Energy Efficiency

Energy Performance
This building uses 34% less energy than a typical building of its size due to careful design of insulation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems.

At Austin Energy we assist our customers in making these same kinds of energy improvements. Austin Energy has built one of the most comprehensive energy efficiency programs in the nation. We provide rebates and low-interest loans to help residential and business customers make energy efficiency improvements.

Renewable Energy
Photovoltaic solar panels contribute 6% of the operating energy for this building. The Solar Thermal Collectors contribute 28%.

Solar panels directly convert sunlight into an electrical current. The conversion happens through very thin layers of semiconductor material (usually silicon). An array is several solar panels wired together. A device called an inverter converts the array’s electricity into alternating current (AC). The electricity can be sent directly into a building's electrical system or into Austin Energy's electric grid.

Solar Thermal Collectors capture the heat of the sun in hot water. The heat energy in the hot water is used to power an absorption chiller in the summer, and a heating system in the winter.

Austin Energy continues to stay on the forefront of renewable power options. By 2020, 20% of our power generation will come from renewable sources like solar. Customer participation in our GreenChoice^® Renewable Energy Program continues to set national records. In 2003 we began a Solar Loan program to support residential installation of solar photovoltaic power systems.