says panels need direct sun for at least 5 to 6 hours a day, ideally without large trees or chimneys shading the roof. Panels produce the most facing south. Typical systems need 200 to 400 square feet of roof. It recommends at least 10 years of roof life left, and replacing a damaged roof first. It also suggests making efficiency upgrades before sizing a system.
What does Texas law add?
The seller and salesperson must be registered with TDLR, and the contract must name the licensed electrical contractor and let you cancel through the fifth business day after signing (TDLR).
How to choose a provider in Austin, TX
- Search the solar retailer and salesperson on TDLR's license search.
- Check the electrical contractor named in the contract.
- Ask your utility or retail provider for its buyback terms in writing.
- Confirm who gets the city permit and the utility's approval.
- Note the last day to cancel in the contract.
- Check your roof's age and shade before signing.
Nearby
Questions people ask
Does Austin Energy offer a solar rebate?
Yes, for eligible home solar projects. Start with Austin Energy's Solar Rebate Quiz and use a participating solar contractor.
How does Austin Energy pay for solar power?
It credits all the solar energy your system generates at its Value of Solar rate, while you keep paying standard residential rates for what your home uses.
How much sun does my Austin roof need?
Austin Energy says at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Should I replace my roof before solar?
Austin Energy recommends at least 10 years of roof life left, and replacing a damaged roof before installing.
Does my Austin solar seller need to register with the state?
Yes. Texas requires residential solar retailers and salespersons to be registered with TDLR.
Sources
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
