Power Saver™ Program
Solar Photovoltaics—Customer Costs and Benefits

Purchasing a Solar Photovoltaics (PV) System
The total cost for purchasing and installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is based on three criteria:

A solar PV system installer selected from our Participating Companies will help you determine the specific needs for your property.

Energy Production and Lower Electricity Costs
The amount of electricity produced and the potential energy savings vary based on three criteria. The:

• Size of your system
• System orientation
• Amount of sunlight

Because solar PV systems work best during the summer, you’ll get the greatest benefit then. This is because there are more hours of sunshine in the summer and summer electric rates are slightly higher.

Net Metering—Electric Bill Credit for Excess Power
You’ll continue to receive electricity as needed from the Austin Energy electric grid.

We provide “net billing” for customers with solar PV systems. Any moment your solar PV system produces more power than the property consumes, the extra power flows into the Austin Energy electric grid. During any month when your solar PV system sends power into the Austin Energy grid, the difference, or net, will result in a credit on your electric bill. We calculate the credit by multiplying the net kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity fed into the grid by the current fuel charge.

Low Maintenance, Easily Expandable Systems
Solar PV systems are easy to maintain because they have no moving parts. You can add solar panels to your system to increase its power capacity.

Solar PV System Warranties
Solar PV modules typically have 20 to 30 year warranties. Austin Energy’s Solar Program requires a 10 year manufacturer warranty on inverters in residential applications without battery back-up. Our Solar PV Rebate also requires the solar PV system installation to have a 5-year warranty.

Power Saver™ Program—Saving Energy Together