About Renewable Energy

About Renewable Energy Solutions

Learn, Connect and Join Austin’s Renewable Energy Movement

Austin Energy is committed to providing affordable and innovative renewable energy options. Whether you rent, own, or run a school, business, multi-family building or nonprofit, we have options for you. We offer rebates to help lower the cost of installing solar and simple programs you can join to support clean energy.

Illustration of windmills, solar panels, and power lines powering Austin

Renewable Energy Milestones & Innovation Highlights

Austin Energy has spent over three decades transforming the energy landscape in Texas and beyond. As your municipal utility, we've worked with our community to pioneer programs, rates and initiatives that deliver real impacts — environmentally, economically and socially.

  • 1995 - 2006: Pioneering Clean Energy in Texas
    • Solar Explorers: One of the first community solar programs in the nation, allowing customers to contribute to local solar projects in the late 1990s
    • Solar Pioneers: One of the first utility owned solar-on-customer-rooftop programs in the nation in the late 1990s
    • Wind Energy Pioneers: Among the first utilities in Texas to purchase power from the state’s first commercial wind plant, setting a precedent for renewable leadership
    • First in the Nation: Introduced the first green power pricing program, GreenChoice®, in 2001 - now a national model
    • Solar in Schools: Installed solar systems at local schools to educate students and communities about renewable energy
    • Residential and Commercial Solar Incentives: Rolled out early rebate programs for homeowners and businesses to reduce the upfront cost of going solar
    • Solar Market Leadership:  Launched business and nonprofit solar rebates in 2004, igniting local market growth and shaping national best practices
    • Solar Industry Partners: Meets monthly with solar contractors to ensure coordination and streamlined processes
  • 2006 - 2018: Scaling Solar and Building Infrastructure
    • City of Austin Solar Installations: Added solar systems to City facilities, lowering energy costs and demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy
    • Innovative Rate Design: Created the Value of Solar Tariff in 2012 as a sustainable solution to equitable compensation for local solar generation
    • Solar Education Course: Developed a self-paced online course to help residents and contractors understand solar energy systems and decision-making
    • SolSmart Gold Designee:  Recognized in 2016 for making it faster, easier and more affordable to go solar. This top-tier designation reflects a strong commitment to solar energy through streamlined permitting, updated policies, and local leadership
    • Community Solar Trailblazer: Delivered inclusive solar access through programs benefiting low- to moderate-income households. First Green-e certified community solar program 
    • Palmer Event Center Community Solar: Delivered the first community solar project at a major city venue, providing access to solar for renters and residents unable to install rooftop systems
    • La Loma Community Solar: Launched the city's second community solar project, expanding affordable solar access in East Austin
  • 2018 - Present: Innovating for Equity, Resilience and Growth
    • Shared Solar Pilot: Created a pilot program to allow multifamily and shared-meter properties to benefit from on-site solar energy
    • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Community Solar: Brought clean power to airport operations and offered customers the option to subscribe through community solar 
    • Solar Standard Offer Program: Developed a performance-based incentive to accelerate commercial solar adoption and grow the local solar market
    • Sustainability & Innovation Recognition: Partnered with the Austin Business Journal to create the Renewable Energy & Sustainability Awards for clean energy leadership
Expand All

Calendar of Events

To request access to our Solar Contractor meetings, please fill out this form to be added to our email distribution list.

Upcoming Events
Date & Location Event Audience Info
June 26, 2025 Administrative Contractor Meeting

Offers solar contractors training in program application processes and requirements

 Solar Contractors Sign Up
July 17, 2025 General Contractor Meeting

Offers Participating Contractors quarterly program updates

 Solar Contractors
 Sign Up
August 21, 2025 Technical Contractor Meeting

Offers solar contractors training in Austin-specific permitting, inspection and interconnection requirements

 Solar Contractors
 Sign Up

Contractor meeting recordings are also available on Austin Energy’s YouTube channel. Login is not required.

Learn More

Contact Us

Date last reviewed or modified: 06/23/2025