Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rebate & Incentives
Install Rooftop Solar on Your Home
Are you thinking about going solar? Solar PV systems are clean, quiet, and efficient ways of generating renewable energy at your home. Austin Energy provides solar education to help you become an informed shopper and offers a rebate to help you with your purchase.
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Description
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Incentive
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Eligibility
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How to Apply
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Find a contractor
Solar Rebates Available When You Learn
You can earn a $2,500 rebate by completing our solar education course and installing a qualifying solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your home.
Austin Energy wants to help you have the best experience and make the best investment possible.
With the Austin Energy Residential Solar Rebate program you can:
- Reduce your energy bill.
- Improve our environment.
- Get the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
- Earn an Austin Energy rebate of $2,500.
How to Earn A Rebate
- Meet eligibility requirements.
- Complete the Austin Energy Solar Education Course.
- Take a short quiz to confirm you understand the materials.
- Select a Participating Contractor. Your Participating Contractor will complete the rebate application on your behalf.
Austin Energy Solar Education Course
We know that shopping for solar takes careful consideration. The Austin Energy Solar Education Course gives you the knowledge you need to have a positive solar experience. Bienvenido al programa de Educación Solar de Austin Energy. Utilice este enlace para tomar el curso en español.
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The Solar Education Course covers topics such as:
- How your solar system will impact your utility bill through Value of Solar bill credits
- How to shop for solar and what is involved
- How to earn a rebate from Austin Energy
- How to design and size your system
- What common solar terms and phrases you may hear
- How shade impacts solar panels
- How battery storage works with solar panels
- What questions to ask solar contractors
- What to consider if you need to finance your solar project
Austin Energy Rebate
You can earn a $2,500 rebate by completing our solar education course and installing a qualifying solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your home. Austin Energy does not offer additional rebates for battery systems.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
You may qualify for a federal tax credit based on the cost of your solar PV system, including labor costs.
Learn more about solar tax credits and other energy efficiency improvements from ENERGY STAR®.
Property Tax Exemption
Your solar PV system may qualify for a property tax exemption.
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Prerequisites
- You must have an Austin Energy residential electric utility account.
- The solar PV system must be connected to an Austin Energy residential electric account where the PV system will be installed.
Requirements
- You must complete the Austin Energy Solar Education Course prior to applying for a rebate.
- You must use an Austin Energy Participating Contractor to install your solar PV system - see the Find a Contractor tab.
- The solar PV system must be 3kW (DC) or larger, and mostly free of shading.
- You must apply for and receive an Austin Energy Solar Rebate Confirmation Letter prior to system installation in order to be eligible for Austin Energy rebates and incentives.
Exclusions
- Third-party solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are not allowed in the Austin Energy service territory.
- Homes with existing solar PV systems are not eligible to participate in this program.
- Leased solar PV systems are not eligible to participate in this program.
See our residential solar incentive guidelines for more detailed information and requirements (pdf)
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How to Apply for a Rebate
- Meet eligibility requirements.
- Complete the Austin Energy Solar Education Course or utilice este enlace para tomar el curso en español.
- Take a short quiz to confirm you understand the materials.
- Select a Participating Contractor.
Your Participating Contractor will complete the rebate application on your behalf.
Tips for Applying
- The Austin Energy Solar Education Course gives you the knowledge to speak confidently with solar installation contractors, know the right questions to ask, and be able to compare solar proposals. Utilice este enlace para tomar el curso en español
- While the course can be completed in about 30 minutes, we encourage you go through it at your own pace.
- Once you have completed the course, you will need to complete a short quiz and start a rebate application in a single session. You cannot save your information and start again later.
- To start the rebate application, be prepared to provide your:
- electric utility account number (found on your electric bill)
- address
- ZIP code
- contact information
- Bookmark the course so you can revisit the materials later as a refresher.
- Your Participating Contractor will complete the application on your behalf.
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Solar Installation Inspections
All solar energy systems that are installed in Austin must pass a final inspection before they can be turned on. Participating solar installation contractors will request all necessary inspections from Austin Energy.
Only the participating solar contractors listed here are eligible to offer Austin Energy’s rebate and incentives to customers who install solar power at their home or business.
All participating contractors must abide by the Austin Energy Code of Conduct and Ethical Requirements (pdf) and the Austin Energy Solar Incentive Program Contractor Handbook (pdf) to remain on our participating contractors list.
You may still choose to use a solar company that is not listed here, but they cannot offer you a solar rebate or incentive from Austin Energy. Austin Energy recommends that all customers check references and get at least three quotes.
The selection of a participating contractor to perform work is the sole decision of the property owner and/or authorized lessee/occupant. Inclusion in this directory does not represent an endorsement by Austin Energy of any product, individual, or company. No work is guaranteed or warranty expressed or implied, and Austin Energy makes no guarantees as to the quality, cost, or effectiveness of the products provided and work performed by the contractor, employees, or subcontractors.
Additional Documents:
- Residential Solar Rebate Guidelines (pdf)
- Reembolso Solar Fotovoltaico (PV) Residencial Guías del Programa y Formulario de Acuerdo del Cliente (pdf)
- Helpful Questions to Ask Participating Solar Contractors (pdf)
- Preguntas útiles que pueden hacerles los clientes de energía solar a los contratistas (pdf)
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation Steps (pdf)
- Residential Solar Rate Schedule (pdf)