Austin Energy adds record 18.8 megawatts of local solar to the grid

November 10, 2025

Austin Energy added a record 18.8 megawatts (MW) of new local solar power to the grid this year—an unprecedented achievement that reflects Austin’s growing investment in renewable energy, community collaboration and innovation.

The milestone represents 749 new solar projects across the city, including 690 residential systems and 59 commercial installations, all of which contribute to cleaner air, lower energy costs, and a more resilient local grid.

With this achievement, Austin Energy now supports 188 MW of total local solar capacity. The utility is now just 17 MW away from reaching its 2027 goal of 205 MW of active local solar capacity.

“Local solar is a cornerstone of Austin’s clean energy future,” said Stuart Reilly, Austin Energy General Manager. “Every system installed in Austin helps electric bills stay affordable and makes our city’s power generation portfolio even cleaner.”

Local solar generation delivers value far beyond clean energy. When electricity is produced close to where it’s used, it strengthens reliability, reduces transmission costs and keeps more energy dollars circulating within Austin’s economy. Every rooftop solar system helps

lower demand on the broader ERCOT grid, which can stabilize market prices during periods of high statewide usage.

Innovation Powering Progress, Driving Growth Across Austin

This year’s solar growth spans neighborhoods, schools, nonprofits and local businesses:

• The Capacity-Based Incentive Program supported solar installations at Eanes ISD and IDEA Public Schools, helping lower long-term operating costs and creating educational opportunities for students through Austin Energy’s classroom partnerships.
• Nonprofit housing development Pathways at Chalmers Court West, a 156-unit affordable housing community, installed a 209-kilowatt solar system through Austin Energy’s Shared Solar program, allowing residents to directly benefit from on-site solar generation.
• Commercial customer Applied Materials now operates the largest customer-owned solar system in Austin Energy’s history at 3.96 MW (AC).

Austin Energy’s recently launched initiatives, Shared Solar and the Solar Standard Offer, helped expand who can participate in local solar generation.

• Shared Solar connects multifamily residents to on-site solar systems, ensuring renters and low-income households can share in the benefits of clean energy.
• The Solar Standard Offer gives businesses and developers a clear, scalable model to invest in community solar. Within its first year, the program already has 14.5 MW of projects in queue and another 6.5 MW in development.