Utilities / Austin Energy
Data last verified: August 2026Austin Energy Solar Policy in 2026
Net metering & export credits
No net metering — Value of Solar (VoS) production credit (municipal utility). VoS credits ALL metered solar production at 9.91¢/kWh (2025–2026 rate), not just excess; credits roll over indefinitely but have no cash value. Self-consumed solar offsets the retail rate (~11–14¢), so using power during the day beats exporting.
Electricity rates
Austin residential retail ~11–14¢/kWh (2025); Texas average ~13¢/kWh (EIA).
What this means for solar
- Austin Energy rebates up to $2,500 for qualifying systems (first-come, first-served).
- The VoS rate is recalculated annually through the Austin City Council budget process.
Sources: EIA electricity rates (2026), state PUC orders and DSIRE (2026). Estimates only — verify with your utility tariff before deciding. Federal residential ITC (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025.