Programs
Programs
Financial Assistance for Solar:
The funding for Texas Solar for All Coalition will be allocated primarily to Financial Assistance for solar programs, battery storage, as well as “enabling upgrades” like rooftop repair and energy efficiency to reduce demand for solar.
Non-Financial Assistance Activities Supporting Solar and Community Benefits:
Each of the communities hosting solar programs listed below will also have non-financial assistance activities in support of installation of solar, including:
Workforce development and wraparound services to support community members participation in training and upskilling,
Technical assistance to support municipalities and developers in launching solar programs,
Community engagement to increase understanding of solar, storage, and energy efficiency and participation in development, design, and deploying solar programs, and
Administrative support
Single-Family Rooftop Solar
When implemented, Austin Energy's Solar for All program will offer homeowners and apartment owners the opportunity to host solar arrays and batteries, which will supply energy to Austin Energy's Community Solar program.
Benefits for Hosts:
There is no cost to participate.
You will receive a hosting incentive.
You will receive a power supply during grid outages, ensuring that critical appliances and lights stay on.
You will own the solar and battery equipment after 15 years.
Participation will directly help low-income Austinites through the Community Solar program.
There are no maintenance requirements throughout the program.
How to Apply
The program is currently being developed. More information will follow.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Austin Energy Community Solar program
Media release regarding Austin Energy’s Solar for All program and grant
Visit the City of Austin's website
El Paso County, in partnership with the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI), is starting a solar program funded by the Solar For All initiative. This program will install rooftop solar panels for low-income homeowners and multi-family buildings owned by the El Paso County Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso.
Program Details:
Rooftop Solar for Low-Income Families: The program will provide rooftop solar panels to low-income homeowners, saving them money on their energy bills. The focus is on helping families own their solar systems to benefit from the savings.
Solar for Multi-Family Buildings: Solar panels will also be added to multi-family housing owned by the local housing authorities. This will help reduce energy costs for residents and support cleaner energy use in the community.
Upgrades for Better Solar Use: Part of the funding will upgrade roofs and other systems to ensure the solar panels work well and provide the most benefits.
Support for Local Job Training: The program will also work with local community colleges to support existing training programs for solar installation. This will help train more people for jobs in the solar industry, boosting the local economy.
This program aims to make solar energy available to more families in El Paso County, lowering their energy costs and promoting the use of clean energy. By focusing on direct ownership, the program ensures that the savings go directly to the people who need it most while supporting community job growth. More details on how to apply are to come.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the El Paso County website
The community organizations involved in this grant (West Street Recovery, Solar United Neighbors, and Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience) will identify and support a selection of homes in or around 3 communities to serve their neighbors during an emergency by becoming “Hub Homes.” Hub Homes help their neighbors weather grid outages and other extreme weather emergencies by providing backup power and other support. Each hub will serve 10-15 highly vulnerable families and provide additional material, assistance, and resources to the broader community. In return for their leadership, Hub Homes receive a free rooftop solar array and battery storage. As a benefit, we expect Hub Homes to see a reduction in their monthly electricity bill by 40-60% given current electricity market conditions.
This program will be conducted in tandem with Community Hubs.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
The City of Laredo, in partnership with the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI), is launching an innovative solar program to empower low-income homeowners by providing rooftop solar installations through Federal Solar For All funds. This program will help families save money on their energy bills—up to 25% for those who participate—and build value in their homes.
Program Details:
Solar Panels: Qualifying low-income homeowners in Laredo will have solar panels installed on their rooftops at no cost. This means they can use solar energy without paying for the equipment or installation.
Roof Upgrades: A limited amount of the program's funds will be used to fix or upgrade roofs if needed to install the solar panels safely.
Battery Storage for Medical Needs: Qualifying homeowners needing essential medical equipment during an outage can also add a battery to their solar system. This will help keep their equipment running during power outages.
Solar Installer Courses: Laredo College will offer classes to help people learn how to install solar panels. Those who complete the courses can earn a Solar Installer Certification, opening up job opportunities in the solar industry.
Help Choosing Electric Providers: Since Laredo is in a competitive electricity market, families may have different plans for various electric providers. The program will educate residents about solar energy and help them choose the best Electric Provider plans for their solar or solar + battery systems.
This program aims to increase the use of clean energy in Laredo, support local families by reducing their energy costs, and provide new job opportunities in the solar industry. More details on how to apply are to come.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the City of Laredo's website
The City of San Antonio (CoSA) has a long history of promoting sustainability, and through the City’s municipally owned utility, CPS Energy, has been a leader in solar energy. In 2022, San Antonio was ranked 1st in Texas for solar capacity and 5th in the nation for total solar power capacity. CPS Energy has also been a leader in equity-based energy programs, such as the Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP), that has many energy savings programs and rebates to help residential and business customers save energy and money, while reducing overall energy demand. The San Antonio Solar for All Program will build upon the experience gained from CPS Energy’s previous work in providing low-income San Antonians access to the benefits of solar energy from their Community Solar and Solar Host Programs.
