Austin Energy - Multifamily Solar PV Rebate Program

Austin Energy's Multifamily Capacity-Based Incentive Program provides property owners with a one-time rebate of $0.60 per watt (up to $2,500 per residential unit) for solar installations on five or more residential units, with nonprofit properties eligible for $1.00 per watt. Your tenants also receive monthly solar bill credits from the generated solar energy. To apply, work with an Austin Energy participating solar contractor who will submit your application and handle the installation process, but you must apply before construction begins and schedule a pre-construction meeting with Austin Energy.

This program offers customers attractive incentives for multifamily solar installations—$0.60 per watt for standard properties or $1.00 per watt for nonprofits—making projects more cost-competitive for tenants and owners. You must be listed as an Austin Energy Participating Solar Contractor, follow the program's Code of Conduct and Contractor Handbook, submit applications on the property owner's behalf, coordinate a pre-construction meeting with Austin Energy, and request final inspection before the system is energized to trigger incentive disbursement.

The program distributes one-time capacity-based incentives ($0.60–$1.00 per watt, capped at $2,500 per unit) to multifamily residential properties with five or more Austin Energy accounts on a first-come, first-served basis; nonprofit applicants receive higher rates to reduce operational costs. Eligible properties must be residentially metered, in good standing with the city, and use participating contractors; master-metered or commercial-space properties are excluded. Program administration includes issuing Letters of Intent pre-construction, conducting final electrical inspections post-installation, and releasing solar meters before incentive checks are mailed; rebate funds are encumbered in the fiscal year of dispersal, and Austin City Council approval is required for payments exceeding $72,000 annually.