Solar savings & payback in Austin
Austin Energy's Value-of-Solar credit works differently from retail buyback plans, check current terms.
This calculator uses Austin's own sun (~4.6 kWh/kW/day, 2% above the TX average) with Texas's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 13.5 years.
- Austin sun
- ~4.6 kWh/kW/day
- TX average sun
- ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 15¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Net billing (reduced export rate)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Texas page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Austin solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Austin?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Austin system pays for itself in about 13.5 years, using local sun (~4.6 kWh per kW per day), Texas's average 15¢/kWh rate, and net billing (reduced export rate). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). Austin Energy's Value-of-Solar credit works differently from retail buyback plans, check current terms.
How much do solar panels generate in Austin?
Roughly 4.6 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,679 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 10100 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Austin?
Choosing a good solar buyback plan matters more than the base rate. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.