Date last reviewed or modified: 05/27/2025
Solar Screens and Window Replacement
Keep the Heat Out and Save Your Residents Money
You may earn rebates to install solar treatments or new windows in rental units on your multifamily property.
Solar screens are a window mesh made of fabric which reduces heat gain from the sun and provides glare and UV control. Solar screens can reduce the heat gain from sunlight by up to 65%.
We can also help if windows need to be replaced. Upgrading a property with Low-E windows allow for visible light to pass through while blocking UV light. This reduces the summer heat gain and cooling load.
Low-E windows keep the heat out in the summer and the heat in during the winter. They also:
- Improve curb appeal
- Standardize window appearance
- Hide apartment interiors
- Block up to 80% of the sun’s heat
- Lower cooling bills
- Allow fewer UV rays through the windows
- Increase daytime privacy
Replacing old windows with Low-E windows lowers heat flow and saves energy. Low-E windows are covered with an invisible metal layer that blocks heat and damaging UV rays.
Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. The Low-E coatings keep the temperature in your home consistent by reflecting the interior temperatures back inside.
Financing is Available
Affordable, long-term financing is available to cover the cost for energy efficiency, water conservation, and onsite generation technologies.
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Incentive
Rebate ranges from $2.75 to $3.00 per sq. ft. when SHGC is 0.30 or less for solar screens and 0.25 or less for low e windows. Only existing single or double pane windows are eligible to receive this rebate.
Download the Multifamily Program Rebate Summary (pdf) for details
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Eligibility
Program Requirements
- Guidelines and Requirements: Multifamily Standard Rebates (pdf)
- Guidelines and Requirements: Multifamily Income Qualified Rebates (pdf)
Specific Requirements
Solar Screens:
- Single pane and double pane windows are eligible and Low-E windows are not eligible.
- Windows that are in permanently shaded walkways or that are located under overhangs longer than 72 inches (6 feet) are not eligible for rebates.
- All solar screens shall have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or lower.
- Windows facing north and northeast (342 to 30 degrees) are not eligible for rebates.
Low E Windows:
- Single pane and double pane windows are eligible for replacement. Low-E windows are not eligible.
- Windows that are in permanently shaded walkways or that are located under overhangs longer than 72 inches (6 feet) are not eligible for rebates.
- Maximum solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.25 and Energy Star rated
- Windows facing north and northeast (342 to 30 degrees) are not eligible for rebates.
Comply with ECAD to Qualify for Rebate
If your multifamily property is 10 years or older and located within the Austin city limits, you must be in compliance with the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance before receiving a rebate check. ECAD promotes energy efficiency by identifying potential energy savings for your property.
Properties that have not completed an ECAD audit are eligible to receive a rebate (capped at $2,500) to cover the audit cost. Get ECAD audit rebate details
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How to Apply
Getting Started
Provide your contact information. We have streamlined our process to get you started quickly!
Application
- An Austin Energy representative will contact you to collect information about your multifamily community and determine rebate eligibility.
- We will provide trained staff to help complete and submit the application.
- Once your application has been accepted, a participating contractor will schedule a site visit to develop and review the scope of work with you.
Installation
- Austin Energy will issue a Letter of Intent (LOI) and the participating contractor will have 120 days to complete the installation.
- Austin Energy staff will conduct real time inspections to keep the project on time and ensure a quality project.
Final Inspection
- An Austin Energy Program Coordinator will schedule a final inspection with the property manager or owner to confirm that all work was performed to expectations.
- The rebate will be paid to the contractor if authorized by the account holder.
Contact Austin Energy for More Information
Call 512-482-5346 or email Multifamily Rebates if you have any questions about our rebates.
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Find a Contractor
Find a Participating Contractor
You must have a participating contractor install the equipment to qualify for this offering. Austin Energy recommends that you get at least three different estimates from any of the contractors listed on this page.
Participating contractors must comply with all program requirements and conduct business in an honest, professional, and ethical manner. All participating contractors must abide by the Austin Energy Code of Conduct and Ethical Requirements (pdf).
CompanyPhoneThe 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.
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Disclaimer
Rebates are paid only after Austin Energy has approved the rebate application and conducted any necessary site inspections. All installed equipment must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including building code and permitting requirements. Offerings, program requirements, and rebate levels are subject to change without notice. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum combined rebate is $300,000 per customer site per fiscal year (October through September).