Top Rated
Hill Country Solar
4.9
Price range: $$$
- NABCEP certified
- Austin Energy VOST expert
- Austin Energy rebate eligible
- 25-year panel warranty
- battery storage available
How We Evaluate Austin Solar Companies
We evaluate Austin solar installers based on NABCEP certification, Texas TDLR electrical contractor licensing, Austin Energy Value of Solar Tariff (VOST) expertise, and verified customer reviews.
Austin Energy uses a unique Value of Solar Tariff (VOST) instead of standard net metering. Rather than billing you for net consumption, Austin Energy buys all solar energy you generate at the VOST rate (currently ~$0.097/kWh) while you pay full retail rate for all consumption. Austin Energy also offers a $2,500 rebate for systems installed by an Austin Energy approved contractor.
We verify that each installer is an Austin Energy approved contractor eligible for the rebate program, NABCEP certified, and experienced with the Austin Energy VOST billing setup and interconnection application process.
Top Austin Solar Installation Companies Compared
Austin Solar Pros
4.7
Price range: $$–$$$
- NABCEP certified
- TX licensed
- free energy audit
- federal ITC 30%
- financing available
Texas Capital Solar
4.6
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- Austin Energy approved contractor
- Tesla Powerwall installer
- locally owned
- 10-year labor warranty
Travis County Solar Group
4.5
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- TX licensed
- ITC & rebate documentation
- commercial and residential
- flexible payment plans
Austin, TX
Serving Greater Austin
- Coverage across Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Kyle, Pflugerville, and Buda
- All installers are Austin Energy approved contractors eligible for the $2,500 rebate
- Austin averages 228+ sunny days per year with strong solar irradiance
- Federal ITC allows homeowners to deduct 30% of system cost from federal taxes through 2032
Why Local Matters
Contractors who know your area, your climate, and your local codes
Every contractor in our network is established locally — no out-of-state storm chasers. They know the permitting requirements, the climate challenges, and they'll be there for warranty work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Austin TX
How does Austin Energy's Value of Solar Tariff work?
Austin Energy's Value of Solar Tariff (VOST) is different from standard net metering. Under VOST, Austin Energy buys 100% of your solar generation at the VOST rate (currently approximately $0.097/kWh), while you pay Austin Energy's retail rate for all electricity you use from the grid. This creates two separate transactions on your bill. Your net savings depend on the difference between what you earn (VOST rate × kWh generated) and what you pay (retail rate × kWh consumed).
Does Austin Energy offer a solar rebate?
Yes. Austin Energy offers a $2,500 rebate for residential solar installations performed by Austin Energy approved contractors. The rebate is available to single-family residential customers and requires the system to be interconnected to the Austin Energy grid. Your installer must be an approved Austin Energy contractor to qualify — always verify contractor approval status before signing a contract.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Austin TX?
A typical 7–9 kW residential solar system in Austin costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC and $2,500 Austin Energy rebate, the net cost drops to approximately $10,100 to $17,100. Austin homeowners see payback periods of 8 to 11 years depending on system orientation, shading, and Austin Energy rate plan. Austin's high summer temperatures reduce panel efficiency slightly but are offset by the longer solar days.
What happens to my Austin Energy solar system if I switch to an REP?
Homes outside the Austin Energy service territory use ERCOT deregulated REPs (retail electricity providers). If your home is within Austin Energy's service territory (most of Austin proper), you receive service from Austin Energy and are eligible for VOST and the rebate. Homes in Cedar Park, Round Rock, and other surrounding cities may be in different utility service territories — your installer should verify your utility before design.