Program Goals
San Antonio’s Solar for All Program will focus on San Antonio’s most energy burdened neighborhoods and provide as much benefit to households as possible. In order to ensure maximum impact, CoSA is also focusing on several neighborhoods that have been identified by the University of Texas at San Antonio as high priority Urban Heat Island Target Areas. These neighborhoods have been identified as having high energy burden, high surface temperatures, inequity, as well as several other climate vulnerabilities.
The program will have the following elements:
Construction of on-site solar for income-qualified homes, either on rooftops, parking solar shade structures, or at community facilities.
Opportunities for low-income qualified residents to subscribe to a community solar program.
Potential incorporation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Workforce and job training programs with a focus on residents in San Antonio’s most energy burdened neighborhoods.
Community engagement in program design to ensure the maximum and lasting financial benefit of the program is realized by program participants. The City of San Antonio will work convene a SA SFA Advisory Committee that will assist in creating program goals and parameters.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the City of San Antonio's website
Contact the City of San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability @ 210.207.6103 or Sustainability@sanantonio.gov.
According to the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center's 2022 Shining Cities Report.
The City of Waco is excited to be part of the Texas Solar for All Coalition and be able to provide rooftop solar power for the most needy households in Waco to save at least 20% on their electricity bills. Through a Solar Ambassadors program and a community advisory board, the City of Waco will be providing significant education to the broader community about going solar and other energy saving opportunities.for homeowners as well as specific information about qualifying for and participating in the Solar for All program. In addition to providing free rooftop solar installations, the Solar for All program will fund scholarships for Texas State Technical College (TSTC) students in the Solar Energy Technology degree program based in Waco. There will also be pre-apprenticeship training to prepare students for entering a degree program such as Solar Energy Technology.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the City of Waco's website
The Clean Energy Fund of Texas (CEFTX) is a nonprofit green bank dedicated to accelerating the flow of green capital into underserved markets across Texas. The organization focuses on supporting households and communities facing disproportionately high energy costs and water resource challenges, helping them access new opportunities in the green economy. As part of its mission, CEFTX will establish a single-family residential rooftop solar program specifically designed for residents living outside the city or county limits of other coalition programs. The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) will collaborate with CEFTX to engage communities statewide, offering residents in federally designated disadvantaged communities the chance to apply for and receive solar installations.
Benefits
Focus on Underserved Markets: The program aims to support households in areas outside city or county limits that may not have access to existing solar initiatives.
Targeting Energy Burden: CEFTX will specifically address the needs of residents facing high energy costs, helping to alleviate their energy burden through solar solutions.
Community Engagement: HARC will assist CEFTX in engaging communities throughout Texas to ensure broad participation and awareness of the program.
Access for Disadvantaged Communities: The program will provide residents in federally designated disadvantaged communities with opportunities to apply for and receive rooftop solar installations.
Opportunities in the Green Economy: By facilitating access to solar energy, CEFTX aims to create new pathways for residents to benefit from the green economy.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Community Solar
When implemented, Austin Energy's Solar for All program will offer homeowners and apartment owners the opportunity to host solar arrays and batteries, which will supply energy to Austin Energy's Community Solar program.
Benefits for Hosts:
There is no cost to participate.
You will receive a hosting incentive.
You will receive a power supply during grid outages, ensuring that critical appliances and lights stay on.
You will own the solar and battery equipment after 15 years.
Participation will directly help low-income Austinites through the Community Solar program.
There are no maintenance requirements throughout the program.
How to Apply
The program is currently being developed. More information will follow.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Austin Energy Community Solar program
Media release regarding Austin Energy’s Solar for All program and grant
Visit the City of Austin's website
The Brownsville Public Utilities Board will work with key stakeholders and the Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI), to start a residential serving community solar program funded by the Solar for All initiative. This program will include distributed community solar and storage, and planned resilience hubs.
Program Details:
Distributed community solar and storage will be owned by the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. This system will contribute to a community benefits bill credit to enrolled low-income residents, helping them save on energy bills. Battery storage in community resilience hubs would also provide up to 24 hours of backup power for community spaces during power outages, keeping these spaces safe and powered when needed.
This comprehensive solar initiative aims to promote energy resilience, reduce energy costs, and support sustainable development in Brownsville. The program will contribute to a cleaner, more resilient future for all residents.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the City of Brownsville's website
The community organizations involved in this grant (West Street Recovery, Solar United Neighbors, and Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience) will be working to identify three privately owned Resilience Centers in separate communities, such as faith institutions and community centers, to install solar and storage and other emergency amenities to allow the facility to stay open during a grid outage providing limited community support. As a benefit, the center would see a reduction in their monthly electricity bill by 20-40%, given current market conditions.
