Value of Solar Rate

The Value of Solar (VoS) is the rate at which Austin Energy credits solar customers for the energy produced by their on-site energy systems.

The VoS rate varies depending on the type of customer and the size of the solar project as follows:

*Effective March 1, 2023 and subject to change

How Does Value of Solar Work?

• Production: Austin Energy meters your solar production and credits 100% of that production at the Value of Solar rate.
• Consumption: Austin Energy charges solar customers for all their energy consumption. Whether energy comes from your on-site solar or the grid, you will see it on your utility bill.
• Credit: Austin Energy applies your Solar Bill Credit to your electric bill charges. Excess Solar Bill Credit carries over month-to-month and is non-transferable. Austin Energy recommends sizing your solar system to meet your annual energy consumption needs. Your Solar Bill Credit only applies to your electric charges. It does not apply to any other utility services, such as water, solid waste, street services, etc.

Here’s an example of how Value of Solar would work for a typical Austin homeowner:

Pat has rooftop solar panels that earn credits for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy their system produces. Each credit is worth 9.91 cents per kWh. All the solar power produced is purchased by Austin Energy.

When the Value of Solar bill credit is applied, it reduces the amount Pat owes on the electric portion of their City of Austin Utility bill. Sometimes, the credit is greater than what Pat owes, which then carries over and applies when needed on a future bill.

In addition to the Value of Solar, be sure to take advantage of Austin Energy’s solar rebates for your home or business. 

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