SolarSME, Inc.
Trusted Solar Installation
Company in Austin, TX
Go Solar with Austin’s Local Solar Experts
Why Austin Property Owners are Considering Solar?
Austin residents and businesses use solar power for various reasons, such as cutting down electricity usage and maximum grid independence.
Save on Residential Electricity Bills
The appropriately designed residential solar power system installed in Austin will be able to offset household electricity usage.
Reduce Grid Electricity Use
Produce electricity on-site and use maximum solar energy during the day.
Power During Outages
Solar + Battery Storage combination can be used as backup electricity source during blackouts for certain essential loads.
More Energy Independence
Produce more own electricity to increase independence from the grid.
Contribute to Austin Clean-Energy Targets:
Austin keeps expanding solar and energy-storage capacities as part of long-term generation plan.
Are You Actually an Austin Energy Customer?
Before evaluating Austin Energy solar rebate program or the Value of Solar credit, one needs to confirm which electric utility provider covers the property.
Austin Energy is a city utility; however, the entire Austin metropolitan area exceeds the boundaries of Austin Energy’s electric coverage area. Other areas in the vicinity of Austin such as Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, and Bee Cave could possibly use electric providers PEC or Bluebonnet.
How to Check Your Utility?
Review your current bill for the name of your utility or details about your account.
If your home uses power from Austin Energy
The solar rebate offered by Austin Energy along with its Value of Solar program could be applicable if you fulfill the eligibility criteria.
If your home uses power from either PEC or Bluebonnet
The solar rebate and Value of Solar program offered by Austin Energy will not apply to you, and the value of your solar system will need to be determined with reference to the current rates, interconnection guidelines, and incentives of the relevant utility.
This point is particularly significant in the case of choosing solar companies in Austin, Texas, since a quote based on the Austin Energy incentives may not apply to all Austin homes.
Austin's Solar Incentives are a Major Advantage
For qualifying Austin Energy customers, the local solar incentive structure can make Austin one of the more attractive major Texas markets for solar.
$4,000 Austin Energy Residential Solar Rebate
Currently, Austin Energy offers a rebate of $4,000 for residential solar installations for qualifying projects. The current requirements include at least a 3 kW-DC solar system, installation of the project through an Austin Energy Participating Contractor, and completion of the utility’s solar education process.
It is important to note that the system should be new, and the rebate confirmation must be received prior to installing the solar system.
Value of Solar: 9.91¢/kWh
Unlike conventional 1:1 net metering, the Value of Solar (VoS) program at Austin Energy is different. Currently, solar production is credited at a rate of 9.91¢/kWh for systems less than 1 MW-AC and a rate of 7.24¢/kWh for systems of 1 MW-AC and greater.
Austin Energy notes that the customer is being charged for their electricity usage while being credited for their solar usage. It is possible to accumulate unused credits on a monthly basis.
Texas Property Tax Exemption for Solar
Qualifying solar energy devices can also benefit from Texas’s property-tax exemption under Tax Code §11.27. This is a statewide provision rather than an Austin-specific incentive.
What Makes Austin Solar Different?
Austin’s solar market has several characteristics that make proper system design particularly important.
| Austin Solar Factor | Current Information | Saving Potential |
| Austin Energy Residential Rebate | $4,000 for qualifying systems | Can reduce the upfront cost of an eligible residential solar system |
| Solar Bill Credit | 9.91¢/kWh for systems under 1 MW-AC | Solar production receives a defined utility bill credit |
| Large-System Solar Credit | 7.24¢/kWh for systems 1 MW-AC and larger | Commercial/large-scale solar projects require different evaluation |
| Minimum Residential System | 3 kW-DC or larger | Smaller solar systems do not qualify for the residential rebate |
| Participating Contractor | Required for Austin Energy solar incentives | Contractor eligibility matters before solar installation |
| PPA | Third-party residential PPAs are not eligible for the rebate | Financing structure can affect incentive eligibility |
| Utility Territory | Austin Energy, PEC, and Bluebonnet serve the broader Austin area | Your actual utility determines which program applies |
Solar + Battery Storage: Maximize Grid Independence in Austin
Solar panels alone do not automatically keep you powered during a grid outage. Austin Energy notes that solar systems shut off during outages unless an appropriate battery system is installed.
The solar battery in Austin allows you to back up certain circuits and accumulate energy for further consumption. Currently, there is also the Power Partner Battery program from Austin Energy that awards those clients who have eligible batteries; the eligibility for the program at the moment of purchase should be verified first.
Our Solar Services in Austin
Solar SME offers tailored energy solutions to Austin residents, business and property owners. Our services include:
Residential Solar Installation in Austin
Customized residential solar panels in Austin designed around your home's electricity usage, roof space, shading, and energy goals.
Commercial Solar Installation in Austin
Commercial solar solutions in Austin designed around your business's electricity consumption, property characteristics, system requirements, and long-term energy objectives.
Solar Battery Installation
Our solar battery installation in Austin helps store excess solar energy and can provide backup power for selected essential loads.
Solar O&M Services in Austin
Our solar maintenance services in Austin help existing systems operate reliably and efficiently through inspection, monitoring, troubleshooting, and ongoing support.
Solar Panel Removal & Reinstall
Our solar panel removal and reinstallation service in Austin helps safely remove and reinstall existing panels when roof replacement or other property work requires temporary removal.
EV Charger Installation
Our EV charger installation in Austin provides convenient charging solutions for homeowners and businesses supporting electric vehicle ownership.
Why Choose Solar SME in Austin?
Making the switch to solar is about more than installing panels. It’s about having the right team behind your investment. Solar SME helps Austin residents navigate the process with tailored system designs, latest solar technology, and professional installation. From evaluating your property to getting your system up and running, we’re committed to delivering a smooth solar experience built around your energy goals.
- 10+ Years of Solar Experience
- In-House Certified Solar Team
- Local Solar Expertise
- High-Quality Tier-1 Equipment
- Professional Installation
- Industry-Leading Warranties
Step 1:
Property Type
Step 2:
Financing Options
Step 3:
Enter Your Current Electric
Bill & System Preferences
$
(your best estimate is fine)
Every property has different energy needs. Solar SME can evaluate your electricity usage
and help you explore a solar, battery, or energy solution designed around your property.
Calculate your Solar Savings with
Solar SME Smart Solar Calculator NOW!
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar can be a strong option for Austin homeowners and businesses, particularly for eligible Austin Energy customers who can access the current solar rebate and Value of Solar program. Your actual solar benefits depend on your utility, electricity consumption, property, system design, and eligibility.
Austin Energy currently advertises a $4,000 residential solar rebate for qualifying customers and systems. Current requirements include using a participating contractor and meeting the utility's program requirements.
The rebate is available to qualifying Austin Energy residential customers who meet the program requirements. The current program requires a new solar system of at least 3 kW-DC, use of an Austin Energy Participating Contractor, and completion of the required rebate process before installation.
Check your current electricity bill or utility account information. You can also verify your utility through the applicable utility's service information before evaluating Austin Energy's solar incentives.
Yes, if you want to qualify for Austin Energy solar rebates and incentives. Austin Energy states that only participating solar contractors are eligible to offer its solar rebates and incentives.
Yes. Before designing the system around the Austin Energy incentive, your utility service should be confirmed. Solar SME can then evaluate your electricity usage, property, and solar goals.
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