Austin Energy continues to strengthen its commitment to local renewable energy by offering a robust Multifamily Solar Capacity-Based Incentive (CBI) that supports property owners in delivering on-site solar benefits directly to their tenants. The initiative, designed for multifamily residential properties within Austin Energy’s service area, helps offset installation costs while ensuring that tenants gain access to clean, locally generated electricity.

Empowering Multifamily Communities with Solar PV Rebates

The Multifamily Solar Rebate program enables property owners to install photovoltaic (PV) systems that serve multiple residential units at one address. The rebates are available only for residentially metered accounts, making them ideal for apartment complexes, duplexes, and similar properties with two or more units. Commercially metered common areas, offices, or master-metered complexes must instead apply through Austin Energy’s Commercial Solar Rebate Program.

Property owners who participate in the multifamily incentive can receive upfront rebates based on the total installed system capacity. The current incentive levels are set at $0.60 per watt for standard multifamily projects and $1.00 per watt for nonprofit-owned multifamily properties. To encourage broader participation, Austin Energy caps incentives at $2,500 per residential unit. Payments are issued as a one-time check following project completion and inspection.

Nonprofit organizations receive additional advantages through the higher incentive rate, helping mission-driven housing providers reduce operating expenses and reinvest energy savings back into their communities. Applicants must submit 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) documentation to qualify for this enhanced rebate.

Shared Solar and Tenant Benefits

One of the standout features of the program is its Shared Solar billing functionality, which allows multiple residential accounts to benefit from a single solar PV system. This approach ensures that tenants receive direct solar production credits on their monthly bills according to Austin Energy’s Value of Solar rate, spreading the financial and environmental benefits across the community.

To participate, properties must have between 5 and 500 residential units under the same address, and all must be sub-metered. The Shared Solar setup carries a one-time enrollment fee of $17 per unit and is only available to properties that are part of the Austin Energy Multifamily Partnership Program.

Eligibility and Installation Requirements

Eligible applicants include property owners, authorized property managers, tenants with approval, or parent companies. All systems must be interconnected to Austin Energy’s grid, installed on permanent structures, and meet a minimum average of 75% solar resource availability. Participating contractors must be listed through Austin Energy’s approved network, ensuring proper permitting, system design, and installation standards.

The property must not be part of the City of Austin’s Repeat Offender Program and must have a roof with at least 10 years of usable life remaining. Leased systems and third-party power purchase agreements (PPAs) are not eligible, emphasizing direct ownership and long-term reliability.

Simple Application Process

Austin Energy requires that all applications be submitted through its Energy Efficiency Collaboration Platform (EECP) by a participating solar contractor. Once approved, the applicant receives a Letter of Intent (LOI) locking in the incentive rate for 365 days. Projects must pass all inspections and documentation requirements before the rebate is issued.

Residential Solar Rebates Also Available

For single-family homes, Austin Energy offers separate residential solar PV rebates that provide upfront incentives for homeowners pursuing renewable energy on individual properties. While the residential program is structured differently, both initiatives reflect the city’s broader goal of promoting clean energy adoption across all housing types.

Solar Energy for Residences: Building a Sustainable Future

By extending solar PV rebates to multifamily and nonprofit housing, Austin Energy is helping create a more equitable energy landscape. Multifamily solar installations not only lower utility costs for residents but also contribute to citywide sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions and increasing local energy resilience. As more multifamily properties embrace renewable energy, Austin’s residential communities stand to gain from cleaner air, lower energy costs, and a stronger, more sustainable future.

Click here if you think you qualify for the solar multifamily rebate.