Going Solar with Pedernales (PEC)
Pedernales (PEC) serves the Central Texas Hill Country around Austin (Travis, Hays, Blanco, Burnet and Llano counties) — the largest electric co-op in the U.S.. 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.
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Rates & getting paid for solar
Approx. bundled energy rate
11.0¢/kWh
Approx. solar export credit
8.3¢/kWh
As a cooperative, Pedernales (PEC) 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 Pedernales (PEC).
Rate figures are best-guess estimates from 2025 data and are not a quote.
Interconnection & permit fees
PEC credits exported solar through its Sustainable Power Credit (about 8.3¢/kWh as of 2025). Expect an interconnection application fee — PEC’s published Tier I fee for residential-scale systems has been around $500 plus any required upgrades, so confirm the current amount — plus your local building permit.
Fees are approximate — verify against Pedernales (PEC)’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.
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 Pedernales (PEC)
Apply to Pedernales (PEC) 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). Pedernales (PEC) interconnection page
Pass inspection, then get switched on
Your city inspects the work and Pedernales (PEC) 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.