This program will be conducted in tandem with Hub Homes.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Dallas County is seeking to use the Solar For All grant funding to implement community solar installations and portable battery charging stations.
Potential Benefits:
Support for Low-Income & Disadvantaged Communities: Expanding access to solar power for communities that have been underrepresented in the clean energy transition.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Aiming to lower pollution and greenhouse gases.
Energy Cost Savings: The community solar program may offer potential energy savings for participating households.
Emergency Backup Power: The portable battery storage program could provide backup power during blackouts, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations.
Resilience Centers: The program may support community hubs with backup energy, heating, cooling, and charging capabilities.
Solar Training & Jobs: Dallas County will look offer training and job opportunities in solar energy for disadvantaged communities.
Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses: The use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Minority/Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE) may be prioritized in these initiatives.
Grid Independence: A potential reduction in reliance on the power grid.
Leverage Funding: The grant funding could help unlock further resources to expand these initiatives.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the Dallas County website
Harris County, in partnership with the City of Houston, will be promoting equitable access to affordable, local clean energy for county residents. through a County-led “Community Solar and Storage for All” program (name subject to change). Once the program is live, qualified residents will be able to opt into the community solar program and benefit from savings in the form of discounted energy or a credit on their monthly electric bill.
Qualified residents who choose to opt into Harris County’s community solar program are expected to see a 20% savings on their electricity bill. Enrollment details will be made available on this website, Harris County’s website, and promoted throughout the community across various communications channels.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the Harris County website
The Houston Advanced Research Center will administer a community solar program in Port Arthur, Texas in partnership with local community organizations. Qualified residents who choose to opt into this community solar program are expected to receive the equivalent of a 20% savings on their electricity bill. Enrollment details will be made available on this website, HARC’s website, and promoted throughout the community across various communications channels.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
The City of San Antonio (CoSA) has a long history of promoting sustainability, and through the City’s municipally owned utility, CPS Energy, has been a leader in solar energy. In 2022, San Antonio was ranked 1st in Texas for solar capacity and 5th in the nation for total solar power capacity. CPS Energy has also been a leader in equity-based energy programs, such as the Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP), that has many energy savings programs and rebates to help residential and business customers save energy and money, while reducing overall energy demand. The San Antonio Solar for All Program will build upon the experience gained from CPS Energy’s previous work in providing low-income San Antonians access to the benefits of solar energy from their Community Solar and Solar Host Programs.
Program Goals
San Antonio’s Solar for All Program will focus on San Antonio’s most energy burdened neighborhoods and provide as much benefit to households as possible. In order to ensure maximum impact, CoSA is also focusing on several neighborhoods that have been identified by the University of Texas at San Antonio as high priority Urban Heat Island Target Areas. These neighborhoods have been identified as having high energy burden, high surface temperatures, inequity, as well as several other climate vulnerabilities.
The program will have the following elements:
Construction of on-site solar for income-qualified homes, either on rooftops, parking solar shade structures, or at community facilities.
Opportunities for low-income qualified residents to subscribe to a community solar program.
Potential incorporation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Workforce and job training programs with a focus on residents in San Antonio’s most energy burdened neighborhoods.
Community engagement in program design to ensure the maximum and lasting financial benefit of the program is realized by program participants. The City of San Antonio will work convene a SA SFA Advisory Committee that will assist in creating program goals and parameters.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the City of San Antonio's website
Contact the City of San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability @ 210.207.6103 or Sustainability@sanantonio.gov.
According to the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center's 2022 Shining Cities Report.
United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) will establish a community solar program with nonprofits throughout the county serving residents living in federally determined disadvantaged communities with an emphasis on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. Residents will receive program savings as credits to their child care costs rather than their energy bills. UWTC will engage members from targeted communities throughout program design and deployment. UWTC will also collaborate with local partners to provide workforce development training and job opportunities to reach diverse participants and increase interest in clean energy careers via the solar program.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
Visit the Tarrant County website
Multi-Family Rooftop Solar
Opportunity Home San Antonio is excited to be part of the Texas Solar for All Coalition. The benefits of solar energy should be available to all San Antonio households - regardless of home ownership and income. With the Solar for All program, Opportunity Home San Antonio will be able to bring monthly cost saving and clean renewable energy to our residents.
Currently Opportunity Home San Antonio is finalizing the program structure and budgets for implementing solar PV projects throughout the real estate portfolio. Once funding is finalized through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Opportunity Home San Antonio will conduct community meetings to discuss the program and ways for partners to participate.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.
The Houston Advanced Research Center will administer a statewide multifamily program in areas that are not within the other coalition programs. Through this program, multifamily properties will have the opportunity to receive funding to install solar on their properties to reduce their residents' electricity bills by at least 20%.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, contact us here.