For Your Multifamily Property

NOTE: all requirements listed in the program guidelines must be met in order to receive these incentives.

Who can apply

• Own a multifamily property with five or more residential Austin Energy electric accounts
• Be in good standing with the City of Austin (not listed in the Repeat Offender Program)
• Use an Austin Energy Participating Solar Contractor for the installation and incentive application. Apply before installation and receive a Letter of Intent (LOI) from Austin Energy
• A pre-construction meeting needs to be scheduled before the start of construction

For nonprofit applicants

• Provide 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) documentation
• Be eligible for, or collect, the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) if applicable

Exclusions

This program does not apply to:

• Commercial or master-metered accounts
• Systems procured through leases or third-party Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Common areas or office spaces within multifamily properties

For these, apply through the Commercial Solar Rebate Program.

1. Review the Solar Multifamily Capacity-Based Incentive (CBI) Program Guidelines (pdf).
2. Use a contractor from the Austin Energy Participating Solar Contractors directory. Austin Energy recommends that you get at least three estimates from different companies and check references.
3. The participating contractor that you select will submit an application to Austin Energy on your behalf.
4. Austin Energy will determine eligibility based on your application and issue a Letter of Intent (LOI) to you and the participating contractor.

What Happens Next?

1. The participating contractor will apply for necessary permits and install the solar system. (A preconstruction meeting is required.)
2. Austin Energy will conduct a final inspection of the installed system to ensure it meets electrical interconnection requirements and program guidelines. The participating contractor will request this inspection.
3. Once the system passes inspection, Austin Energy will release a solar meter and your contractor can energize your system.
4. Once the system is energized, you (or your contractor) will receive an incentive check in the mail and your tenants will see a solar bill credit on their monthly electric bill.

Only participating solar contractors 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.