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Texas Solar Guide
Municipal utility

Going Solar with Austin Energy

Austin Energy serves the city of Austin. If you’re installing rooftop solar here, this guide covers what you’ll pay for power, how you get credited for the energy you export, the interconnection process, and the fees to expect.

See what solar would actually save you on a Austin Energy bill — run a free estimate (no signup required).

Rates & getting paid for solar

Approx. bundled energy rate

12.0¢/kWh

Approx. solar export credit

9.9¢/kWh

As a municipal utility, Austin Energy both delivers your power and credits the solar energy you export — there’s no separate retail provider to choose. Rates shown are approximate; confirm current numbers with Austin Energy.

Rate figures are best-guess estimates from 2025 data and are not a quote.

Interconnection & permit fees

Budget roughly $348 for the additional solar meter, plus city permit fees. The ~$6,000 “interconnect study” fee applies only to larger systems that require a study — not a typical rooftop install. Austin Energy doesn’t even require DG approval for systems under 25 kW, which covers most rooftops.

Austin Energy offers a $2,500 rebate when you complete its solar education course and install a qualifying system.

Fees are approximate — verify against Austin Energy’s current fee schedule and your local building department.

How to connect: step by step

Pull your local permits

Get a building & electrical permit from your city or county building department (your AHJ). Requirements vary locally; homeowners can often pull their own electrical permit as an owner-builder, though some jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for the interconnection wiring. See a local example: Austin solar permit guide.

Check with your HOA

Texas’s Solar Rights Act means an HOA can’t ban rooftop solar, but it can require written approval and basic appearance standards — submit your plans first. Property Code §202.010

Request interconnection from Austin Energy

Apply to Austin Energy to connect to the grid. They review the application, install the bi-directional meter, and credit the energy you export — all in one place. Don’t energize the system until they issue Permission to Operate (PTO). Austin Energy interconnection page

Submit your interconnection request

These utility portals are built for registered installers — as a DIY homeowner you’ll typically register as your own “installer of record” to file.

Pass inspection, then get switched on

Your city inspects the work and Austin Energy commissions the meter. Once you receive Permission to Operate, you can legally turn the system on and start earning credits.

For a neutral overview of going solar in Texas, see the Public Utility Commission’s guide: Thinking About Solar Panels for Your Home? Or read the full Texas solar guide.