Austin Energy has launched a new solar program that is the first of it’s kind in the industry. The Solar Standard Offer Program will let commercial customers lease out their rooftops and/or parking lots for solar installations—at no cost to themselves—and to be compensated for the solar power generated.
The program will allow property owners who might not otherwise have the finances, credit or possibly just not the interest to invest in solar themselves, to receive the benefits of solar. Participating solar contractors will finance, install and maintain the solar systems, and Austin Energy will purchase the energy produced at a set rate. System capacity must be between 50 kW and 10 megawatts.
The energy produced supports Austin Energy’s Community Solar Program, which offers renewable energy to residential customers, including low-income customers who participate in the Customer Assistance Program (CAP). The program contributes to the AE’s climate, affordability, and energy sustainability goals.
Program Participants
- System Host: An existing Austin Energy commercial customer willing to host a community solar project on their property.
- System Owner: Either the system host or a third party that leases space from the system host to install and operate a solar system for the Community Solar program.
- Participating Solar Contractor: The solar installation company applying for permits and installs the solar system.
Applications opened on January 14th. See more details and apply:
Phase Two: Residential & Small Commercial Installations
The program is already preparing to expand! On Wednesday, January 29, Austin Energy hosted the first in a series of stakeholder meetings to develop this expansion to include small commercial and residential installations.
- You can watch a recording of the meeting on YouTube.
At least two more stakeholder meetings will be held regarding this topic:
- April 2, 2025: 2pm–3:30pm – Teams Link
- June 18, 2025: 2pm–3:30pm – Teams Link
Check back here and on our social media for updates on future meetings.